Feeling Optimistic (kind of)

by freerandolph on Oct 25, 2009 2:19 PM PDT Comment 39 comments

I have been a faithful Warriors fan for most of my life and I am more excited about the players we have now then I have been in a while. I do not expect this years team to do extremely well. I figure the Warriors will do what they do best and finish somewhere in between the 9th and 13th worst record in the league. They will miss they playoffs (and not be particularly close to making it. Not even close enough to make it exciting at the end of the year) and they will finish with a good enough record that they will have almost no chance at a top three draft pick (which would be so exciting to get!!!).

With that said, I am feeling somewhat optimistic about our roster and its (get ready for the "p" word...) Potential As I already stated, I think this year will be frustrating in regards to our record, but I think it could still be a fun year. I was not expecting everyone (Even the rookie hating coach) to be so hyped up about Curry. I thought that he might be a bust. If not a bust, I thought that he would be the second coming of M Dunleavy. A player who could shoot and score tons in college who would become a decent NBA player. It seems that I may have been wrong from everything that I am hearing recently, and we will all get to see for ourselves very soon! (!!!!)

Also, don't for get about Moped... I mean Monta Ellis. Sure, he lied. Sure hes said some dumb things. Sure, I don't think he will ever develop into a legitimate number one option. But he could be a really good second or third option, or even option 1B or 1C (as shown two years ago when Jack, B Diddy, and Moped switched roles from night to night on who was the go to guy). He is a very good player, when healthy, and still very young. We still don't know if he will be able to play with Curry, which means having an undersized shooting guard, but it could be exciting and fun to watch.

Buike is a solid young 3, though he will probably never be spectacular.

I don't think Randolf will ever be a 3, but I think he could be a vicious and ferocious 4. As discussed often on this forum, he has the potential to become a KG or Bosh caliber player. He has star power.

I've been impressed by Wright although I know many people haven't. I think he can be a good NBA starter. Maybe not a star, but I'm not convinced that he will not make at least one all-star team during his career (if he can stay healthy)

Biedrins is solid, as we all know.

So the Warriors seemingly have solid young players with lots of potential at every position. Kinda exciting isn't it!!!!!

I just have one question. If Randolf becomes a super star then I think these players can go a long way and possibly even bring a championship home. Think about it. If all these players reach their "full potential" this team could be real good, for a very long time.

This leads me to my question. Do you think these players will get good enough, and work well enough together that they can turn into a good, playoff caliber team? Obviously thats the goal, but does that seem realistic to you? I think that these players could become good enough that the Dubs could be a perennially playoff team, but I don't really see them bring home a championship. As I see it, everything hinges on Randolf. If he can become a top 3 Power Forward in this league the the sky is the limit. If Randolf cannot become a perennial all-star then the best I can see the Dubs doing is barely making the playoffs for years to come.

How do you feel about these players. If everyone can stay healthy, what would the Dubs look like in 3 years if they kept these players together without making significant changes? What is the best you see them doing, what is the worst, and what do you think they would actually do 3 years from now?

Since I do not forsee a surprise playoff berth this year, its fun to speculate about the future. Go dubs!

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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the team lacks consistent two-way players

With the present roster, at best there’s one probable, Curry, and one maybe, Randolph, but both have far to go to establish themselves as such, and Morrow has even further to go in the critical areas of handling the ball and defense. Many of the best teams have their strongest players at the wing, and presently Jackson is the only one who can come close to parity there. As young as the roster is, Biedrins, Ellis, Azubuike are at the point in their careers where significant improvement is unlikely. For a real contender to develop out of the current roster, you would need the improbable maximum improvement from four or five of the younger guys—not realistic to expect.

by the.monk on Oct 25, 2009 3:02 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

would you call

Nash, J-Rich, Hill, Stat, or Frye as legit 2-way players?

Nash: No.

Jrich: Mediocre-average at both ends.

Hill: Decent as a backup, maybe not so as a starter any more.

Stat: Great offense. Defense?

Frye: Ok, I haven’t seen much of him—but really?

Warriors, Stupidest franchise in the league.

I told Randolph that Bill Russell would tell him to keep that ball in play and start the break.

RANDOLPH: "I know. But sometimes, you gotta let ‘em know."

(MT)

by kenntoe on Oct 25, 2009 3:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

would you call Nash, J-Rich, Hill, Stat, or Frye as legit 2-way players?

None of the above — a big reason why that team is basically garbage. Another big reason is age: Nash and Hill are about to fall off cliffs, and JRich and Stat have fallen off pretty sharply from their physical peaks. (Frye is young, but he kinda sucks). I would take any Pacific Division team’s roster over Phoenix’s.

There will be no extra point!

by Sleepy Freud on Oct 25, 2009 6:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’m not sure I’d take Sacramento right now over Phoenix, but you can make a legitimate case for the Clippers and Lakers of course.

I don’t think their team is garbage. That’s a bit harsh. They’re still better than Minnesota, Memphis, Milwaukee, Sacramento..etc..basically teams I actually would call garbage this year.

Warriors, Stupidest franchise in the league.

I told Randolph that Bill Russell would tell him to keep that ball in play and start the break.

RANDOLPH: "I know. But sometimes, you gotta let ‘em know."

(MT)

by kenntoe on Oct 25, 2009 7:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, “garbage” is too strong. But they’re exactly where you don’t want to be as an NBA team: a poor defensive team that doesn’t scare anyone, with no hope of anything beyond a rapid first-round playoff exit (and even that’s iffy), with their best player about to turn 36, and no young players with any real upside … but with just enough talent to stay out of the John Wall Sweepstakes. If I were a Suns fan, I’d gladly flip my entire team for Tyreke Evans and Jason Thompson (or Curry and Randolph).

There will be no extra point!

by Sleepy Freud on Oct 25, 2009 8:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Monta and AB are only 23!

I know that big men tend to peak earlier than guards, so you could be right about Andris. But gaurds usually dont peak til 26-28, thats 3-5 years from now.

by myk on Oct 25, 2009 6:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree on alot of your points

i think that this team can grow into a contending team but like you said it depends on Randolph becoming a Superstar. If Randolph is looked upon by the NBA as a PF in the same class as your LeBrons, Kobes, Howards,Roys, Pauls and Wades then there is no question we will be in the playoffs. Winning a championship and going deep in the playoffs then rests on the development of the other guys. I’m very high on Stephen Curry, i believe Curry can become a Star/Superstar also at PG. So when you have Curry at PG and Randolph at PF you have 2 of the hardest positions to be good at covered that garuntees the playoffs in 3 years if delevopled. Then when you look at Andris Biedrins we have a very good young center who can only get better and Turiaf who is a top shot blocker and can score some backing him up and of Center spot is locked up. After these positions you have a great shooter at SG in MOrrow who plays well with Curry who we should definatly look to keep. Bukie i see more as a 2 but he can play 3 and he can score and do alot of differnt things as a great role player. Brandan Wright is also a great young prospect so when you look at our team, we have ALOT of talent but itcomes down to winning. Once we get pass this year which we will probably have around 38 to 42 wins i feel we will have a great young up and coming team out in The Golden State area!

Golden State Warriors Fan 4 Life!!!
The Golden Future
PF: Anthony Randolph
PG: Stephen Curry
Can't wait until GS wins a championship!!!

by GSW9 on Oct 25, 2009 3:03 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Do you think these players will get good enough, and work well enough together that they can turn into a good, playoff caliber team? Obviously thats the goal, but does that seem realistic to you? I think that these players could become good enough that the Dubs could be a perennially playoff team, but I don’t really see them bring home a championship. As I see it, everything hinges on Randolf. If he can become a top 3 Power Forward in this league the the sky is the limit. If Randolf cannot become a perennial all-star then the best I can see the Dubs doing is barely making the playoffs for years to come.

Hello FR, I believe this team is 1-2 moves away from legitimately being in the playoff conversation. There’s just too many uncertainties surrounding the Warriors right now. For example:

1. How will Jackson’s antics affect his play? And to piggyback off of that: Will this motivate Jack to be on his best behavior and help his stock, or will he physically implode?

2. Can Monta stay healthy for an entire season? I know this might not be much of a concern for others, but he is our best player and gives us the best chance to win.

3. Can our lack of veterans and reliance on youngsters buck the trend and lead us ~~to the playoffs~~to a winning record. Baby steps…

4. I believe, more so than others probably, that Brandan’s injury has really hurt us. We need depth at every position if we want to make deep playoff runs. Most playoff teams rely on 7-8 good players to rotate and play heavy minutes. Run-N-Gun teams probably need about 10 guys to keep fresh. Plus you can’t deny that we’ve had our share of injuries the last 2 years.

5. Curry looks great as our PG. But he’s still a rookie. He needs to find his shooting stroke, or else I think Nellie will sit him in favor of guys like CJ. Someone who can hit an open 3pt shot.

Depending on our moves going forward, there are a lot of things to look forward to. We cannot put all of our hopes on the shoulders of Anthony Randolph. He’s still very raw in his offensive game for us to ever win consistently with him putting up 15 shots a game. The exciting thing about him is that even when he’s shooting under 50% he can really impact the game in many other ways. It really is on the coaching staff to not screw this up. Ideally, we will add a froncourt offensive option to take the pressure off of Randolph and Monta.

Warriors, Stupidest franchise in the league.

I told Randolph that Bill Russell would tell him to keep that ball in play and start the break.

RANDOLPH: "I know. But sometimes, you gotta let ‘em know."

(MT)

by kenntoe on Oct 25, 2009 3:09 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I look forward to Wright coming back. Six months from now, we’ll be both deep and strong at PF. If Randolph’s high-flying style results in regular injury (which it may well), we’re really going to need Wright to be there as well. From what Nellie was saying, Wright was outplaying Randolph in training camp.

Welcome to the Pit of Despair! Don't even think about trying to escape.

by Naticus2 on Oct 25, 2009 3:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with you on pretty much all your points

But you’ve missed the point of what I was saying. I am not talking about this year, and not really even next year. I’m talking about 3 or more years from now when Ellis and Biedrins are in their primes, and Curry and Randolf have a few years under their belts. I’m talking about when Jack is long gone, possibly even retired and out of the league.
I also agree that I don’t want to put all our hopes on Randolf, but at the moment he is the only player I see on the Warriors who is worthy of holding all of our hopes… I don’t see any other player on the Warriors having the potential of being a go to guy that can lead a team to one of the top seeds in the playoffs.

by freerandolph on Oct 25, 2009 3:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think

Randolph definatly has the most potential of anyone on our team but i feel Curry will be very good also. He may delevop into that go to guy rather it be a basket or assist. They both have a long way to go put every minute counts toward improvement

Golden State Warriors Fan 4 Life!!!
The Golden Future
PF: Anthony Randolph
PG: Stephen Curry
Can't wait until GS wins a championship!!!

by GSW9 on Oct 25, 2009 4:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That Could be...

I was not too big on Curry when the Warriors drafted him, so I’ve been really surprised by the incredibly positive things that I’ve been hearing lately. I guess he could turn into that go to guy, but I’m still very skeptical. I guess we’ll get a better idea once the season starts.

by freerandolph on Oct 25, 2009 4:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah but

in college Curry was the go to guy. He was nearly unguardable at Davidson. He still has a ways to go but he could very well turn out to be that guy for us along with AR

Golden State Warriors Fan 4 Life!!!
The Golden Future
PF: Anthony Randolph
PG: Stephen Curry
Can't wait until GS wins a championship!!!

by GSW9 on Oct 25, 2009 6:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He definately could be.

I don’t think so, but I would not be surprised if I was wrong. But just keep in mind the Adam Morrisons that were College stars and “unguardable” the get to NBA and are absolute trash.

by freerandolph on Oct 25, 2009 10:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I care more about next year than I do 3 years from now. SO much can happen between now and then that the team might be changed in 2-3 different directions by that time (but only GSW FO would do that).

Warriors, Stupidest franchise in the league.

I told Randolph that Bill Russell would tell him to keep that ball in play and start the break.

RANDOLPH: "I know. But sometimes, you gotta let ‘em know."

(MT)

by kenntoe on Oct 25, 2009 4:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

well, I don't think the Warriors are going to be very good next year

So even though, I am sure that everyone cares about this upcoming season more than three years from now I want to see if everyone thinks that we’re headed in the right direction. It sucks when you’re team doesn’t do well, but it sucks 10 times more when your team doesn’t do well and they’re not even going in a productive direction.

by freerandolph on Oct 25, 2009 5:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The thing is.

Me and the Warriors have tangoed this dance before. It always ends with me having my toes stepped on.

Warriors, Stupidest franchise in the league.

I told Randolph that Bill Russell would tell him to keep that ball in play and start the break.

RANDOLPH: "I know. But sometimes, you gotta let ‘em know."

(MT)

by kenntoe on Oct 25, 2009 7:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Haha

I have also done the same tangoe (I guess the Warriors must get out a lot) and it is very frustrating. And i agree with you that I want them to win now, not in three years. It just that I think that that kind of thinking doesn’t work a lot of the time. I don’t see anyway that we could make trades to win now that would actually make us win now. I think doing trades with that in mind have the potential to end up very badly (making us a low seed playoff team, at best, and giving away young talent that could develop into great stars for other teams!) I like the way the lightening are patiently gathering up young talent. In a couple years they are gonna be a force, and they will stay that way for a long time! Portland followed a similar model. Its very hard and rare to be the Celtics and acquire talent that leads to a championship in trades (and not even all their best players were traded for!)

by freerandolph on Oct 25, 2009 11:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The biggest concern for me is still our shaky defense, of course. That was our biggest problem last year and our lack of bulk and height in the backcourt it’s going to hurt this season. Azubuike is a good defender, though. I hope he plays a lot at the 2 this year and Jackson will play tough defense at the 3. I don’t know how we’re going to deal with some of the big backcourts in the league, though nor the bulky centers like Jefferson and Bynum.

Welcome to the Pit of Despair! Don't even think about trying to escape.

by Naticus2 on Oct 25, 2009 3:26 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

what im concerned about is the lack of teaching of defense.

I’m concerned people like Morrow and Curry will turn into Monta’s on defense because they were not given the coaching on defense to become better. I’m glad to hear Nelson has put Morrow on Jackson in practice, because that will do wonders for a guy. A great way to become a better defender is to guard good players consistently. And Morrow will get that chance. And Curry will to when he guards Monta in practice

Marco Belinelli's Biggest Fan

by montadaboss on Oct 26, 2009 9:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Do you think these players will get good enough, and work well enough together that they can turn into a good, playoff caliber team?

three more years is a lot to be patient for the potential to pay off … and who knows that that roster will look like – other than Nelson being long gone by then, that’s an awfully long time from now and some of us are losing faith that we’ll get there ever under this ownership group … wish I shared your optimism, but my rational side says nyet …

by hardcore on Oct 25, 2009 4:58 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

3 years obviously is a long time and...

if the Warriors are not going to be good this upcoming season, we may have to wait that long. If we could trade our young players for Chriss Bosh or Amare I would be all for that. But I seriously doubt we will be able to.
Soooo, I feel like the most likely way we will ever have a winning team in the next few years would be to keep our current young players. Yes we will try to help ourselves in the draft, but I doubt we will have a bad enough record and enough lottery luck to get a huge impact player in the draft. Like I said before, I also doubt we will get a huge difference maker from a trade. If either of those things work out, then good. Otherwise, what option do we have other then wait until our players now reach their potential.
I’m tired of watching players like Jamison and Arenas get traded or leave before they reach their prime.
We need PATIENCE.

by freerandolph on Oct 25, 2009 5:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

the irony in your reply is

I am one of the few who was willing last spring to make a deal like you describe, one of the even fewer who suggested tanking last season early enough to move up in the draft, and one of the fewest who called for a new coach last summer … you may be tired of watching Jamison and Agent O types leave before their prime, but I’m g-d tired of being told to be patient … this ownership doesn’t deserve these fans, and I’ll be damned if I give any more of my hard earned coin to them until they prove we’re moving in the right direction – a playoff direction

by hardcore on Oct 25, 2009 8:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not saying you should give them your harded earned coin.

Don’t even watch them. They are frustrating. If they had tanked and got a high lottery pick last year, I would have been ecstatic (although it does look like we could have scored in Curry).
I’m just saying that I don’t think the Warriors can realistically do anything to be really good to be in the next year or two. I think that if they try to, it will likely end up making them a mediocre team (at best) for a year or two, but if they stick with their young talent, I think that they will be in much better shape (and more fun to watch) for many years to come.

by freerandolph on Oct 25, 2009 11:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

freerandolph....

I appreciate the optimism. I really do man. But you cant be serious telling warrior fans they need patience. LOL really? Patience? Thats the last thing warrior fans need. Your talking about being a perennial playoff team? dude what.

Lets just consistantly be a .500 ball club. Playoffs should not even be in Warrior fans heads. This franchise is a laughing stock man. All I hear is “oh potential this” “oh three years from now”. Dude who gives a d**n about that.

First off warriors need to correct things in the front office first. They need a new owner..GM..and Coach. Belinelli for george?? lol rriiigghtttttt.

Do you know how you consistantly win in this league? you rebound and defend which the warriors do neither. All this team is good for is a little excitement on a weekday night when your girl is busy.

The only way the Warriors have a .500 season is if Monta (possibly curry) and Randolph turn into the players we ALL hope they can be. (Monta 25 ppg / Randolph 14ppg 10rpg). Eventually you hope Randolph cant turn into a 20 and 10 PF for the next 15 years. Yeah its not fair to put it on randolph but hey we are warrior fans…we know what not fair is like.

Im just tired of all these people who post saying they got hope or be patient or we got young talent. You know we have heard these same exact phrases for what 18 years now and what has it produced…1 playoff appearance. Get a clue bro. There has to be a time where warrior fans say enough is enough. This franchise doesnt deserve such a loyal fanbase.

by CSalMJS on Oct 26, 2009 1:56 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

I certainly give a damn about 3 years from now. You don’t become a great team overnight- it takes time and patience to grow into a good team. The problem with the Warriors FO is that they haven’t been patient enough to let our young talent develop.

by Reverend_Randy on Oct 26, 2009 9:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dude I am totally with you

I don’t want to patient. The warriors have been a joke for so long that I’m pissed. I don’t want to buy tickets to games and support this franchise right now, so I’m NOT GOING TO (unlike many of you who bad mouth the team and then go buy $100 seats and $8 beers at the games). Be pissed man. Really go for it.

All I am talking about is what I think would make the Warriors the best team in the quickest way. Right now I think that the quickest way to become a good team is to wait for our young players to develop. I hate to say it, but whats a better way to go? And don’t even through out any crazy trades where we give up Beans and Morrow for Chris Bosh or any of that BS.

by freerandolph on Oct 26, 2009 5:57 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Ingredients to a Championship Team

PG: Needs to be a leader, a floor general with superb court vision and passing abilities. He must have a great assist/turnover ratio. I can see Curry developing into a terrific PG in 3-4 years.
SG: Just needs to shoot lights out. Morrow is the best shooter in the league.
SF: Must be able to a little bit of everything: Defend, Shoot, Pass, Rebound. Who can play that role????
PF: Has to be a beast down low. He must be a proficient scorer, rebound, block shots, and just have a horrific presence in the post. “AR4” potentially?
C: The big man just needs to rebound, defend the basket, and rebound, rebound, rebound. Turiaf fits that bill.
My championship lineup:
PG Curry
SG Morrow – Azubuike
SF Wallace – Maggette
PF Randolph – Wright
C Turiaf – Varejao

3 way -trade: CHA-DAL-GSW
CHA gets Howard
DAL gets Ellish – Biedrins
GSW gets Wallace – Humpries – Williams

CLEV gets Jackson
GSW gets Varejao

Dallas looking good:
PG Kidd
SG Ellis – Terry
SF Marion
PF Dirk – Gooden
C Biedrins – Dampier

by gambinofam on Oct 27, 2009 9:57 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

3 way -trade: CHA-DAL-GSW

Haha, Trouble is Dallas comes out the winner

Standing on the moon
Where talk is cheap and vision true
Standing on the moon
But I would rather be with you
Somewhere in San Francisco
On a back porch in July
Just looking up to heaven
At this crescent in the sky

by Skeptic con Urquell on Oct 27, 2009 10:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oddly enough

According to the ESPN trade machine, this trade makes us 41 games better, Charlotte 41 games better, and Dallas ONLY 28 games better

You have been DFiBrillated.

by Dubs fan in Boston on Oct 27, 2009 2:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

ESPN trade machine says a lot of things...

An interesting thing to do (if its possible) is to do trades on ESPN trade machine that actually happen in real life and see if the real life results are even close to what the trade machine predicts.

I agree with Skep. Seems to me that Dallas comes out the winner.

by freerandolph on Oct 27, 2009 4:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs