Ronny Turiaf Would Like to Thank Lakers Fans, but He's Happy to Be a Dub

Notes from a trip to the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.

Ronny Turiaf gambled by exploring his options in free agency, and it panned out. He signed a 4 year $17 million offer sheet with the Warriors, who desperately need someone with his skillset. The Lakers elected not to match, and so now he's headed to the Bay. Turiaf's known as a fun and likable guy, and he was even kind enough to help out with a halftime activity at the Summer League with a lucky fan. He was nice enough to talk to me about his new teammates, what he brings to the Bay, and oh, yeah, he wouldn't get a head tattoo. Turiaf gave incredibly hard answers, and you can tell he's happy about how things worked out.

MM: How does it feel to sign the new contract?

RT: Huh? (Cocks eyebrow.)

MM: How does it feel to be a Warrior?

RT: Yeah, that's a better question. How does it feel to be a Warrior? It feels great. It's a young team that likes to play fun basketball. They like to run and gun, and play a high speed brand of basketball. So it's a great opportunity for me, and I feel very fortunate that the Warriors felt I could bring something to the table to help them win basketball games.

MM: the Lakers were so heavy on bigs. Do you feel like this is a good opportunity for you to get some more minutes?

RT: I think to look at it that way would be a little selfish. It's better to look at it as what I can bring to the table. I feel like I can be counted on. Right now, the Warriors need some guys that can bring size, rebound, blocking shots abilities to help them win games. And I pride myself on those skills and I'm excited to be a part of the team.

MM: With the Warriors speed, do you feel like you'll be comfortable in that up and down style?

RT: Why wouldn't I be? I'm not a 7-6 guy that weighs 400 pounds. I'm 6-10, 240 lbs. I can run, I'm fast, and I have no problem getting up and down the court.

MM: Is there anything you want to say to the Lakers fans?

RT: I think they already know how much I appreciate the support of the people for three years when I was there. I tried to give them 125% on the floor, and I can't tell them how much I value their support.

MM: I've been asking everyone if they would get a tattoo like Stephon Marbury.

RT: No. Just... no.

MM: If you were Stephon Marbury, what would you get on tattooed on your head?

RT: I think the logo's cool. I mean, you see it everywhere. It's on boxes and it's a brand. Everyone's got their own sense of style.

MM: Do you feel like your work ethic was partly what helped get you where you are?

RT: My work ethic, yeah, and just being in a good position. I've tried to surround myself with good people that bring me up instead of bringing me down. And after everything I've been through, I'm just happy to be where I am today. I feel very lucky to be in the position I'm in.

MM: Was it hard this week, not knowing whether you were going to be a Laker or a Warrior?

RT: I wouldn't know how to express how conflicted my feelings were to go back and forth, not knowing what was going to happen. But I have to say, I'd rather be in that situation than worried about whether teams have any interest in me at all. It's a much better situation, even though it led to some very complex feelings. I'm just happy with the place I'm in now.