Warriors are playing the Hornets now and are off to a hot start. THEY. NEED. TO. STOP.
With the Raptors playing the Nets in the last game of the season, one of them will have a 23-43 record. If the Warriors lose the next two games they will have an identical 23-43 record and be in a tie for the 7th worst record. This means they'll split the number of ping pong balls between them for the lottery but more importantly, they will be in a coin flip for the 7th or 8th spot should neither of them win the lottery. This gives the Warriors a shot at keeping their pick since it's only 1-7 protected. Otherwise, the pick goes to Utah for the disastrous trade for Marcus Williams. On that note, it's somewhat good news that Larry Riley is out as Warriors GM. Who knows if Bob Myers will do any better but it's good to see the last of the old guard out.Posts for Tag: new orleans hornets
Monta Ellis scores career high 48 points … Warriors lose again
Monta Ellis is a phenomenal scorer. He showed it off last night versus the Thunder in a losing effort. But it points to the same old story. The Warriors cannot win with the team comprised as it is. The Warriors are fun to watch but if this team ever wants to get ahead in a very very very competitive Western Conference, they need big changes. They need a big time defender and a reliable post up player (not necessarily in one person). Monta's stock is as high as it's ever been this season. Time to move him and his amazing scoring talents to a team that has at least one or two players that might fit the bill. Possible trade scenarios? Threw some of these together taking into account needs and salaries.
Orlando gets more than enough offense to make up for Howard and a some defense in Udoh. They also get to shed themselves of Turkoglu's contract. Warriors get the best center in the game and solve their defense/post player situation. Turkoglu is a serviceable forward who might rejuvenate his career in a new setting. At worst, he's an overpaid, bigger Brandon Rush.
The meat of this trade is really Monroe/Gordon for Ellis. Wallace and Kwame are thrown in as expiring contracts and cap math. Warriors get back some backcourt scoring in Gordon and some interior toughness in Monroe. Detroit gets cap relief by giving up Gordon's contract and a top 10 scorer who can play alongside Stuckey as their backcourt for years to come.
This would be an excellent trade for the Warriors. Carter is still a serviceable bench player and Gortat gives them a strong presence in the middle. Not sure if Phoenix would like it but since they are moving to youth, Ellis being their PG of the future after Nash leaves is something to consider.
SCRATCH THAT: Was looking at some old rosters. Forgot Carter got waived before the season started. In that case, I would replace him with Shannon Brown. This is actually an upgrade to the trade since Brown can still play good minutes as a reserve.
This one has a lot of risks and upside. Okafaor looks like he'll never be anything but a good solid backup center. Still he's better than what the Warriors have now (Biedrens). Kaman is the key here. If he's healthy and can get back to form, they have a very good center (Top 10?) to play alongside a good PF in Lee and a good point guard in Curry. Wright moves to the SG spot and maybe Brandon Rush moves to SF. If Klay Thompson develops well they could have him in the SG spot and move Wright back to SF. New Orleans is rebuilding and a backcourt of Gordon and Ellis would be crazy fun to watch.
Curry says he's 'safe and secure' with Warriors
Stephen Curry says he has received assurances from team executives that he is “safe and secure” with the Golden State Warriors despite the latest round of trade talks surrounding the point guard.
via sports.yahoo.com
Not necessarily buying it but just means a trade is now less likely...
Chris Paul for Stephen Curry sounds good, but...
Sources said that the Hornets have actually been trying to convince the Warriors to part with Curry since before last season's trade deadline in February.
via espn.go.com
On the surface, Chris Paul for Stephen Curry sounds like a no brainer trade. But before people think this is another Speedy Claxton for Baron Davis, there are some big pitfalls involved. First, Stephen Curry is a much better player than Speedy Claxton ever was and at 23, he's yet to reach his prime. Second, the market for Baron Davis circa 2004 was limited. Remember this was the disgruntled, slightly overweight Baron Davis who clashed with Byron Scott, a coach who had taken the Nets to back-to-back NBA Finals. The Warriors knew they could sign Davis to an extension with not too many suitors out there. Chris Paul on the other had is one of the Top 3 point guards in the league. Every team with cap room will make a run at him and he knows it so why sign an extension when you can play for a year and get the gold rush in the summer of 2012? Curry for a one year rental of Paul is not a good move.
Paul has stated he would be more willing (though not guaranteed) to sign an extension with a team that acquired his buddy Tyson Chandler. The Warriors are pushing towards that and he would be an upgrade over Biedrins - some offense, good defense/rebounding, veteran leadership, playoff experience. Still, I don't see a starting 5 of Paul/Ellis/Wright/Lee/Chandler as anything more than the 4th or 5th best team in the West. Definitely an improvement but nowhere near what it would take to be a contender.
Hornets fire Byron Scott - Difference mindset between an elite team and a mediocre one
News came today that Byron Scott was fired from the 3-6 Hornets. Kind of a surprise but it's indicative of what elite teams are willing to do to right the ship. Contrast that with mediocre teams like the W's or Clippers who stick by inept coaches and GM's far too long. In the end, I think all big decisions start with ownership. Donald Sterling and Chris Cohan are too stubborn/stupid to realize they are the reasons their teams aren't good.
Older
Newer