How did you end up playing at Washington State?
Tony Bennett [now coaching Virginia] recruited me, and I just really liked his philosophy, and I knew I would go there and I would be able to play early. I was fortunate to start as a freshman, and that was huge for me. I knew I wanted to go somewhere I could make an impact right away. They were coming off a Sweet 16 year so I knew it was not about exposure, or else I would go to UCLA or some big-time school like that. It was about going somewhere I would play and have fun.
What did you like about Tony’s system?
If you could shoot and defend, you’ll be successful in it. I knew he was going to develop other parts of my game, and it also attracted me because he played in the NBA, so he wasn’t a guy who lived off his athleticism … he got there because of skill and hard work, so I knew he could develop my game.
When you entered the NBA Draft in 2011, did you think you knew where you’d go?
I thought I would go mid-first round to early lottery. Like, to be real with myself. In my mind, I was like, “I can be a top five pick,” you know? But you’ve got to be realistic with yourself.
Did you have Golden State in mind?
Honestly, I thought I was going to go to Milwaukee [at No. 10, one pick ahead of Golden State]. They told me they really liked me, and they needed a wing. When they traded their pick, I was kind of nervous in the draft. I said, “Oh, shoot. These guys said they really liked me, and I thought I was going there at No. 10.” But it just really worked out that Golden State took me.
Jerry West has always been in your corner. How much has that meant to you?
It’s so cool how he’s been around the game for so long. He’s seen so much basketball, so when they told me Jerry really wanted me, that gave me a lot of confidence, because this guy has seen so many great players. He drafted Kobe, he won a couple championships, won a couple as an executive. His knowledge of the game is so deep, so for him to see something special in me, that gave me a lot of confidence.
He always maintained the Warriors should never trade you. What did that mean?
It’s really cool. During that time, I think it was my third year in the league, and he saw I had plenty of room to grow and get better. I hadn’t scraped the ceiling yet at the time. It’s really cool … it’s hard to explain. The guy who drafted me wants me here for a long time, is what it felt like.