"Count on Andris Biedrins, the Warriors' starting center, to turn into a diva.

Now that he has his lucrative contract signed, expect him to skip practices, blow off his teammates and wear sunglasses indoors.

"After this interview," Biedrins proclaimed through the phone, "I'm not talking to (the media) anymore."

Yeah, that'll happen.

"There is no risk in a situation like this. He's an exemplary guy," said Bill Duffy, Biedrins' agent. "He has the work ethic. He's compliant. He does the dirty work. He's unselfish. These are the guys who should be rewarded."

Don't be fooled by Biedrins' humorous prima donna aside. The 6-foot-11, 230-pound center couldn't be a jerk if he tried. Not even being the third-highest paid player on the Warriors next season could derail his humility. Not even the supreme gesture of faith the Warriors expressed in him by giving him more than $60 million (including incentives) could inflate his ego.

Biedrins has come this far - from a no-name Latvian teenager to a cornerstone player for an NBA franchise - by being a pleaser and willing worker. He has improved every year in the league by appreciating his opportunities and taking advantage of them.

"Now that I have this contract," Biedrins said, "I won't stop playing as hard or practicing as hard. I will work twice as hard. "... I was not thinking more or less about the numbers. I am just really glad the Warriors think I'm worth it. I

won't let them down."

According to league sources, his new contract guarantees him $9 million per over the next six seasons. Biedrins would have to play 65 games per year and set milestones in points, rebounds and blocks to push the contract's total up to nearly $63 million.

The statistical milestones, the sources confirmed, are close to what Biedrins' past production has been. He hasn't played fewer than 68 games since his rookie season. Last season, Biedrins averaged 10.5 points, 9.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 27.3 minutes - all of which could go up next season as his time on the court is expected to increase.

Some would say it had better. For that kind of money, many fans expect more than just hustle and finishing in the paint. That's why Biedrins is focusing on his offensive game this offseason."