Career: Skonto Riga (Latvia-LBL, 2002-2004), Golden State Warriors (USA-NBA, 2004-2007). Selected in the 1st round of the 2004 NBA draft (#11), by the Golden State Warriors.
At EuroBasket 2007, Latvia’s 21-years-old big man will likely be the youngest and most important member of the team. The 2.11 m center has the quickness of a perimeter player which blends in well with the traditional Latvian style of play. Biedrins brings a lot to the game including high-flying dunks, gravity defying blocked shots and dominating presence under the boards. With Biedrins on the roster the entire team looks more respectable and competitive.
Tall since childhood, Biedrins started playing basketball early, studying at Valters Basketball School where coach Raivo Otersons took him under his wing and helped foster his budding talents.
Biedrins spent a lot of time playing with older teammates and rivals and at age 15 he was a key player for Latvian U16 team. At 16, he was the main center for the U18 team and made his debut in a FIBA club tournament with Skonto Riga. His next step was a huge one as, just a day after his 18th birthday, Biedrins travelled to the U.S. where he began preparations for entry into the NBA draft. The dream came true as Biedrins became the first Latvian ever drafted in the first round when the Golden State Warriors took him with the 11th overall pick and in the fall of 2004 he became the youngest player in the NBA and the youngest millionaire in Latvia.
“I know three first years will be very difficult,” Biedrins said some minutes after being drafted. That turned out to be true as he practised hard but played few minutes. He had to get stronger, faster and tactically smarter to make an impact in the NBA and on the international scene. During his first two seasons, Biedrins showed flashes of brilliance but often spent time on the bench. However, his diligence would eventually bear fruit. Before Biedrins’ third season, Don Nelson was named the new coach of the Warriors and he immediately mentioned Biedrins as one of most gifted player he had ever trained. The coach trusted him and Biedrins began to live up to expectations, playing in every game for the Warriors and starting his fair share as well. In one game he dropped in 31 points and grabbed 18 rebounds, not bad for a young center. By the end of regular season Biedrins had finished fifth in voting for the most improved player award and had made his first play-off experience. He helped the Warriors pull off one of the most remarkable upsets in NBA history when the eighth-seeded club took down the Dallas Mavericks, the team with the best record in the NBA with 67 wins.
“Now I am ready to help the National Team,” Biedrins said, confirming that he wants to participate at EuroBasket in Spain. There he will play together with former teammates from Skonto Riga and hopes to prove that he is the best Latvian center ever.
