*Please note that Chris Cohan does not have the competence to do anything close to anything I am suggesting. Do not write about how the warriors will never do this, because stating the obvious is unnecessary. But with all means, please feel free to comment on if it is realistic if we had an owner with a brain, as well as if you support it. Thank you
Objectively observing the past 40 years of the nba, there truly are only two ways to win a championship:
a. find a "once in a decade" player, get an all-star #2, and solid role players
b. formulate a team filled with high quality intelligent players
While formula a is typically more common, the chances of finding a guy that can impact a franchise like Larry Bird or Tim Duncan, who both increase their teams win totals by over 30 games in their rookie seasons, is extremely slim. More realistically is to target players in this league that follow the three characteristics of a champion
1. intelligence
2. selflessness
3. defense
Watching the warriors for the last two years, it is so clear this team lacks all three of these attributes. However, with a few trades, signings, and friendly drops from the ping pong balls, the Warriors have the potential to revolutionize this franchise.
Step #1: Fire Nellie and hire Keith Smart
Don Nelson is so checked out at this point. Against the Mavericks, Anthony Morrow made a lane violation from the 3 point line during a free throw (didn't even know that was possible) and Nellie didn't even glace at him when Morrow marched to the bench. He clearly is not committed to playing any defense whatsoever, nevertheless managing players minutes and winning games. Keith Smart is far more defensive minded and is a players coach. Even an outside hire is acceptable, just get rid of Nelson. Until it happens, no other move really makes a difference
Step #2: Monta-Mags to Chicago Blockbuster Deal
Monta Ellis and Corey Maggette are two of the high points of a grim season. Monta is putting up all-star numbers, at 26.2 a night, complementing that with 5.4 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.2 steals. Maggette is having his most efficient and arguably his best overall year in his career, scoring 20.8 ppg while shooting 52% from the field. Unfortunately, neither of them truly fit what is sought after in a championship team. For starters, both players take a lot of shots, and make sure they get their numbers, often at the expense of teammates. In addition, the defensive play of these two individuals falls well below what should be expected from an elite team. Meanwhile, Kirk Henrich and Luol Deng both play absolutely superb defense. Deng is also a potent scorer as well, and an excellent rebounder for a small forward.
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=ygsybbl
Step #3: Andrew Bogut Blockbuster Deal
Andrew Bogut is one of the most underrated players in the league. Currently averaging 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks, he has the size to match anyone and the skill to keep up with the leagues best bigmen. To join Bogut in this deal is Charlie Bell, who is a defensive minded combo guard, similar to Kirk Henrich. For the Warriors Andris Biendris has shown a total lack of focus and toughness. Since his brief double-double streak of last year, he has been one of the biggest disappointments for the warriors. Essentially, he is a very poor mans Joe Barry Carroll. Anthony Randolph, while high on potential, just completely lacks basic basketball fundamentals and IQ. It's one thing to lack skill, but too play as sloppy of a game as he does just won't work in this league. He is only 20, but it just looks like he simply doesn't get it.
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=ykgvu6h
Step #4: Draft Evan Turner, SG, Ohio State
John Wall is a nice thought, but Turner is a player who could be drafted anywhere from #2-4. He is the most NBA ready of all elite prospects, and has a high basketball IQ. At 6'7", he fills out the stat sheet well, averaging 19.7 points, 9.4 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 2 steals, and one block per game, all on 56% shooting from the field. He has a ton of skill, is an above average athlete, and plays very hard. He draws a lot of comparison to Brandon Roy. He and Wall could be next years versions of Stephen Curry and Tyreke Evans.
Step #5: Sign Udonis Haslem and Re-sign Keleana Azibuike
Udonis Haslem is a glue guy that every championship team needs. He plays harder than almost anyone else and never complains about his role. His 10 points and 7 rebounds a game are only a fragment of his true value. The Heat are looking to go for some big names this off seasons, such as Amare Stoudemire and Chris Bosh. Even if they fail to sign either of them, Michael Beasley might have something to say about resigning the player who takes the most minutes from him. Kelena will be a FA this off-season and it will be vital to resign him. For one, his toughness and 3 point shooting ability is tough to replace. In addition, the chemistry he brings to the lockroomer cannot be replaced by just another small forward.
Potential 2010-2011 Lineup:
PG: Stephen Curry / Kirk Henrich / Coby Karl (2011 MVP!)
SG: Evan Turner / Anthony Morrow / Charlie Bell
SF: Luol Deng / Keleana Azibuike / Cartier Martin
PF: Udonis Haslem / Brandon Wright / Vladimire Radmanovic
C: Andrew Bogut / Ronny Turiof / Chris Hunter
While I am not suggesting a lineup like this could produce a championship, or even a 50+ win season next year, it would certainly be a major upgrade from the talent we have now. Down the road, I see Curry and Turner running the show, and potentially an upgrade at power forward. Comments, opinions, thoughts?


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