Miami coach knows talent, says Golden State has it

MIAMI — The Warriors have the skills of three potential Hall of Famers in their two backcourt players - at least, that's Erik Spoelstra's assessment.

The Miami head coach, who gets to watch a cast of All-Stars daily, raved when asked about Warriors guards Stephen Curry and Monta Ellis.

Curry "is a special player at that position," said Spoelstra, who compared the second-year guard to two-time MVP Steve Nash. "Curry is unique. With his ability to shoot the ball, you have to play him a little farther out than you are used to with your pick-and-roll defense. He can turn the corner and make plays.

"Where he is really special is that he can pass, see the open guy and deliver it with either hand. He is a very clever player. When you watch him play, it seems as if he is a seven- or eight-year player."

Spoelstra couldn't decide if Ellis is closer to Dwyane Wade or LeBron James.

Ellis "is as fast as anyone in the league," Spoelstra said. "He really puts a lot of pressure on your defense off the dribble. He is shooting it very well this year. He does a great job of getting to the rim.

"He plays similar, especially in transition, to LeBron or Dwyane in his ability to attack and get into the paint."

Ellis and Curry are the most productive backcourt duo in the league, combining for more than 66 points, rebounds, assists and steals per game. Even matched against much bigger guards on this road trip, they have shined.

"If there are 98 percent of things that they do great, I don't worry about the other 2 percent," Warriors coach Keith Smart said. "What's the 2 percent that is bad about their games? All you think about is height."

Injury update: Big men Andris Biedrins (ankle) and Dan Gadzuric (groin) continue to get closer to returning. Biedrins ran on the court for the first time since spraining his left ankle before the Dec. 18 game at Portland. Gadzuric said he expects to practice full tilt today, before the Warriors head to Orlando for Monday's game.

Warriors opening tip

$80 million man: Fans wondering if David Lee's 15-point and 10.1-rebound averages are worth his big offseason contract also should factor in his help in the development of rookie Ekpe Udoh. "I watch film of every player I'm going to guard, but D-Lee tells me more helpful tips than even the film can show," Udoh said.

- Rusty Simmons

2011 dreaming

For the most part, the Warriors didn't play the New Year's resolution game.

Instead, they adopted Vladimir Radmanovic's policy: "If I needed to change something, I'd do it right now and not wait for a certain date."

But Stephen Curry, Brandan Wright and Andris Biedrins had clear ideas of things they wanted to change in 2011:

-- Curry: "No more ankle sprains. I don't have any other answers."

-- Wright: "To play basketball. Period."

-- Biedrins: "Bring Janny Hu back."

- Rusty Simmons