--G Monta Ellis was one of 10 players drafted straight out of high school in 2005, the last year the NBA allowed guys to jump straight from the preps to the pros. He was picked 40th overall. Last season, his scoring average (15.7) was almost double the second-highest among the 10, the 8.2-point contribution of Martell Webster to the Trail Blazers.
--Ellis, who was used mainly at the shooting guard position alongside Davis last season, averaged just 3.4 assists. In Don Nelson's nine previous seasons as Warriors coach, the starting point guard has never averaged fewer than 5.3 assists per game, with the nine-year average being 9.4. --C Andris Biedrins' six-year deal could earn him a total of $62 million if he surpasses certain levels of production.
--Both Ellis and Biedrins have opt-out clauses following the fifth year of their new contracts.
--The Warriors were co-champs of both their summer leagues last month, going 4-1 in Las Vegas and 3-1 in Salt Lake City.
--Former Warriors' star Baron Davis won't make his return to Oakland's Oracle Arena as a Clipper until Jan. 25.
--The Warriors, who open the 2008-09 season at home on Oct. 29 against the Hornets, will play 23 of their first 36 games on the road.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "He told me it was time to hand over the torch." -- Warriors point guard Monta Ellis, on a chat he had with last year's starter, Baron Davis.
