Draft Options Abound for Warriors

by pree on May 30, 2008 1:24 PM PDT

I haven't written anything about the Warriors in a while (apologies), but I'm getting back in the swing for the summer.

I figured the best place to start would be the draft. Here's my draft preview for the team: http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=8894

You could call it the "Case for Marreese Speights", but it's more of an overview of the various options the team is looking at. Obviously, if some of the better players fall, they'll be hard-pressed to pass them up, but let's stay grounded in the reality of expectations and assume those top guys will be gone.

Ultimately, should the Warriors take Speights with the 14th (who I admit is a bit of a reach .. but only slightly) and Jamont Gordon in the second, you could fill in the gaps for swing men in free agency. And Speights makes moving Harrington a helluvalot easier.

Baron Davis / Jamont Gordon (combo guard)
Monta Ellis / Marco Belinelli
Stephen Jackson / Kelenna Azubuike
Brandan Wright / Al Harrington
Andris Biedrins / Marreese Speights / Kosta Perovic

Obviously, Ellis and Biedrins have to be brought back and I think the same can be said for Azubuike so that the team has some semblance of continuity. The team still needs a veteran guard and could use another swingman - again, free agency might be the only place to get that.

So that's where I stand for now after using Orlando as an opportunity to see some of these guys work out. I'm sure between now and the Draft, I'll think of other guys I'd think the Warriors should chase (I really like Courtney Lee and Richard Hendrix, but they're projected to go either late in the first, where the Warriors aren't, or early in the second, where the Warriors aren't).

This FanPost is a submission from a member of the mighty Golden State of Mind community. While we're all here to throw up that W, these words do not necessarily reflect the views of the GSoM Crew. Still, chances are the preceding post is Unstoppable Baby!

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Comments

agree with Speights

I think at 6’11” he would be an excellent pick for us, has a nice inside/outside game and quick enough to defend smaller forwards, we have to get longer to match the Lakers front court of Odom, Gasol, and Bynum, you can see how difficult Boozer and Duncan had scoring against just Odom/Gasol. We’re going to have to find players who not only can defend but also have an outside shot.

by shootda3 on May 30, 2008 3:54 PM PDT reply actions

It's time for the

Official Mo’ Money Mo’ Speights Movement here at GSOM.

Mo’ size than Arthur.

Mo’ quickness than Love.

Mo’ strength than Greene.

Mo’ moves than Jordan.

by misterjennings on May 30, 2008 4:14 PM PDT reply actions

Mo Spites

The fools who doubt him!

Count me in.

Sign ^^^^ !!!

by Sleepy Freud on May 30, 2008 9:24 PM PDT up reply actions

+1

I also have to agree here and say Speights is my pick for this year’s draft at the 14th spot. I hope he’s not just a workout wonder though.

by q00pster on May 30, 2008 4:56 PM PDT reply actions

Interesting ..

I was afraid that most people would think that I was stretching here. Hell, I thought I was stretching. I wish he was in Orlando, but none of the dudes that were really impressed that much.

In any case, I’m going to be scooping info on him since I’ve heard he’s a possibility. This thing is going to be a crapshoot.

by pree on May 30, 2008 8:42 PM PDT reply actions

pree

any scoops on the height / weight measurements that happenned today??

I pray i never have to use a gun again...

...unless i'm at a strip club parking lot...

...and somebody tries to run me over with their car...

...But how often does that happen??

by ssmokinjoe on May 30, 2008 9:42 PM PDT up reply actions

Inconsistent

Different people are giving me different numbers. Sorry – I’ll wait for some sort of solidity before I let out what I know.

by pree on Jun 2, 2008 1:45 PM PDT up reply actions

speights or rush

is pretty much what I’m campaigning for. (if a trade up Mayo isnt possible)

by sam23 on May 31, 2008 12:18 AM PDT reply actions

both

may be a bit of a reach at 14, but both seem much more likely to be solid pro’s than Greene, Arthur, or Jordan.

by sam23 on May 31, 2008 12:19 AM PDT up reply actions

I'm going to go on a hunch that

McHale actually doesn’t set his sites on screwing over Minnesota and makes the right selection in taking Mayo 3rd (If Miami takes Beasley). He’s clearly the 3rd best talent in the game. He’s one of the most NBA ready players to come in and play right away in the lottery. Lopez isn’t this year’s version of Al Horford. I’m not sold yet. Minny needs to go with the best talent.

I’m down with Mo’. As long as he gets to play next season!

Warriors, Stupidest franchise in the league.

by kenntoe on May 31, 2008 3:12 AM PDT up reply actions

I think

Miami may pull a shocker and take Mayo.

by sam23 on Jun 1, 2008 3:17 AM PDT up reply actions

I think that may happen also.

But I think they’ll field offers for that second pick first. I think it’ll depend on what they think Minnesota will do. If Miami likes Mayo enough to take him second then that’s fine. Or they could trade down and hope Minny takes Lopez third instead of Mayo.

With hearing that Beasley doesn’t sound like a Pat Riley type of player, hopefully a bidding war takes place with the Warriors finishing first!!

Lets start a petition and get signatures for Riley to agree to take Baron + 14th + future 1st + TPE on Mark Blount for Beasley. Of course they’ll have to agree in principle on draft day and wait until July 9th.

Read that Love is 6’8.25’’ W/O shoes, so should be a legit 6’9’’ in shoes.

Warriors, Stupidest franchise in the league.

by kenntoe on Jun 1, 2008 11:21 AM PDT up reply actions

i agree

Miami should really shop that pick if they dont love Beasley, because that pick has a ton of value. I’m not sure why Riley wants to wait and spend a load of cash on Brand or Boozer rather than just grab Beasley now, but its fine with me if he wants to take either one of them out of the West. I’d love to see the W’s move up to get Beasley but I dont think its really possible. If Miami has really centered their sights on Mayo a deal with Memphis for the #5 and #28 makes a ton of sense for both. Conley, Gay, and Beasley would be fun to watch at the very least. As long as Minny takes Lopez (who is probably the best fit, but not the best talent) and Seattle still takes Bayless (probably a better fit next to Durant than Mayo) the Heat still get their man and a chance to grab a big man late in the first as well.

by sam23 on Jun 1, 2008 12:21 PM PDT up reply actions

Or they could trade up.

I’m sure part of the reason Chi-town is making it known that they love Rose is because they know Miami does. If Miami offers something nice, I’m sure Chicago will talk.

by Dubs fan in Boston on Jun 4, 2008 7:05 AM PDT up reply actions

As long as he gets to play next season

The Serbian Nikola Pekovic is probably the most ready to go center available.If we could get him to come over he might be a useful interim center . Nellie has had some experience with players from that part of the world so maybe he’ll hit it off with this guy?

by Skeptic con Urquell on May 31, 2008 3:09 PM PDT reply actions

JaVale McGee

Here’s our pick. This is weird as I hadn’t really studied any of the prospects, but I woke up one day and his name was in my head even though I knew nothing about him. No clue as to why. Call me Nostradamus.

by BobbyLeeHurt on May 31, 2008 3:23 PM PDT reply actions

yup

this is how Mullin should be making his picks (insert rolling eyes smiley here).

I pray i never have to use a gun again...

...unless i'm at a strip club parking lot...

...and somebody tries to run me over with their car...

...But how often does that happen??

by ssmokinjoe on May 31, 2008 6:12 PM PDT up reply actions

btw

McGee hasn’t been doing too hot in the pre draft camps =(.

by q00pster on Jun 1, 2008 2:13 PM PDT up reply actions

probably why

he was working out privately with his agent prior to this and not with Joe Abs in Vegas.

Like most of the scouts are saying he looks like he could use another year of school.

No way in hell Nellie allows Mullin to take this guy.

by misterjennings on Jun 1, 2008 3:01 PM PDT up reply actions

Not ready

He’s got bust written all over him. I’d rather go with something safe. McGee needs to develop a LOT physically (he’s as thin as a rail) and I don’t know how well he can bang around inside since he’s never really had to do that.

by pree on Jun 2, 2008 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions

Pree.

Who has more bust potential?

1. McGee
2. Jordan
3. Arthur
4. Speights

I also saw Chad Ford’s Mock Draft V3.0 having Jordan fall to 14. I don’t think it’d be the worst thing to happen. At 14 his potential could definitely be worth the selection. Jordan picked 5-10 on the other hand…

Warriors, Stupidest franchise in the league.

by kenntoe on Jun 3, 2008 1:53 AM PDT up reply actions

Of those players ..

Although their measurements are similar, McGee and Jordan have some pretty big differences. I’ve been told that Jordan has a much better frame to add the necessary weight, unlike McGee who looks like he’s going to be thin and stay that way. I don’t know how people decide/measure that, but that’s what I was told.

Plus, McGee played for freaking Nevada. Now I know that talent is dispersed well around the country, but if you’re a prospect for the FIRST ROUND, I expect you to dominate a weaker conference. Granted, Jordan didn’t do that either, but at least he was pretty solid for longer, not just because he’s a freak in the vein of McGee.

Speights and Arthur are probably less of a bust potential because they’re not playing the center spot. I like Arthur because I think he’s going to be a pretty solid player that never goes out of his element. Speights should find a niche as well.

by pree on Jun 3, 2008 1:10 PM PDT up reply actions

he’s as thin as a rail and I don’t know how well he can bang

sounds too familiar … na, couldn’t make that mistake, again, could we?

by hardcore on Jun 3, 2008 11:00 AM PDT up reply actions

depends on Baron's contract negotiations

If things are not going well with Baron extension, it is very tempting to offer BD to Miami and move to 2 (and take Rose or Beastly) or to 6 with NY and take the best available choice, maybe that being Lopez. At 14, from what I’ve read and seen on utube, I like Joe Alexander whose stock is rising and may not be available at 14. And if we got really lucky at 14, perhaps, but not likely, Love. My concern with Speights is he’ll ride the bench with Nellie now officially returning. Nellie can just break the spirit of any rookie as we too well know from POB to mention the most obvious. Nellie doesn’t like rookies or big men so I say nay to Speights.

CWebb is undoubtedly the answer but I forgot the question.

by commish on Jun 1, 2008 3:52 PM PDT reply actions

in re NY

on lottery night Walsh entertained trading the No. 6 – and there some salaries that NY would like to shed and we have the TPE yet to use … will be an interesting draft to be sure …

by hardcore on Jun 1, 2008 4:37 PM PDT up reply actions

Baron for pick #__

I’m not sure this is a good idea. We’d have to take on salary back (there’s no way a team would give up a high pick AND cap space for baron). I’d say baron this year and cap space next year is worth more than even Beasley. There are never any guarantees with high picks (dunleavy haha).

Baron for Beasley + cap filler is conceivable, but even that is close in my mind.
Baron for Some other high pick + cap filler = no go.

JRich trade is different from a Baron trade because we didn’t have to take $ back in that trade. W/ Baron, we almost certainly would.

by ohmangoAs on Jun 1, 2008 4:26 PM PDT reply actions

one scenario

Again, assuming things do not go well with Baron and the negotiations, we could take Marbury whose salary exceeds Baron’s and either Lee or Robinson along with trading picks. Marbury is in his last year so that is over $20M in salary in 2009-10 along with picking up a good PG or PF.

CWebb is undoubtedly the answer but I forgot the question.

by commish on Jun 1, 2008 8:11 PM PDT up reply actions

Monta and Biedrins

I doubt we could take on the extra 6 million Marbury costs, along with the extra 3-4 million for the #6 pick, after signing Monta and Biedrins. If we could, and flaming this year at the altar of Starbury Hell sounds good, then ya, that could work.

I mean, I’d love to have 20 million in space after next year along with the #6, but I think it’s not possible, and not worth dealing with Marbury (who would DESTROY the feel-good thing the warriors still have going since “we believe”)

by ohmangoAs on Jun 1, 2008 11:17 PM PDT up reply actions

buy out?

What if we could get Marbury to agree to a $15 million buy out. That way he costs us even less than BD would.

by Psion on Jun 2, 2008 10:39 AM PDT up reply actions

id rather

pay the extra 3 mil for Baron than give Marbury 15 mil for nothing.

by sam23 on Jun 2, 2008 11:24 AM PDT up reply actions

so would I

I was just trowing it out there.

by Psion on Jun 2, 2008 12:36 PM PDT up reply actions

adding extra 1st round pick

wish list; Beasley,Mayo, Speights, Rush, I’d like Mullin to use our trade exemption and try to get an extra pick this year and try to get at least two of these guys. Obviously Beasley would be a great additiion and I think Miami, Minnesota and Memphis are all taking offers.

by shootda3 on Jun 1, 2008 4:34 PM PDT reply actions

+1

i think getting two of those 4 will be a difficult task but I’d love see it.

by sam23 on Jun 1, 2008 5:12 PM PDT up reply actions

TPE for Player and Pick

That’s certainly an option for the Warriors, but what you have to do is take on a crap contract for that pick. May or may not be worth it, unless Baron is sent away.

by pree on Jun 2, 2008 1:44 PM PDT reply actions

TPE, Nelson & Baron & the JRich trade

Using the TPE to take on a large contract really only works well if the player helps on the floor us AND the move up is for a nearly can’t-miss player, and it would be such a nice bonus if he was someone Nelson would actually consider playing as a rookie. Elsewhere the idea of trading the #14 for Simmons and the chance to draft Love was raised, and if the dubs could pull something like that off then the TPE’s value is realized as JRich + #14 for BWright, Love and Simmons bad contract (though it is a bit hard to imagine another team trading down just to unload Simmons-type contract) ... Nelson’s recent commitment to return has got to have revolved around Baron returning for at least one more year – hard to see Nelson agreeing to come back knowing Baron could be gone in a trade (and certainly not for Marbury) and a whole new nucleus – unless he’s somehow convinced Monta’s ready to be a PG. I’ve said all along Nelson-Baron are likely to go together, & not extending Baron is not the end of the world for this franchise, provided the GM actually uses the vaunted flexibilty he championed during the JRich trade. Whether or not JRich would’ve made the difference in making the playoffs, or would have stunted Monta’s growth, we haven’t gotten the full benefit of that trade unless we can utilize the TPE successfully.

by hardcore on Jun 2, 2008 2:29 PM PDT reply actions

I'd be shocked

if our vaunted Dub management actually uses the TPE. I hope I’m wrong and we’ll know in less than a month, but let me be the first to say it aint going to happen.

You may be right about Baron and Nellie sitting in a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g. We need a poll on whether the community wants BD for another three (or four) years. I’ve been surprised there hasn’t been a greater fan demand for extending Baron. I have mixed feelings in the sense if Baron is a happy camper (got his $$ and has a competitive team), then yes, I want him around. But I sure don’t want a bitter and unhappy Baron because—well, remember the Hornets with BD?

CWebb is undoubtedly the answer but I forgot the question.

by commish on Jun 2, 2008 4:05 PM PDT up reply actions

baron

i think there would be greater demand to lock Baron up from the casual dubs fan. I’m not saying I’m neccessarily against it, but I think most GSoMers recognize his age, injury issues and on-court shortcomings as well as the success he’s brought here and want to weigh the cost of bringing him back against the cost of watching him walk away before demanding he be extended or dealt. He also hasnt been here long enough to develop fan sentiment that makes him totally untouchable

by sam23 on Jun 2, 2008 9:49 PM PDT up reply actions

Nice post.

It’s really a 50/50 proposition with the TPE.

Hypothetical option A: The Warriors use the TPE on a bad contract to move up the draft.

Hypothetical option B: The Warriors select at 14 and let the TPE expire. Then in a year have a bundle in cap room after Baron’s contract expires.

So it comes down to is: whether the value is higher/lower with the higher 08’ selection, than the player that could be acquired via free agency or trade.

Warriors, Stupidest franchise in the league.

by kenntoe on Jun 3, 2008 1:45 AM PDT up reply actions

untouchable?

I’m not sure what you mean. I was actually surprised by the lack of fan support when Baron’s agent made some of his early noises about Baron being unhappy, etc. It seems that most fans would like Baron back if the price is right. On the other hand, he is by far our greatest tradeable asset so I guess it comes down to if Baron wants to stay (will he make it easy on management to get a deal done) and if the Dubs are willing to commit to three years after next season. If I had to guess, with Nellie leaving after this coming season, he’ll collect is nearly $18M and play the best he can this year then become a FA the following season.

CWebb is undoubtedly the answer but I forgot the question.

by commish on Jun 2, 2008 10:03 PM PDT reply actions

totally

agree. I think the 18 mil salary is whats preventing massive objection to his possible desire to leave, that and a general mis-trust of the rumor mill which may or may not have invented the Baron is unhappy story line.

by sam23 on Jun 3, 2008 1:16 AM PDT up reply actions

Patience is always key.

I’ve heard Baron wanted 5/75M. I’m not sure if that’s true or not. If that is, then i’m not sure he’ll find that anywhere. I’d love Baron back with a 2 year extension for 30M. It’d be great for the Warriors, but probably not for Baron. He’d still be payed amongst the top at his position, but he’ll never see that kind of money again at age 33.

Thus, it really is not the worst situation to be in for the Warriors standpoint. They can go into training camp with Baron and Nellie. All the while, Mullin knows he has a very tradable commodity in Baron and his expiring deal for a team on a playoff push. Shoot, Kidd got the Nets Devin Harris and a 1st, lets hope Baron’s value is higher than Kidd’s.

Warriors, Stupidest franchise in the league.

by kenntoe on Jun 3, 2008 1:51 AM PDT up reply actions

what if...

baron’s value is the same as kidd and we could get devin harris and that 1st rounder? man, i’d take that deal. plus we’d still have a 14th and 2nd round pick.

by oldskool on Jun 3, 2008 10:50 AM PDT up reply actions

hmm, careful what you ask for ...

if that scenario presents itself it’d likely indicate we’re out of playoff contention & Nelson is on an early flight to the islands ala his premature Dallas exit ...

by hardcore on Jun 3, 2008 10:58 AM PDT up reply actions

I know...

that nellie likes to have a talented pg running the team. probably was broken-hearted when nash left. but if the dubs decide that monta is the focal point on offense, then harris is well-rounded enough to support him. harris plays tough defense and has the quickness to stay in step with monta. if you notice monta’s annoyance with baron when he lazily brings up the ball sometimes instead of pushing. and picking up a pg from the draft would make more sense in order to relieve the pressure at point. and more tpe to make the trade work. wow, its cohen’s dream come true (cheapskate)

by oldskool on Jun 3, 2008 11:17 AM PDT up reply actions

btw...

nellie and harris were very successful together in dallas with harris starting in many games.

by oldskool on Jun 3, 2008 11:23 AM PDT up reply actions

30 lbs of toughness

inserting Harris for Baron makes us faster, but weaker physically

were we not fast enough last year? we certainly were weak in many spots, and wouldn’t ideally want to get weaker at both guard spots – mostly concerned on defense where we could stand to upgrade – is Harris a good defender? I honestly don’t have enough info to know …

there are no trades without giving up something good – with Nelson leaving, I’d certainly make that move, but with Nelson returning and Baron in the last year of a big contract we might be best to hold him and maybe trade him next January.

will be interesting that’s for sure

by hardcore on Jun 3, 2008 9:27 PM PDT up reply actions

There's no way the Nets would do that.

IMO.

Harris is their PG for the future.
They don’t want to take on contracts past the 2010 season, so presumably they wouldn’t want to resign Baron. They probably could contend for the 8th spot in the weak East, but i don’t think they’d trade a younger Harris for an older, and more expensive Baron.

Warriors, Stupidest franchise in the league.

by kenntoe on Jun 3, 2008 10:43 PM PDT up reply actions

new big 3 might compete for East?

Don’t forget they also have Marcus Williams, so he or Harris might be expendable.

Add Baron to Vince Carter & Richard Jefferson and you’ve essentially swapped Baron for a declining Kidd – the Celtics are not the juggernaut that many of us expected them to be, Dumars may be about to blow up the Pistons, and LJ’s Cavs are not quite a complete team. The Nets could see themselves not as far out of the hunt as we think. But the cost would be prohibitive – those three would cost upwards of $45m of the Nets budget, plus to match salaries for Baron we’d likely have to take Hassell and Swift, on the other hand we do have the roster room to take on multiple players if their contracts are short enough & the Nets have lots of those … again, unlikely but an interesting scenario …

by hardcore on Jun 4, 2008 10:58 PM PDT up reply actions

2nd round Gem

I would almost like to see us grab Robin Lopez with the 14th. Even though he seems to be predicted a bit higher, i think if effort was put into developing his post up game, he would be a huge asset. Would allow us to have someone to alternate with Biedrins that can grab rebounds and defend. We could then drop B Wright to a PF so he could still help to defend and rebound and hopefully develop into a scary offensive threat.

I think we need to draft a point guard in the second round, with our success at drafting guards in the second round, who knows what we can get.

by Luckyhmb1 on Jun 7, 2008 6:59 PM PDT reply actions

cdr

i have to say that i would rather see the w’s taking chris-douglas roberts. he is a proven winner, possibly the best player on the second best college team (maybe even the best). he plays solid defense which is what the warriors need and though his style is pretty ugly, you have to admit that it is very effective. while his perimeter shooting is also ugly, it isn’t nearly as bad as people say it is and that is something that can be worked on

as for speights, i love his low post game but his defense is horrid no matter how you look at it

by thedagger on Jun 7, 2008 7:58 PM PDT reply actions