FanPost

(Edit: Right now) Monta Ellis isn't the leader we had hoped

It's clear Monta Ellis isn't the answer, definitely right now and probably not for the long-term. His reaction to the heartbreaking loss at the end of the game showed why.

So he turns the ball over during a critical point in the game. Strike #1. Then he fouls JR Smith at the end of the game to essentially put the nail in the coffin for the Warriors. Maybe he hit him right as he was coming down, still there was contact. It shouldn't have come to that and "captains" like him should've known better. Strike #2.

Then we see Monta laughing and joking around with Chauncey Billups who didn't even play the game as the rest of his team walks off the court in disgust and heartbreak. What kind of example is Monta really showing here? We're 9-25... 9-26... whatever I've lost count. But if this is the guy that we had hoped would mature... he definitely isn't showing it off. Strike 3.

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Sure he's off to a great season, but it's just like the old Warriors. I'm not talking about the Hughes/Jamison/Arenas days. I'm talking about the days where Latrell Spreewell would put up All Star numbers but NOT do enough to help his team to victory consistently. He would score 30 points a night, but hoist up 30 shots to get it.

Monta's trade value is ridiculously high right now and I think the Warriors should give it a serious look to focus on the development (and cheap value) of the younger stars like Morrow to trade Monta for a solid big man. Maybe package Monta and Biedrins for the All-Star we've been coveting? It's crazy talk and I'm probably just blowing smoke right now. But Monta is proving time and time again that he doesn't get it done in the clutch and is OK with it. Where's the public "leader" talk I'm used to hearing? Remember the game this season where Monta TRAVELED to end a potential game-winning posession?

Nuff said. I'm not as frustrated as a Warrior fan today as some people are, but I certainly ain't happy with how our long-term goals are looking right now.

With that being said, I sure hope the Warriors are ready for a challenging back to back in Minnesota tomorrow. Hope to see everyone at the Sacramento Kings game on Friday... come by my seats and help me show the Sacramento fans (friends unfortunately) I'm bringing with me. Section 208, Row DS, Seats 15-16 (you can't miss me).

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!