USA - Bargnani advice for NBA new boy Belinelli

TORONTO (NBA) - Toronto Raptors forward Andrea Bargnani has offered some free advice to fellow Italian and new Golden State Warriors rookie Marco Belinelli.

Bargnani has just completed his rookie season with the Raptors and warned his compatriot about the task he faces against the best guards in the world - as well as a word of caution over some extra-curricular activities he will have to undertake.

Bargnani said: "Marco needs to work very hard. I spoke to him straight after the draft.

"The rookie year is not easy. You must take the bags of the veteran players, pick up the dirty laundry and do many other things.

"In fact, what is great about the second year is that someone else will pick up my dirty laundry and I will be able to sleep more."

Bargnani, the number one pick in the 2006 Draft, came second in the NBA Rookie of the Year award, but his first few weeks in Toronto were far from easy.

"The first two weeks were difficult," said the 21-year-old. "I was on the bench and would only play for a couple of minutes.

"Several weeks went by and it was inevitable that doubts would build up as to whether I was worth being the first overall pick in the draft, and if I would ever have a future in the NBA.

"But then, little by little, the situation changed. I had more minutes and the first satisfactory performances came, so I regained my confidence and conviction in my own abilities."

Bargnani believes that Belinelli has already made a good impression in North America.

The former Fortitudo Bologna guard, who was chosen by the Golden State as the 18th first-round pick, poured in 37 points in his debut in the Summer League and averaged 22.8 points per game in the tournament in Las Vegas.

"Marco has began to build a reputation, which is crucial in America," said Bargnani.

"The Summer League is very important because of this.

"Everyone looks at you and you must convince them that you are able to have an important role in the team."

Bargnani nevertheless believes that Belinelli will enjoy the challenge of facing the best players in the world, including Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.

"There are so many strong players in the NBA," said Bargnani.

"But I think Kobe Bryant is a step above everyone.

"This year he has achieved things that no-one else has been able to, such as have a series of consecutive games where he has scored more than 50 points.

LeBron James is very strong but Kobe is something else."

Cindy Garcia-Bennett
FIBA