July 14, 2004

KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent (AP)

Warriors re-sign Foyle for six years, $42 million

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Center Adonal Foyle re-signed with the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, agreeing to a six-year deal worth nearly $42 million.

Though Foyle has been a defense-minded backup during his seven seasons in Golden State, the Warriors expect bigger things after rewarding him with a hefty contract. The shot-blocking specialist probably will get the starting job he craves next season, and he's eager for the opportunity.

"The money was nice, but it came down to a gut feeling about where you're going to be successful," Foyle said. "It's something that comes down to the way you feel."

Foyle, the eighth overall pick in the 1997 draft, spurned offers from Boston, Orlando and Milwaukee after conversations with the Warriors' new management team: executive vice president Chris Mullin, general manager Rod Woodson and coach Mike Montgomery.

"I was very impressed with what they had to say," Foyle said. "My coming back here has a lot to do with my confidence in those guys.

"I think this team is going to be a good team and this organization is going in the right direction. I feel fortunate to be a part of that."

A knee injury limited Foyle to 44 games last season, when he averaged 3.1 points and 3.8 rebounds. He had his best pro season in 2000-01, averaging 5.9 points and 7.0 rebounds.

But the Warriors still gave Foyle a long-term with five guaranteed seasons and a sixth-year option at $10 million. The dearth of quality big men in the free-agent market created a bonanza for Foyle, Mark Blount, Mehmet Okur and others.

"I know what my dad would say. I've taken his class," said Foyle, whose father is a professor. "It's supply and demand.

"There's probably only about five big men in the market. Market forces drive the NBA. They drive a large part of society."

Though Foyle hasn't become the superstar big man many expected when he left Colgate seven years ago, he has been a standout defender and a leader for the Warriors, who have missed the playoffs for 10 straight seasons. His philanthropic work and political activism also has earned praise.

"He has continued to evolve as a player over the last few years and has certainly established himself as one of the better defensive players in the league," Mullin said. "Plus, his work ethic, team-oriented style of play and overall character will fit in perfectly with what we are trying to accomplish."

The Warriors expect to lose free agent center Erick Dampier, their starter for most of the past seven seasons. Dampier, one of Foyle's closest friends, averaged 12.3 points and 12.0 rebounds last season before walking away from $17 million by opting out of the final two years of his contract.

Foyle expects Dampier to sign with another team later this week.

The Warriors also lost forward Brian Cardinal, who shone in his only season in Golden State. Cardinal parlayed that season into a six-year, $38 million deal with the Memphis Grizzlies.

Foyle could be backed up by Andris Biedrins, the Warriors' first-round pick in last month's draft. The 6-foot-11 Latvian teenager can play forward or center.

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