Dajuan Wagner was drafted sixth overall in the 2002 NBA Draft by the struggling Cleveland Cavaliers. Since then the Cavs have surged to the top of the Eastern Conference on the wings of a jet known as LeBron James, meanwhile Wagner himself hasn?t had much success. After struggling through three injury-riddled seasons, and playing in less than a hundred games, Wagner was forced to take a break from the game because of a serious colon condition.

After not playing a single minute of competitive basketball for almost two years, Wagner was signed by the Warriors in September, is on the road back to the level he once played at. Despite playing only forty-seven games in his rookie year (?02-?03), Dajuan averaged an impressive 13.4 points and 2.8 assists per game. However, the injuries have kept him from producing at his maximum potential.

Excited about the promise of a clean slate, I was able to speak with Dajuan following a Warriors practice Sunday afternoon?

First off, Congratulations on making it back to the NBA. How does it feel to be back?

It feels great man. You know it feels real good to finally be back.

How hard was it to be away from the game of basketball for almost two years?

It was frustrating because I played my whole life. So, just to be sitting at home doing nothing was real tough.

Can you explain the condition, colitis, from which you suffered?

A lot of people don?t even know it exists. It?s crazy. I can?t even properly explain it. It can take your life away from you. I was in a lot of pain, especially in my stomach. There was a lot of stuff that went along with it.

So I?m sure at one point basketball was the furthest thing from your mind.

Yea, I was worried about my health first. I just wanted to live my life, and I couldn?t even do that.

How do you feel now, and are there any lingering effects from the condition and/or your surgery?

I?m good right now, you know. I?m just getting into the basketball stuff. I?m trying to get back up to this elite level once again.

Since you seem to have rebounded from your colon condition, is your right knee a concern anymore?

That was frustrating as well, but I ain?t got no problems with that.

You once scored 100 points during a high school game back in New Jersey. What was that like?

It was good, but I just went out and played my game. When I finished the game I ended up with a hundred points, but it?s not like I went out and tried to do it.

Do you think anyone will ever break the century mark in the NBA again?

No, I don?t think so.

You began your career with Cleveland, and were a member of the team when LeBron was drafted. What was it like to share a locker room with LBJ?

It was good, it was a great atmosphere. He was a good teammate, and it was a lot of fun.

Have you kept in contact with any of your former Cavalier teammates?

I still talk to DeSagana Diop, who plays for Dallas now.

How did it feel when you were signed by Golden State last month?

It felt good, but I just don?t wanna be signed. I wanna come in and contribute.

Why are the Warriors a good fit for you?

Mainly because of their style of play. They have some good guards here, some good coaches, and even upstairs with guys like Chris Mullin. I?m surrounded by a lot of good people.

How have your teammates welcomed you?

It?s been good, everyone?s been real cool.

What expectations do you have for yourself this season?

I really just want to stay healthy. I?ve never gotten through an entire NBA season healthy. I wanna have a good healthy season, and do whatever I can to help my team win.

How about your expectations for the team?

We want to make a run at the playoffs. That?s what everyone?s goal is, and should be, in the NBA. You gotta shoot for the playoffs and then see what happens?

Andrew can be reached at [email protected]...