Optimist

by pinkycheal on Sep 29, 2009 6:30 AM PDT Comment 58 comments

I log in this morning to GSoM to see that the boards have already been hit with "Kings are starting to look very good" message. It seems I am a bit too late... alright folks, lets try this again. NOTHING happened yesterday. Some people talked on the first day of media day, months away from the start of the season. And what did it mean? Figuratively? A bunch if you are a person (or reporter.. see: tk) that loves to jump to conclusions to sell ad space and increase page hits. But really? What did happen?

Ellis: Said basically he is ready to move on. Fantastic, lets move on. He also said that the Warriors cant win with himself and Curry in the backcourt. This is nothing that MANY people havent already said this offseason. Well... unless he is a psychic, we wont really know the answer to this AT ALL until a) practices start and b) the seasons starts. I actually LIKED that he said "Lets play ball. I have the greatest job in the world. I am going to be a Warrior until my contract runs out." Listen... last season was not pretty. But winning cures A LOT. And this team COULD win games. We dont know how the product is going to look on the court, so lets all calm down.. Ellis is, why cant we? What really did he say wrong? That he is worried that the backcourt wont work? Well... who knows, in 2 weeks Nelly might be saying the same thing. But the team was NOT wrong in drafting Curry. Best guy available... you make due.

Jackson. Alright lets break it down... Richardson was traded to clear cap space because his contract was A NIGHTMARE. Barnes was let go because he had come off a bad year, and we were backed up at his position... he deserved starter minutes where we were all begging for youth to play. Davis? We are yet to see him even be close to the talent that he was when he left, so how can we say this was a bad move to let him go? He would be taking up cap space now with a team running in neutral, at least I dont have to watch him heave shots up all night. And Al? Come on... Al is a cool guy, but a 4th of 5th option at best. Truth is he shouldnt have been traded and Jamal should have never been on the team to start. It was a shot to help the team win then, but failed. Jackson is rightfully angry because he wants to win NOW. Are we a winner now? We are getting closer... you cant argue with that. We have a great young core talent pool with veteran bench assistance. What is wrong with that? Jackson WILL NOT be traded before the season starts. He has MORE VALUE at the deadline, so lets all stop the links to Trade Machine. His best value to us comes in Salary Cap Relief, and if the team is sinking, great lets get it and see what pieces we can pick up next offseason. If the team is doing well, everyone will shut up and Jack will be happy. Jacks problem? Just stop talking... I know you like to be vocal, but come on. Your not helping anyone. You say you want to show up and play? Great... get out there, say what you need to say, then go on with your life.

Listen... lets see how the team comes together. We haven't been healthy like this in a long time. Everyone... stop being so desperate for news that you are jumping on EVERYTHING and making huge deals about it. Reserve your thoughts for when they and the games actually start to mean anything... when the season starts.

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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Perfect. A must read

Thank you ( pinkycheal? What kind of a name is that?) for showing a level head. I get so tired of the ‘mountain-out-of-a-molehill’ mentality. This is a new year and it has a lot of promise. Please, let’s all try to stay more positive until proved otherwise.

by breaker on Sep 29, 2009 11:49 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

While I agree wit you

You have to admit that it’s not a good sign that Monta CLEARLY doesn’t like Curry already. He was basically sugar coating the draft pick, saying “I mean, I don’t have a problem. Whatever decision they make upstairs, that’s their decision. They’re doing it for a reason.”

If he was happy with the pick, he would have said it. Not a good way to start training camp, disliking “the next big thing” before he even met him. I’m never surprised by anything Jackson says, so that’s not really a big deal. We’ll see how training camp goes…

by Captain Jack on Sep 29, 2009 12:25 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Was there anything he said in the interview that leads you to think he doesn’t like Curry? I’m asking because I have seen about four seperate clips of Monta and Jacksons interviews, but haven’t been able to see the whole thing from begining to end.

Monta should feel threatend by Curry, it’s only natural. But everything I heard from Monta yesterday was along the lines of “We can’t win with 2 small guards.” And “I want to win.” If he did indeed say he doesn’t like Curry it would totally contradict anything I heard, plus make him out to be a bit of a d*ck.

by VERY VERY BUSY on Sep 29, 2009 3:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He seems hostile to the idea of playing with Curry only, which is logical in itself. He also seems bitter that Baron is gone and that the team is losing. I suspect Mopedgate and drafting competition for him at the 1 is behind his apparent attitude but not Curry per se. I wouldn’t say he doesn’t like Curry. I think he sees him as competition. That may be a self-fulfilling prophecy. One of them may need to go at some point.

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

by Naticus2 on Sep 30, 2009 2:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

exactly.

can you blame Monta? We ALL know that two 6’3" gaurds in one rotation is very small.

by FishStix on Oct 1, 2009 3:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

funny, sort of

Not disagreeing at all, but only in professional sports is 6’ 3" considered small.

by toddaverth on Oct 1, 2009 3:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

People are reading too much into this.

Monta wants to be the #1 guy on an NBA team, the Warriors are his best shot.

Since when did he say he wanted to be traded? Or he doesn’t like Steph?

All he pointed out was that the two of them would be a horrible defensive backcourt when the game slows down because of their lack of size. That is Monta showing he knows the game of basketball.

Reporters then asked “What about Baron and you as a backcourt?” Which is similar to asking, what about Cleveland or Dallas, they have small guards and are successful. Again Monta showed a good understanding of the game by pointing out that Baron was a 9 year vet and knew the game and the league. Steph is a rook.

All of Monta’s points were spot on. They may not be what you want to hear, but just because Monta doesn’t perceive the same “silver lining” as many of us does not mean he’s quitting on the team.

I actually found Monta’s confidence to step up and shoot down the organizations BS hype and tell like it like it is as sign that he wants to win with this team. He knows the best lineup for them to win is with him, Jack, or Buike on the floor. He just isn’t sure what Steph brings outside of offense, and he knows we need help on D, and with rebounding.

Monta understands the state of this team, he knows where they need to improve to win, he wants it to happen. Monta and Steph playing together is not going to help us win, it just allows us to evaluate their talent as a tandem. We only need to see how successful they are if the season goes down the drain. Monta obviously thinks this squad is going to the playoffs…

by myk on Sep 29, 2009 1:38 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Fitz? is that you?

by homer simpson on Oct 1, 2009 12:54 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree. That’s why I’m not mad at Monta because he’s only saying the truth.

by NBAPrincess09 on Oct 1, 2009 3:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nobody

Ever said Curry was going to start from day one. Steph saying he is going to be rookie of the year? Its like every vet saying they are going to be all-league. Everyone aims for the top, but this team has some incumbents that SHOULD be playing over Curry to start. The org took the BEST GUY AVAILABLE. Wouldn’t everyone be pissed if we had taken Hill? What then? He would be riding pine behind Biendris and Randolph… Terr Williams? Another swing guy. Face it.. The only problem in the situation is Monta even SAYING IT before he knows what Coach is going to try to do. He should have said “We havent even been on the court together yet, so lets start with that and go from there.”

by pinkycheal on Sep 29, 2009 1:48 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs

REC

When I read your this post this morning it made me actually wonder, did I wake up in the middle of the night sleep walk to my computer, create a new account under pinkycheal (WTF is that?) and post this? I went to bed last night thinking everything you covered in your post, well done sir…. Or madam.

by VERY VERY BUSY on Sep 29, 2009 3:21 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Does anyone have a link of the coverage yesterday by the Media?

I could care less about the screened questions they post on the Warriors home page.

by VERY VERY BUSY on Sep 29, 2009 3:46 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Check the fanshots section

there were transcripts posted of Monta and Jack from Monday

by IQofaWarrior on Sep 30, 2009 3:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Best guy available... you make due.

No you PAY the dues for drafting a new speculative point guard to play along side your existing speculative point guard. Doesn’t this club own scales and a ruler?

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 Sep 29, 2009 3:56 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Isn't that pretty much what happens with every draft pick?

All we’re really doing is speculating potential right?

by VERY VERY BUSY on Sep 29, 2009 5:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Brandan Wright didn’t throw a hissy fit after they drafted Randolph.

by homer simpson on Oct 1, 2009 12:55 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Brandan Wright didn’t throw a hissy fit after they drafted Randolph.

cause Rudolf is not undersized for the 3 spot so can play with Wright just fine.

by Skeptic con Urquell on Oct 1, 2009 10:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

if only they could anthony randolph to play the 3 well…

heart of a champion, will of the warrior.

by cap'n hack on Oct 1, 2009 12:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The worst I really read out of Monta's comments is

“Hey, if you don’t make me ‘the guy’ and build this team around me the way I want, I’m going to make a nuisance of myself.”

Either Monta’s gonna put his money where his mouth is (i.e. prove himself capable as a PG) or he’s going to have to live with the reality of being an undersized 2 guard (a very good one, but easily the most replaceable talent any NBA player has to offer), whether that be with the Warriors or someone else.

Monta knows that if they’re putting Curry in with him, he’s the SG and Curry is the PG… he wants to be the PG. He was happy to defer to BD when we were winning and BD was a proven veteran, but he’s not going to let some uppity rookie steal his spot(light).

My only real worry is that Jax was in his ear all summer about “These guys are terrible, get out while you still can.” That’d suck.

Regardless, after these comments, I don’t want Monta being a captain. If he can be a quality PG, he can be one of the leaders of this team, but it seems he’s too much about himself. I just hope Randolph looks up to Biedrins…

You have been DFiBrillated.

by Dubs fan in Boston on Sep 29, 2009 6:17 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs

He didn’t sound like he’d make a nuisance of himself exactly. He was being a nuisance already. ha ha. But his comments also showed he wants to play and win with the Warriors. I figure that is mitigating. I don’t have a problem with Monta, if he plays well.

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

by Naticus2 on Sep 30, 2009 2:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hopefully the competition brings out the best in him.

You have been DFiBrillated.

by Dubs fan in Boston on Sep 30, 2009 9:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

agreed. lest we forget, Joe Montana threw a hissy fit over Steve Young, but the competition made them better.

all this “nope, didn’t happen” Flunkster Dude posting is ridiculous. locker rooms don’t have to be perfect as long as everyone involved deals with it in a professional manner.

by homer simpson on Oct 1, 2009 1:02 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

as long as everyone involved deals with it in a professional manner

And that’s my main concern. Has anything lead you to believe these guys will deal with things in a professional manner? Jax? Nope. Monta? Nope. One can still hope, but as of right now there are no signs to the positive that anything will be dealt with in a professional manner by these two. Now, some of that may come from experience with the FO folks behind closed doors, I don’t know, but at least Monta is taking it out on somebody he’s never met before. That’s not a good way to start a relationship, and I don’t expect him to decide to act professionally after this.

You have been DFiBrillated.

by Dubs fan in Boston on Oct 1, 2009 10:09 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Something did happen at media day

Media day is an opportunity for players to communicate and show some of their character off the court. I appreciate this post’s optimism and trying to reel some of the fringe comments in, but to say nothing happened is crazy! I’m not saying the season is over before it starts, but media day did give us a glimpse of some of the team chemistry issues.

Monta showed his inability to lead and unify the team with his reckless comments. His comments may be true, but there are other ways to say what he said without potentially alienating teammates and appearing he is on a different program then coach. I know he’s young , but if he is to be the new leader of the W’s he needs to start acting like one now on and OFF the court.

Jackson reiterated that he is no longer in the right frame of mind to lead the W’s. Other teams will probably think twice about his ego and value as a team player, damaging his trade value for the W’s and himself. Not to mention that his speech is not the motivational talk the young W’s are looking for on the eve of the season.

by Sunset Warrior on Sep 30, 2009 6:00 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Something did happen at media day

Yeah it did and if you actually watch the tapes of the interviews you’ll see it’s all positive. Montay is growing into a man with valuable experience in the game and the confidence to speak out, Rudolf, Morrow, Kellenna , Wright, CJ etc.. had a good summer of workouts and clearing their heads for the upcoming season. Rony and Dris are ready for some fun, Magette is confident and comfortable with his age, Mikey, Deavan, and Acie all seem to know how they can fit in and make positive contributions .Curr-bury seems to understand he’s a raw rookie, and Jax will come out and play like the pro he is. Even Nellie sounds like he is gonna use his assistants and coach to get he most out of everyone so I’m quite happy with the outlook. They all said what I needed to know to read between the lines, and it was good.

by Skeptic con Urquell on Sep 30, 2009 10:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

I don’t like what Jackson said, except where he said he was going to play hard and not let his desire for a trade be an issue. Jack has sacrificed his role as “heart and soul” of the team to his desire for the dollar and a ring, but I still expect him to work hard and play well.

Monta could have been more clear about the context of his remarks regarding Curry or just avoided the subject all together, but, overall what he said is both true and wise and shows a MUCH more mature and ready to lead Ellis than we saw late last year.

by toddaverth on Oct 1, 2009 12:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

-999999999999999999999999999

a MUCH more mature and ready to lead Ellis than we saw late last year.

Do you even know what the word mature means? He called out his new teammate, before ever playing with the guy. That is childish behavior, and not reflective of maturity. Did Monta play in summer league? Have they practiced together? Have they played any NBA games together? So on what, exactly, is Monta basing his opinion that they can’t play together? He doesn’t know what he’s talking about, he just knows what people are saying and echoing it. Repeating and blindly believing what others have said about you is another example of childishness that is not reflective of maturity.

Furthermore, he’s being a bully and trying to abuse his power within the organization to directly effect how much playing time Curry gets. Now, I don’t expect Nelson to cow to this BS, but that doesn’t mean Monta’s not trying to be a bully. It’s the equivalent of one fat kid saying to another fat kid “Hey, we’re both too heavy to ride the seesaw, and I’m going to be riding the seesaw all day long, so I don’t know why teacher told you we could both ride.” But, instead of saying it just to the kid, he’s announcing it to the whole school. Bullying is also NOT a sign of maturity. Neither is insecurity.

I really don’t know how you can hear Monta bash a teammate and see it as evidence of his maturity and leadership. It truly boggles my mind.

You have been DFiBrillated.

by Dubs fan in Boston on Oct 1, 2009 10:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I really don’t know how you can hear Monta bash a teammate and see it as evidence of his maturity and leadership.

It’s not bashing a team mate to show that you understand physics and the mechanics of the game. Did he come out and say Curr-bury is a spoiled little brat? no he simply said they are too small to play together at the 1 and 2 spots. Montay is learning the game and we should be glad.

by Skeptic con Urquell on Oct 1, 2009 10:36 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sigh...

There are many ways to skin a cat. Look, I can go tell my kid brother to stop picking his nose, or I can run around school telling all his classmates that he picks his nose. Do you really not see the difference in “maturity” in those two behaviors?

In one, you’ve helped teach your younger brother not to pick his nose, in another you’ve pointed out his limitations to the whole world and tried to make him insecure about himself.

Montay is learning the game and we should be glad.

This does not reflect on Monta’s understanding of basketball one iota. He is merely repeating what others have been saying since months before the draft.

It does not take any “learning the game” to read GSoM and see the 1000s of people saying “Monta & Curry in the back court together won’t work! They’re too small and can’t defend bigger shooting guards!” and then repeating it. All it takes is eyes, reading comprehension, an internet connection, the ability to speak, and a podium. But if you’ve got a friend with an internet connection, reading comprehension, and the ability to speak, all you need is ears, the ability to understand speech, and the ability to speak.

And where did I say anything about “learning the game”. I spoke on “maturity and leadership,” which have nothing to do with basketball and everything to do with behaving like an adult (which he did not) and treating your teammates properly (which he did not). Not only are you wrong on the “learning the game” side of things, you did not address what you were replying to.

You have been DFiBrillated.

by Dubs fan in Boston on Oct 1, 2009 11:07 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

There are many ways to skin a cat.

Yes there are and I’d rather have a guy telling me the truth than just spouting the party line. Montay just answered the question in a truthful manner and said they are not a good fit size wise , there was no dissing of Curr-bury involved, Montay said he didn’t really know Curry yet so how could that be dissing? If you look outside and see clouds is it better to lie and tell everyone it’s sunny and have them go out without their coats? It’s only an issue because people want to find issues, if we didn’t play that game there would be no issue.

by Skeptic con Urquell on Oct 1, 2009 11:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Considering the whole of what Monta said, and the follow on comments since then, I agree with Skeptic on this one. You have a point that he could have been more diplomatic and found a way to dance around the question, but as it was he answered the question he was asked based on the very basic information he admitted he knew. He also spoke about setting an example of listening to the coach – which he followed up the next day when the coach talked with him about his comments. He spoke about training with Curry the way Baron and Fisher trained with him – which he has done as well.

Monta really struggled last year with maturity, what with the riding a moped and then lying about getting hurt and not seeming to care enough to support the team through the end of the season after they shut him down. His attitude this year so far is significantly improved. Yes, he is still learning and still has a way to go, but I am quite pleased with what I’m seeing from him.

by toddaverth on Oct 1, 2009 12:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hopefully he'll learn from his actions

Thus far, we have only seen small bits of learning. He can talk about leadership and setting an example all he wants, but when he opened his mouth and started yapping about how he doesn’t want to play with Curry, he’s setting an example as a guy who makes prejudgements on things before ever knowing them.

Two things he needs to learn:

1. If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.
2. If you don’t know about something, it’s ok to say, “I don’t know about that, but I’ll do my best to figure it out and get back to you.”

You have a point that he could have been more diplomatic and found a way to dance around the question,

He didn’t have to dance around the question, he should have just told the truth. “I don’t know, we’ll see how it goes. We’re going to try everything we can to win every game.” That’s the truth. The truth is not what bloggers, journalists, or his hangers on say or write. The truth is that they haven’t played together and the team will do whatever it takes to win games.

Do you go around gossiping to your coworkers/classmates about how so-and-so never puts the toilet seat down, or is always surfing the net instead of pulling his weight?

You have been DFiBrillated.

by Dubs fan in Boston on Oct 1, 2009 2:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I see where you are coming from, and can understand taking the office/playground politics interpretation you are taking but he didn’t say he “didn’t want to play with Curry,” he said he didn’t [for]see it working. There is a huge difference, and he may not have even realized that some people would interpret that as a slight against Curry.

You are right about how he should have responded. I think he’s learning that now (with help from his coach and GM.) His statements since have been more circumspect and positive towards Curry.

Frankly, the way things were last year, with everything everyone was saying, and considering his friendship with Jackson, he could have a much worse attitude than we are seeing.

by toddaverth on Oct 1, 2009 3:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

he could have a much worse attitude than we are seeing.

He could have a McNabb attitude and be completely and utterly offended that the team drafted another player at his position, true, but let’s not laud him for not scraping the bottom of the barrel.

At the very least, he’s announcing to the public that he disagrees with the coach. If that’s leadership, it’s leading a mutiny. Teammates can disagree in private, and you can make suggestions to the coach in private, but it’s not leadership to take your disagreement to the public sphere, it just means you can’t win an argument based on the merit of your points.

You have been DFiBrillated.

by Dubs fan in Boston on Oct 1, 2009 5:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I almost didn’t add that line because it can be looked at that way. I think you’re reading way too much into what Monta said. He said he couldn’t see it and didn’t believe it would lead to winning basketball because he didn’t see it as being feasible defensively, defense – particularly team defense – being a new-found mantra of his. I don’t see this as rebellion against his coach or an attack on Curry. It is not realizing the impact his words will have or how they can be taken. It is a mistake, yes. It is not what you want from your leader, true. But it is not malicious, discontented, scheming, rebellious, or any number of other negative interpretations that have been proposed.

I’m not giving him credit for “not being McNabb” so much as I’m giving him credit for the other things he is saying and doing – including listening to his coach and softening what he said (and speaking very positively of Curry) to correct his mistake, setting a tone of team-oriented defense (and offense) and responsibility as keys to success, listening to his coach, and maintaining a positive, winning attitude. I’m also not giving him as many demerits for his mistake as you seem to be because I don’t think it is anywhere near the same issue you do. I have to say, it doesn’t seem like anyone who is upset with him is paying any attention to anything else that he’s said.

by toddaverth on Oct 2, 2009 12:25 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dubs Fan

I usually enjoy reading your comments, even if I don’t agree, your opinion is at least interesting. However I think your riding a totally different train on this topic. All they’re trying to point out is that Monta NEVER said he doesn’t want to play with Curry. The media keeps trying to sell it as dysfunction, unfortunetly that’s how most people are interpreting it. Listen to the questions that were asked and the answers that were given. Maybe Monta could have put a little more finesse on his answers and buttered them up for the public a little more. But at least from what I heard, he never said anything that even sounded like “I don’t want to play with Curry.”

by VERY VERY BUSY on Oct 2, 2009 4:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes there are and I’d rather have a guy telling me the truth than just spouting the party line.

There’s no actual evidence to back up this opinion as fact. They haven’t actually played a minute of competitive basketball together, and have barely practiced together. Anything Monta says is entirely hypothetical. There’s no truth, just opinion. Perhaps an opinion based on reasonable logic, but that doesn’t make it factual.

The Lakers look like the best team on paper, does that make it a fact that they’re going to win the championship? Things change, and things are not always as they’re perceived at the outset.

He threw Curry under the bus. Though he didn’t directly say he doesn’t want to play with Curry, we know that he wants to play and that he doesn’t think it’s a good idea that he and Curry play together. Thus, it can be inferred that he doesn’t think Curry should play very much, if at all. Since then he’s “fallen back in line” and is being positive about the team, but that’s just evidence that he got smacked for his spiteful comments rather than evidence of his maturity.

Media day is a day for the whole organization to sell itself. Monta has a duty to the people that still pay him to promote their product. It’s his job to talk about how good the sausage tastes, not to tell the general public how the sausage was made. If he has an issue with how the sausage is made, he should bring it up in private, not out in public.

You have been DFiBrillated.

by Dubs fan in Boston on Oct 1, 2009 1:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Media day is a day for the whole organization to sell itself.

Well Montay gained a lot of credence in my opinion by telling it like he sees it. In fact all of the guys came off as having a good handle on their roles and how they can best help the team so I think it was a very positive day.

by Skeptic con Urquell on Oct 1, 2009 3:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

In fact all of the guys came off as having a good handle on their roles and how they can best help the team so I think it was a very positive day.

Monta helped the team by saying that he can’t play with Curry? Not buying it.

You have been DFiBrillated.

by Dubs fan in Boston on Oct 1, 2009 4:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think Toddaverth had it right. He just meant that it was a bad combination of players. He wasn’t bashing Curry. He just thought it wouldn’t help them win. I didn’t like the way he said it, so I agree in part with you. BUt then again, he did come back and do some damage control and sounded much better. No biggie. No need to make drama out of it. He’s young.

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

by Naticus2 on Oct 1, 2009 7:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not buying it.

So you think putting an undersized 2 guard with a skinny rookie tweener is gonna help the team? Maybe you should go coach it then and see first hand what Montay is talking about?

by Skeptic con Urquell on Oct 1, 2009 8:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I didn't say it was necessarily an incorrect statement

Keep in mind that they haven’t played a game yet and there are many teams out there, some of which the pairing will work well against (I can see it working against the Cavs, who start the 6’3", 180 Delonte West), others where it won’t work that well (like the Lakers).

To make a blanket statement that something won’t work before even trying it is crazy, for one. And making that statement when your coach is going to be asking you to try to make it work means that you don’t believe in what your coach is doing… when your star is openly contradicting your coach, it’s generally not a good thing. Again, it’s one thing when people have discussions in private, it’s another thing when it’s brought to the media.

Maybe you should go coach it then and see first hand what Montay is talking about?

Monta’s talking about the same things you and I are. Nellie hasn’t even coached it yet. Why don’t we wait till Nellie tries to coach it before making judgements on it?

You have been DFiBrillated.

by Dubs fan in Boston on Oct 1, 2009 9:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He didn’t bash Curry. The implication, in part, is that he is admitting that he can’t defend the 2 well. I thought Ellis was simply saying that he, himself, fits better with a bigger guard. That’s not an insult to Curry. Of course, it sounded bad. It was poor leadership, IMO. But it’s not nearly as bad as you say.

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

by Naticus2 on Oct 1, 2009 7:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

My reaction may have been a little strong

But this is what I really took offense to:

overall what he said is both true and wise and shows a MUCH more mature and ready to lead Ellis than we saw late last year.

What he said was not wise, everyone on GSoM believes that they can’t guard larger 2s, but what he said, in no way, shape, or form is becoming of a leader or a mature person. He may be a mature person who slipped up, but his comments were immature and not becoming of a leader, as you agree.

You have been DFiBrillated.

by Dubs fan in Boston on Oct 1, 2009 9:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thank You!

Sunset Warrior…

If the Warrior’s front office and Nellie had an ounce of intelligence or care for the team, they would bench, and take any offer that covers what the Warriors owe them; for Ellis and Jack.

by deja8 on Sep 30, 2009 6:36 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Monta being a leader?

Come on now… Don’t you guys ever think leadership is something you are born with? Obviously he was never a leader before…

by bojangles408 on Sep 30, 2009 9:48 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Monta sounded great in his interview with Ray on the Warriors training camp blog. He sounded much better on his interviewing skills and impressive charisma. It also sounds like Monta Ellis won’t be shooting much threes this year. He feels that there are “6 other guys” that can shoot the three. His job is to do the driving. Hopefully he’ll channel his inner D Wade. He also sounds really enthusiastic about defense. He’s saying all the right things after his blunder on Monday.

Other things I noticed:

Curry looks great. I loved the alley-oops to Brandan Wright.
The second unit looks solid with a Curry-Azubuike-Maggette-Wright-Turiaf.
Wright and Randolph definitely look bigger. Wright looks a wee bit stockier. God Randolph is long.
Turiaf still likes getting his teammates involved even in practice.
Curry’s jumpshot is as smooth as advertised. He runs the pick-n-roll pretty well. Could be a better passer though.
Mikki Moore, CJ Watson and I think Devean George were running with 2 other scrubs. Definitely looks like the 3rd team. I guess that means they won’t be playing ahead of Wright.
Morrow is still money.
The dubz must run the most thorough fast break drills of all the 30 teams. Drill after drill after drill after frill was designed to push the tempo.

Can’t think of any more right now. Watch the video!

Warriors, Stupidest franchise in the league.

The Awesomeness That Is Captain Jack -

Jackson on wanting to be on a winner: "I’m made for the playoffs and the championships. I’m Big Shot Jack. That’s what I do."

Jackson on wanting out after extension: "Who’s going to turn down that money? I didn’t go to college, but I’ve got a lot of common sense."

by kenntoe on Oct 1, 2009 1:19 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

He’s saying all the right things after his blunder on Monday.

Well that’s good, I expect he got his tail whipped for that. Something along the lines of: “We’re going to try all sorts of different line ups and go with what works best. If you don’t like that, you can sit on the bench. But, don’t you ever, EVER call out your teammates like that again.” Hopefully in front of the team behind closed doors.

You have been DFiBrillated.

by Dubs fan in Boston on Oct 1, 2009 10:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He didn’t need his whipped. I don’t think that would be remotely necessary. I’m sure Ellis wants to be a leader and was probably happy to make sure there was no misunderstanding that he was bashing Curry. He really wasn’t.

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

by Naticus2 on Oct 1, 2009 7:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

calling teammates out to stir up some additional motivation?

Nellie tries to light a fire under certain players by questioning their ability to win games or label him teams as underdogs… might Jack and Monta be attempting to light a fire in their young teammates who DO need to improve if we are to have a shot at the playoffs?

by gobigg415 on Oct 1, 2009 1:15 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

While I am still very worried about this season, I do agree

that we, as a fanbase, are overreacting to recent statements.

I still see talent in our team. Maybe not the most, but as has been said a bajillian times, we are VERY YOUNG and will likely ONLY IMPROVE if we keep with our current roster.

That’s not to say that I wouldn’t mind seeing a couple of our gaurds let go, maybe a SJAX or Monta or Beans trade if it is worth while. We do need some better defenders and maybe another 4.
But the bottom line, IMO, is that we are still going to improve, and we have two potentially great players that fell into our lap with the Anthony’s. All we need to do is be patient and wait for the right trade, or wait for our team to improve.

by FishStix on Oct 1, 2009 3:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I think we should see what we have with our own 4’s before we enter trading season.

Warriors, Stupidest franchise in the league.

The Awesomeness That Is Captain Jack -

Jackson on wanting to be on a winner: "I’m made for the playoffs and the championships. I’m Big Shot Jack. That’s what I do."

Jackson on wanting out after extension: "Who’s going to turn down that money? I didn’t go to college, but I’ve got a lot of common sense."

by kenntoe on Oct 1, 2009 8:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

personnel is adequate at the 5 and 4

Biedrins, Turiaf, Moore, Randolph, Wright—if the last two are truly bigger and stronger, collectively they’ll be fine against most teams. Their scoring capability might be suppressed if Ellis fails to develop his playmaking. As long as there’s no established, effective lead guard, Jackson will have the ball too much of the time, and the wings will have their limitations made more obvious—Morrow is very efficient offensively and can get points with a limited number of touches, but M’gette and Azubuike tend to over-dribble while looking only at the rim and making plays only for themselves. If the team can find help for perimeter defense in a player who can also handle the rock a little, that would probably help more than a big rebounder with limited skills in the other areas (Nelson isn’t that fond of those types anyway—Foyle, Mbenga, Hendrix). With the players already present, Randolph and Curry could make a big difference with ball handling, but their improvement through trial and error might be painful.

by the.monk on Oct 2, 2009 12:51 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

if the last two are truly bigger and stronger

Even given the notoriously dodgy science of measuring and weighing basketball players, I think this isn’t really a question. At age 20 and 21, they’re both growing into their man bodies, and accelerating the process by working out. I mean … who would have thought?

I’m going to take a rather radical / provocative / homerish stance and say that I might take the Warriors’ tandem of PFs over the PFs of any other team in the NBA. (For the purposes of this hypothetical, Gasol and Duncan are centers). Obviously I would rather have Garnett for this year, and probably next, but I’m not sure the rest of our personnel is close enough to championship caliber to make that a smart deal. I’ve let my feelings about Amare Stoudemire be known. If I don’t really want him without giving up Randolph, I certainly don’t want to give up Randolph for him — not even straight up. Boozer, Nowitzki … meh, possibly for this year, but not beyond. Blake Griffin is a strong possibility, but I think I’d rather have Randolph, by a hair. Plus the Clips don’t have anyone at backup PF as good as Wright.

Any other nominations from the peanut gallery? And if it’s true that our two young 4s are at least in the discussion for “most promising/valuable PF tandem in the NBA,” can the prospect of not sucking really be that far off?

There will be no extra point!

by Sleepy Freud on Oct 2, 2009 7:25 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Al Jefferson!

by Missing Barry on Oct 2, 2009 8:09 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Any other nominations from the peanut gallery?

Bosh and turko-glue are pretty good as well as boozer and milsap. If rudolf can learn to play the 3 effectively we wouldn’t have to even think about this.

by Skeptic con Urquell on Oct 2, 2009 11:34 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Do you count as the Peanut Gallery, Skep? Aren’t you old enough to remember Howdy Doody? ;-)

Bosh/Turkoglu and Boozer/Millsap are both solid nominations.

There will be no extra point!

by Sleepy Freud on Oct 2, 2009 12:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Do you count as the Peanut Gallery, Skep?

Hell, I don’t know? I was just thinking out loud. I was trying to visualize a celebrity death match between Boozer and Milsap and BrokenWing and Rudolf with the winner taking on Bosh and Turkey-glue?

by Skeptic con Urquell on Oct 2, 2009 7:58 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs