Patience golden for rookie

Two years ago, Marco Belinelli said he wasn't ready for the NBA.

He stayed in Italy, playing in Serie A, the country's first division, and in the Euroleague.

Now he finally has come to the United States -- as Golden State's first-round pick in last month's draft -- and based on his shooting in the NBA Summer League, Warriors fans might be saying he is well worth the wait.

Belinelli, a 6-foot-5-inch guard, has been the talk of the league this week. He's averaged 24.3 points in three games for the Warriors, who are 2-1 entering Friday's game against Seattle at the Thomas & Mack Center.

"I like the way they play," Belinelli said of the Warriors' wide-open style. "Their type of play fits my game. This is the kind of game I like to play."

The 21-year-old can create his own shot and can hit a shot when open.

In his first appearance for the Warriors, he had 24 first-half points against New Orleans and finished with 37, hitting 5 of 7 3-point attempts. He then scored 21 against Philadelphia and 15 against San Antonio.

"The competition here is good," Belinelli said. "But I know there are better players I will go up against."

Belinelli began playing professionally at age 16 for Virtus 1934 Bologna, only to leave two years later for Virtus' rival, Climamio Bologna.

He drew the wrath of Virtus fans, but Belinelli said that made him mentally tougher. He also grew stronger physically.

"I wasn't ready physically" for the NBA, Belinelli said. "So I stay in Italy and I wait."

As Belinelli waited, countryman Andrea Bargnani headed to the NBA with Toronto as the overall No. 1 pick in 2006. Bargnani had a strong second half last season, helping the Raptors make the playoffs.

The Warriors, who had been tracking Belinelli since he turned pro, selected him this year with the No. 18 pick.

"It's hard to tell why he was still around when we picked, but at this point, does it matter?" Warriors vice president Chris Mullin said. "The fact is, he was still available, and I've always liked him. I thought he was more than a shooter. He makes plays, and the game comes easy to him."

Warriors coach Don Nelson is enamored by Belinelli and the possibilities he brings to a high-octane offense.

"I like guys who know how to play, and this kid can play for anybody," Nelson said. "I know he's a great shooter, but he can do other things, and we may be able to use him some at the point. He has a very high basketball IQ."

Players have a lot of freedom in Nelson's system, and Belinelli should get his share of shots.

"You can't be a great scorer unless you have a lot of confidence," Nelson said. "I'm not going to take away his confidence."

Belinelli doesn't lack for confidence. He said he thinks his game is suited for the NBA and credits his time in Europe for preparing him.

"The Euroleague, it's very good competition," he said. "There's many very good players.

"It is your job, so I tried to learn as much as possible and get better."

Nelson said Belinelli's defense needs work. But the coach isn't complaining, because the Warriors think Belinelli could be the steal of the draft.

"I'm in a good situation," Belinelli said. "I'm glad I waited to come to the NBA."