When reporters requested to talk to Marreese Speights and Jason Thompson after Tuesday morning’s shootaround, the reserve big men had similarly surprised reactions.
But they should get used to hearing their names called, for at least the next six weeks.
Without backup center Festus Ezeli, who had surgery on his left knee Monday and will be reevaluated in 1 1/2 months, the Warriors will need to replace his 18 minutes per game.
Head coach Steve Kerr said starting center Andrew Bogut could see extending playing time and rookie Kevon Looney might get some run, but the majority of the minutes will go to Speights and Thompson.