10-11: Player & Team Analysis

So this off-season has probably been the most exciting off-season since 2005. For those that don't remember that was the off-season after the year we made a trade for Baron Davis, the former face of the franchise. But this one has been totally different. Cohan is gone! We now have owners that have a winning mentality and want nothing else but to win. I am going to break down the predictions for each player that is currently signed, some of the staff members, and players we should consider going after through either trade or free agency. Here goes:

(CENTERS)

(They're joking about his 16% free throw shooting!)

Andris Biedrins (6'11, 240LBS)- This has been a different off-season for Andris. For one thing he's coming off an injury plagued year where he just plain awful. We've had underachievers on this team that played better for him. And even though in the interview this off-season he quite honest, it kind of didn't help his reputation as he seemed like a bit of a cry baby as well as a player that's just happy to be paid and doesn't care anymore about getting better as a player. I don't see him getting traded anytime soon as I doubt anybody would give up an above average big man in order to get him. If he can get back to his early 08-09 form where in the beginning of the season he was averaging 15 PPG & 12 RPG that would be superb. With the West becoming dramatic weaker in terms of consistent centers, he might also get All-Star consideration though that is a reach.

Dan Gadzuric (6'11, 240LBS)- He said the right things when acquired from the Bucks but regardless of that I don't plan to see him on the court unless we are either up or down 20 points. He would be a nice mentor to our youngsters BUT he can do that from the sideline.

Ekpe Udoh (6'10, 240LBS)- Even though he is considered a power forward, due to his size and length he will see some time on the floor at that position once he comes back from his hand injury. I don't expect much from him scoring wise unless it's on put-backs or anything like that, I think as long as he hustles, plays solid defense, and helps us in the rebounding department he will receive guaranteed time on the floor.

(POWER FORWARDS)

(Imagine the benefits of both of them playing for Team USA?)

David Lee (6'9, 250LBS)- Playing for Team USA would've gave him even more exposure but I do see him making the All-Star team again if he keeps statistics similar to those he had last year and as long as this team plays .500 ball. I see the game being much easier this year for him as this will be his first time in his NBA career playing with a TRUE point guard (we will get to him later). This will also be the Warriors' first time in forever playing with a 20-10 big man so the crowd will be surprised when they see this under the radar player (He played for the Knicks LOL) in action on a nightly basis.

Brandan Wright (6'10, 228LBS)- This kid just needs to play in nearly every game. That's the bottom line. This is a big year for him as he has added much needed weight and just needs to prove that his young body (he's still 22) can handle the beatdown of a NBA season. If he can average nearly a double double off the bench, something similar to 9+ PPG & 6+ RPG, than he can possibly be the Paul Millsap of our team. In today's generations of NBA Basketball, most playoff teams have that one big man (I.E. Lamar Odom, Marcin Gortat, Sergio Ibaka, Birdman Anderson, Dejuan Blair, Glen Davis) they can use off the bench on a nightly basis and Brandan Wright has the potential to be that player, maybe more.

(SMALL FORWARDS)

(D. Wright for the game-clinching defensive play?)

Dorell Wright (6'9, 210LBS)- He's had problems with being consistent in the past & last year he had a few off the court woes that had to be dealt with but I think he's ready to put all that behind him; He's closer to home and he's excited to be here. This guy will be counted on night in and night out to contain our opponent's best perimeter player. I hope this guy can turn into our point forward version of Gerald Wallace or a poor man's Tracy McGrady. He will see extended minutes and I hope he does well. I've been a fan of his game since that 06-07 season when Dwyane Wade said he was underrated especially as a playmaker (When D-Wade compliments you then you know you're doing something right). This is our "Most Improved Player" right here.

Only small forward....Hmm?

(SHOOTING GUARDS)

(Hopefully they can clap their way to the 2011 Playoffs!)

Monta Ellis (6'3, 180LBS)- All I'ma say is I don't want this guy gone unless we are getting somebody back in return that will improve this team's entire aspect (Only for Andre Iguodala or Carmelo Anthony). I actually see Monta Ellis going back to his old 07-08 form with a much improved three point shot which will help this team. I also see him averaging about 18-21 PPG and 4-6 APG on much better efficiency. If Monta happens to achieve this I do not see him getting traded this season but possibly down the line in hopes of improving for the team.

Reggie Williams (6'4 or 6'5, 210LBS)- This is another year for him where he will be on the radar. This is our 6th Man Of The Year here regardless. He's already became a favorite around the league due to his work ethic which can do nothing but help. If he has worked on his defense the way he talked about it during Summer League, alot of teams will be after him like crazy come next off-season. There might be some teams willing to overpay for him as well. As long as he stays away from playing ANY of the frontcourt positions, which include small forward, he will do fine this year (Rookie-Sophomore Game anyone?!?!?!).

(POINT GUARDS)

(Steph telling Kobe he will dethrone the Lakers in 2011!)

Stephen Curry (6'3, 185+ LBS)- I don't care what anybody has to see, he's nearly as untouchable as Dwight is to the Magic. This kid has gotten better game after game, play after play and the sky is the limit for him. People do not realize that he is only 22 along with the other guards on Team USA that seems to get more recognition (Derrick Rose, Russell Westbrook, & Eric Gordon) which means he still has upside. People think just because he's not as athletic or because he's much more polished that he cannot improve as greatly...WRONG. You can't put a limit on hard work and a strong work ethic so as long as he works as hard as he has this summer he will one day sooner rather than later become an elite player. I don't know if he will make the All-Star team this year as the West is stacked with great guards but he will improve dramatic. Stats long the lines of 20 PPG, 4 RPG, 7-8 APG, 2 SPG, & 2.5 TO will be a nice line for a second year point guard.

Jeremy Lin (6'3, 200LBS)- He will be a fan favorite from DAY ONE. He will get much more love than that of Marco Belinelli and that was a lot of love to go around. I see him being an eye opener in this league as a lot of people will regret passing him up (along with Sherron Collins but I'm not going there). I see Jeremy being a slasher version of C.J. Watson which is something that will energize this team on both ends of the floor. Like in previous posts, I actually see Jeremy being invited to the Rookie-Sophomore game during All-Star Weekend as not only a publicity stunt but because he might actually earn it. He will be another guy on this team that will be hungry and will have to earn every minute of his playing time.

Charlie Bell (6'3, 203LBS)- I will pretty much say his info will be just about the same as Dan Gadzuric except he will most likely get more PT as him and Jeremy will share the backup point guard minutes.

For those wondering about Jannero Pargo check the link below; it will explain that he's not a "done deal".

(STAFF)

(That smile looks sinister!)

Don Nelson- I thank him for "We Believe" and all of it's memories but those memories shouldn't be memories as they should be concurring. On that note, I say let the man finish out his contract and then hopefully go after Brian Shaw next year. The guy is respected by majority of the league and I think it would be morally right to end his tenure with the squad the right way. I wouldn't mind him being a scout or anything I just don't want him at the helm of the bench in 2011-2012. I say the only way we let him go is if and only if this team is playing terrible basketball WITH a healthy squad.

Keith Smart & the rest of the assistants- I think they should just sit back and enjoy. Depending on whoever the coach may be in the future they might want to bring in their own staff so like Don Nelson they should just enjoy the moment and finish out their time.

Larry Riley- As long as Steph doesn't get traded I am very pleased with this off-season. This off-season has been a success as we picked up a proven big man (David Lee), a defensive minded wing (Dorell Wright), a defensive minded rookie (Ekpe Udoh), and an instant fan favorite that will make us all believers (Jeremy Lin).

Robert Rowell- I have mixed feelings on this dude. I say let him stick around in terms of promoting/marketing the team but everything else in terms of basketball I have to say no to! I mean, he's doing something for us to be a constantly losing team as of late yet we seem to always have a full house when at the Roaracle. But like I said, my feelings are still mixed & confused.

(PLAYERS TO GO AFTER...)

(I don't even know what's going on here!)

BIG MEN- Louis Amundson (Free Agency), Josh Boone (Free Agency), Chris Hunter (Free Agency), Kyrylo Fesenko (Restricted Free Agency)

(Defense wins championships...Enough Said?!?!)

WINGS- Rodney Carney (Free Agency), Andre Iguodala (Sixers), Jamario Moon (Cavaliers), Anthony Parker (Cavaliers), Xavier Henry (Grizzlies?), Jarvis Hayes (Free Agency), Earl Watson (Free Agency), Carmelo Anthony (Nuggets)

(INTERESTING LINKS)

http://www.hoopsnotes.com/2010/08/signing-of-jannero-pargo-not-a-done-deal/

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2010/aug/19/griz-get-trade-offers-for-henry/

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AqGwfbW0qgjgZByakkFmBw68vLYF?slug=tsn-166713

http://www.contracostatimes.com/sports/ci_15907430?source=rss&nclick_check=1