Still a believer
Michigan State coach Tom Izzo attended last week's Timberwolves-Warriors game in Oakland and was asked plenty about former player Draymond Green, Golden State's unique star point forward. But he also spoke about another former Spartans forward: Adreian Payne, who is struggling to find his way in the NBA with the Wolves.
"It has been a little disappointing year," Izzo said. "Some of it is maturity, growing up. He's very talented, but he has to keep working on his basketball IQ … I still have a lot of faith in Adreian, I really do. I just think he has to continue to mature a little bit, take the coaching and understand it. You have to find your niche in the system. I think Draymond is the greatest example of that."
Beasley is back
Signed by the Rockets last month, former Wolves forward Michael Beasley returns on Monday to Target Center, where he played two seasons ending in 2012.
Now 27, the 2008 draft's No. 2 overall pick calls himself changed by stops with four NBA teams and this season spent playing in China.
Asked how his perspective has changed, Beasley said: "Hmmm, got to be grateful for every second. Got to be grateful. Don't take anything for granted."
A shining moment
Golden State coach Steve Kerr has seen some crazy three-point shots made by a guy named Curry. So what did the former TV analyst think about the double-clutch three North Carolina's Marcus Paige made in a wild finish to the NCAA title game won by Villanova?
"Incredible," Kerr said. "I was kind of jealous. I worked for TNT and did three or four Final Fours and none of the games were any good. I was watching and I was like, 'Where was this when I was working?' It was a really fantastic game to watch."
