Belinelli said it wasn't until now that he felt as if he'd arrived. For the first time in his NBA career, he said he feels as if he is really part of the team. He's getting minutes, he's providing offense, he's growing with his teammates.

There's no telling how long this will last, as the Warriors' injuries figure to heal and coach Don Nelson's whims are likely to change. In the meantime, Belinelli said he's enjoying the experience of an NBA player.

"It's so different," he said after Saturday's win at Charlotte. "Everything's different. Oh my god, one year and a half. It was tough because I didn't play. One year is long to sit and watch your teammates play."

Injuries to swingmen Stephen Jackson who practiced Sunday but is still expected to miss tonight's game at Orlando and Corey Maggette opened up an opportunity for Belinelli to get on the court. The recent alterations of the Warriors offense gave him an opportunity to thrive on the court.

Over the past eight games, Belinelli has emerged as a formidable player, averaging 16.6 points on 53.1 percent shooting.

"It's incredible because one month before, we played kind of selfish," Belinelli said. "Now we play like a team. This is Basketball."

But it's not just that he's scoring points though he's showing a versatile offensive game. In the old offense, which was founded on isolations and pick-and-rolls, Belinelli was little more than a spot-up shooter. But in the new drive-and-kick system, which requires penetrating to the basket and finding the open teammate, Belinelli has been able to show some of the point guard skills he's been rumored to have.

In the first four games of that eight-game stretch, he totaled five assists. In the past four games, he's averaged five assists. He is creating off the dribble, getting into the lane and finding open players. He's much more fluid handling the ball against pressure and there is little tension in his shot, unlike before when he knew they were few and far between.

"That's why I liked him in the draft," Nelson said. "This is how I pictured him playing."

Belinelli has leapfrogged rookie guard Anthony Morrow in the rotation. Though Nelson calls Morrow his best shooter, he said Belinelli is the better player when the offense is based on activity and ball movement.

Nelson said he would continue to play Belinelli even when Jackson and Maggette return to the lineup (though when guard Monta Ellis returns, minutes figure to be extra scarce at the guard position). But Belinelli said he's much more confident about his chances of earning time now that he's gotten this chance to shine.

He said one thing he's noticed is how his teammates react to him. He said his presence in the locker room is different now that he's no longer just a practice player. His production on the court has prompted his teammates to include him in the circle.

"He's a very capable scorer and his confidence is growing every day," guard Jamal Crawford said. "It's different to do it in practice than to do it in game situations."

He's now mentioned when the Warriors talk about their young core. He's celebrated when he knocks down one of his jaw-dropping shots. He's embraced for his contributions.

Finally, he's part of the team. He's truly in the NBA.

Contact Marcus Thompson II at mthomps2@bayareanewsgroup.com