Hughes' 15-year-old brother, Justin, is alive thanks to a heart transplant.

Larry Hughes, the former St. Louis University star, averaged 16.5 points in his first full season with Golden State, second on the team behind Antawn Jamison. But due to injuries, he wound up playing in only 50 games, shooting .383 from the field and .187 from 3-point range.

Coach Dave Cowens believes Hughes' daring, high-flying style contributes to his propensity for injury. A better outside shot would make the frequent flights to the basket less necessary.

"My suggestion to Larry is to play out of harm's way a bit," Cowens said. "Outside shooting is paramount to that. Otherwise he has to penetrate inside where the big boys are. He gets hurt because of the slashing style he plays. He's reckless. It seems like he's on the floor too much."

Agreed Hughes: "I'm going to work on my shot big-time. This year made me smarter. I learned a lot. I learned what my body needs."

Hughes hopes to spend much of the summer working out alongside Jamison. The two young players share a mutual admiration and are the centerpieces in the Warriors' future.

"There is no problem with us sharing the spotlight," Hughes said. "We are the future. Points, rebounds, steals, assists ... All these things I can do for my team."

Added Jamison: "Larry coming back next season is one big positive for this team. He makes my game better."

Personnel File

SEASON'S OVER FINALLY: On some nights it appears Jamison has worn down, both mentally and physically. In a recent loss to Portland, the 6-9 forward went scoreless in the first half, sat out the entire second quarter and finished shooting 4 for 18 for the game.

Why the second-period benching?

Said Cowens: "He didn't show me much. He's been playing a lot of minutes ... sometimes it's good for a guy to sit over there and watch some things."

After the game, Jamison seemed to be asking out of the organization when he said, "I can't be associated with all this losing anymore. I won't be associated with it. I can't do this again."

When pressed, Jamison -- who has always maintained he wants to stay with Golden State -- backed away a bit.

"Who is to say what will happen in the future?" he said. "I can't speculate about the future, but I do know I want to win. I'm not implying anything. I started my career here and I want to end my career here."

GOOD SIGN: Oft-injured Erick Dampier started for the first time since returning from arthroscopic surgery in February. Going against San Antonio's Tim Duncan, the 6-11 center contributed eight points and nine rebounds in 32 minutes. His presence allowed Cowens to go big, with Adonal Foyle at power forward and Jamison at small forward.

Noteworthy

WEAK SHOOTING: The Warriors are working on a five-game streak in which they have shot 36 percent or less from the field.

QUICK STUFF: Jamison scored 38 points in Wednesday's 107-101 loss, the Warriors' ninth straight and 27th in 29 games since the All-Star break. ... Point guard Mookie Blaylock (torn ligament in finger) became the sixth Warrior to be lost for the season to injury, joining Hughes, Danny Fortson, Chris Mills, Marc Jackson and Bobby Sura. Golden State players have missed a combined 383 games to injury. Only Jamison will wind up playing as many as 70 games.

QUOTEWORTHY: "I just told him not to get hurt." Cowens on the 10-day contract of point guard Chris Garner, who was playing with the Memphis Houn' Dawgs of the ABA.