Joe Lacob on Keith Smart's rotations: "There are times that I do not understand it."
Excellent interview by Tim Kawakami!
over 1 year ago
Poor Man's Commish
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Lacob is a sharp cookie
for the most part, I think pretty much every GSOM fan will agree with everything he said in that interview.
I was appalled...
that Lacob said he would trade Curry or Ellis for Carmelo. That makes him sound like Prokhorov in trying to make a splash or impress others. I guess Lacob prefers a bigger front line. It seems short sighted to me when you compare it to what the Knicks are saying. They’re saying they could pass on Carmelo if the price is too high. They’ll take a chance on Melo being available through free agency. Instead, the Knicks could try to get Deron Williams or Chris Paul and Dwight Howard. Now, I’d deal Curry or Monta for DWill or CP3. We’re at about the same level as the Knicks, but somehow they hold a big edge in getting free agents and making deals. We have to be more like the Giants I think. Hmm… on second thought, after all the years I knocked Sabean (Sabean kinda got “lucky” signing players like Huff, Ross to go along with Uribe), I wouldn’t mind being like A’s with Billy Beane, with the condition he gets money to “re-sign” the stud players.
"Go ahead. Make my day."
what i'd like more
is for W’s to be like Giants in terms of winning. If we’d get Baron back we’d even have the beard. The Freak[Monta] is here.. Curry is our Posey, I guess Beans can be Pablo[coz they were/are both in sort of a slump] and so on and on. Championship PLEASE! LOL
THE SKY! THE SKY IS FALLING!
by chickenlittle on Jan 21, 2011 12:55 PM PST up reply actions
I was appalled... that Lacob said he would trade Curry or Ellis for Carmelo.
I dont remember reading that he said he would make that trade. I remember him saying:
Does that mean that Curry would be traded, or more likely to be traded than Ellis? Not necessarily. It really depends… this is all dependent on what you’re going to get in return.
and
-Q: You think you could put together a deal that would satisfy Denver, though?
-LACOB: I don’t know for a fact if that’s true. They’re not clear. But we certainly… let’s put it this way, we think we have better assets to go after someone like him
Who and what the specifics are, is just us speculating.
by WestCoastWarrior on Jan 21, 2011 1:26 PM PST up reply actions
only thing he got wrong
-LACOB: He’s not in. So it’s hard to see it too negative here on Curry. Yeah, I’d like to see him do a little more. I think he’s capable of a little bit more. But hard to be too negative when right now there’s not a player from that draft that I think we’d trade him even-up for.
Uh, hello, Blake?
I’d assume by “from that draft,” he meant “among NBA sophomores.” He’s too smart not to see that Griffin’s in a different class from his contemporaries.
Heck, Griffin’s not just by far the best player in his draft class — he’s by far the best in the last three draft classes, imo.
There will be no extra point!
by Sleepy Freud on Jan 21, 2011 5:29 AM PST up reply actions
And what’s scary is how good that draft really is — Griffin, Tyreke, Curry, Lawson, Jennings, Holiday, DeRozan, Flynn (if he can recover from his injury), Collison. DAMN!
Flynn
Really? So far in his NBA career, Flynn’s been scary bad. I mean, one shouldn’t expect that much from a #6 pick, but one should expect a bit more than a 5’11" shooting guard who can’t shoot. Or rebound. Or take care of the ball.
There will be no extra point!
by Sleepy Freud on Jan 21, 2011 8:56 AM PST up reply actions
Haha
He should be a full time professional draft combine workout athlete… Oh, they don’t have those? Never mind.
by olympicmike on Jan 21, 2011 12:56 PM PST up reply actions
LOL!
would also be a great career for Randolph
He should be a full time professional draft combine workout athlete
"There’s no such thing as off the charts, just get a bigger piece of paper. If you can’t figure that out you shouldn’t be charting anything" - Skep
by Duby Dub Dubs on Jan 21, 2011 1:43 PM PST up reply actions
Going a step further
Heck, Griffin’s not just by far the best player in his draft class — he’s by far the best in the last three draft classes, imo.
Possibly top 3 players drafted since Lebron’s class. Howard, Durant and then I’d put Griffin. Sigh…. barring another Sterling messs up (always a strong possibility) looks like the Clippers are set to dominate the Pacific division after the Lakers reign ends. In 4 years Kobe, Gasol, Odom and co. will all be over the hill (possibly sooner), and Griffin, Gordon will be 25 with Jordan and Aminu young as well. Can we trade rosters?
don't worry too much about the Clippers
Blake is going to be out of there first chance he gets.
That team has the worst owner in the entire NBA….and it sucks to work for a boss who just doesn’t get it…this was Melo’s main complaint too (aside from the geography issue)
"There’s no such thing as off the charts, just get a bigger piece of paper. If you can’t figure that out you shouldn’t be charting anything" - Skep
by Duby Dub Dubs on Jan 21, 2011 10:25 AM PST up reply actions
Paul?
Thought I think Blake could get there.
That third guitar note you played just now was perfect, dogg. Maybe play it again a little later alright.
by Reverend_Randy on Jan 21, 2011 3:02 PM PST up reply actions
Ha, I saw that too. Clearly they forgot Blake was part of that draft. Kawakami missed it too when jokingly suggesting Rubio.
by Missing Barry on Jan 21, 2011 1:07 PM PST up reply actions
VERRRRRRRRRRRRRY interesting....
Well done Joe for being so upfront and honest. I like it.
Reading between the lines, there is a tonne of info to digest here…. my 2 cent analysis:
1: Riley/Rowell… Larry, unless he does things to really firk things up, I think he keeps his role, Robert Rowell….not so much. Not a single word of Praise for Rowell, again this is great to see. Clearly JL does not fall for any of the smarmy crap and snake oils salesman lines and see’s RR for what he is, an incompetent franchise president.
2: Trades – Clearly the team is making a lot of offers right now…my gut feeling is that the following players would be traded quite easily: Biedrins, Bell, Radmanovich (notice he talked up how hard it is to defend a 6’10 shooter… clever boy this Lacob), Williams, Gadz and possibly B-Wright. However…if the right deal was presented and a major trade was on the table, i.e. Carmelo, then I think we could see Ellis or Curry leave, but just by Monta’s comment the other day… I think it might be more likely to be Ellis. But clearly they want to make a GOOD trade before the deadline, if not, the summer will likely see the departure of Biedrins and many others.
3: Clearly JL has not been happy at the player health/training situation and I suspect the Warriors will have a full time Doc on staff in the very near future. He was clearly not happy at the David Lee injury on the road and how it was handled. All of which points to why Tom suddenly wanted to take a job elsewhere… (So alas Jae, I dont think my article had anything to do with it.). :(
4: The organisation….. it is fabulous to see an owner so ‘hands on’ in getting to understand how the machine is working and again, from his comments, it is quite clear he does not understand how parts of the machine are working at all. Not because he does not understand that section of the business, but more about why the organisation is doing what it is doing…again, would suggest the President is not doing his job properly to manage this.
5: Keith Smart – ‘Hey Keith…. pay attention to your owner sir….he just drop kicked you in the low hanging fruit’ When your owner makes a comment that he does not understand your rotations and then highlights how ‘cerebral’ he is with many different rotations and trying lots of things…what he is actually saying is…‘Son…my NBA team is not your training ground, don’t over complicate things…keep it simple stupid.’ Unless Keith has a rapid change in style or an incredible run of results… this summer it will be bye-bye, for Keith.
6: Finally…. the organisation and team you see today… WILL NOT be the team you see start next year. He makes it clear he is prepared to go into the Lux tax if need be and he made it clear he is not interested in long term…he wants short term changes and he wants them now… but he is sensible enough not to blow up the team mid-season, unless something very special is available.
Overall….how can any Warrior fan not be encouraged by this?? I have a very, VERY good feeling about this guy and our franchise and as the phrase goes with a little tweak…
“In Lacob we trust!”
A great read.
Its a new dawn...its a new day...its a new owner ....for us!!!!! and I'm FEELING GOOD!!!!!!
One interesting thing if you read about the trainer situation -
- can’t remember if it was in TK’s interview or Steimetz’s, but basically Tom Abdenour got the job offer came to them and said, “Should I take it?” and they said, “yes.”
He was probably due to get fired in not too long, that’s what that tells me.
but just by Monta’s comment the other day… I think it might be more likely to be Ellis.
Which comments?
I bet he is referrring to
“I’m a Warrior till we part ways” or something like that
"There’s no such thing as off the charts, just get a bigger piece of paper. If you can’t figure that out you shouldn’t be charting anything" - Skep
by Duby Dub Dubs on Jan 21, 2011 10:33 AM PST up reply actions
When did he say that?
And thats just usually how he talks, when he first resigned he said a Warrior until my contract runs out then we’ll see what happens. It’s like me saying I’m in the USA until I leave it. Too vague
"There is nothing like a wise phrase or quote to help convince others that your decision makes sense." - Anon
"If you're ever in a fair fight, then your tactics suck." ಠ_ಠ
I wouldn’t read too much into it. He isn’t especially eloquent and it’s totally obvious.
That third guitar note you played just now was perfect, dogg. Maybe play it again a little later alright.
by Reverend_Randy on Jan 21, 2011 3:03 PM PST up reply actions
exactly, do not read much into that statement
It’s like me saying I’m in the USA until I leave it. Too vague
too vague…or maaaybe Monta is hella deep. You know, like he thinks about this stuff and just has a really Zen attitude. Deep like a submarine, baby!
"There’s no such thing as off the charts, just get a bigger piece of paper. If you can’t figure that out you shouldn’t be charting anything" - Skep
by Duby Dub Dubs on Jan 21, 2011 4:36 PM PST up reply actions
Curious why you think Rowell is so incompetent? Clearly his forays into the basketball side of things were a disaster, but at this point, that’s not his job. Is there a good reason to think he’s bad at the operations side of the franchise? In the other interview Lacob specifically uses Rowell as an example of a situation where just looking at the bottom line (basketball success in this case, I think) and concluding he’s done a bad job isn’t accurate….
For #6 I read it a little differently. I agree he’s prepared to make moves, but also remember everything he said about the uncertainty with the CBA. I could definitely see this team staying mostly the same for next year because of that uncertainty.
by Missing Barry on Jan 21, 2011 1:13 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
I could definitely see this team staying mostly the same for next year
I think you are right
we like the team we have right now. I think we have a lot of good pieces. You know, would we transform it pretty drastically if we got a transformative player in return? We would, if it made sense for us.
But if that doesn’t occur, and that is the likelihood, then we’re pretty darn happy working more incrementally. Maybe we pick up a piece that isn’t transformative, but that gets us incrementally better. And then we go into the off-season and we yet again got incrementally—hopefully substantially incrementally—better.
by WestCoastWarrior on Jan 21, 2011 1:30 PM PST up reply actions
GREAT READ!
BritWarriorGSW – agree with most points, but I wouldn’t read into Monta’s comments the other day – he’s not super articulate, was at a loss for words and it just came out awkward. Monta is extremely loyal and wants to be the face of this team when it turns around. Lacob comments shows that while no one is untouchable, he is happy with Monta.
TK can be infuriating at times but you gotta love the way he wasn’t afraid to ask tough questions and Lacob, I mean, wow – this guy has high expectations – something we have not had since the RUN-TMC days.
Couple inferences that may or not be off base –
If we aren’t in the playoffs or at least close to being an 8 seed at season’s end – Smart is gone, he may be gone regardless if Lacob has a big name coach lined up on the DL.
Lacob is clearly concerned with our post play – not happy with Beans and probably not crazy about Lee has brought. Lee’s contract is too tough to move and he would be doing better with a consistent center that can cover up Lee’s defensive struggles. Gotta think that when Lacob said three free agents who can really help us coming in the off season – Kendrick Perkins, Joakim Noah, Tyson Chandler, Marc Gasol, Nene (all restricted or unrestricted) have to be one of the names he is going to go after.
In terms of defensive help and depth – guys like Keith Bogans, Matt Barnes, Carl Landry, Marcus Banks and AK-47 are all free agents who coulld give us both defense and depth.
Notice how Lacob kept saying we have a lot of nice people and a nice atmosphere – I wonder if the Celtics had that when they were winning. Niceness makes for a great place to work but it may also lead to complacency – and Lacob is not complacent. I think he is going to want to bring in a coach who will stir up the pot some (George Karl? Van Gundy) Guys who know how to get the most out of players and know what it takes to build a winning team. Too much niceness on Warriors these days.
He really thinks highly of the talent on the team, and he should – he knows we are a good coach and good center and some depth away from being a playoff team. Much like many here have pointed out.
Guys who know how to get the most out of players and know what it takes to build a winning team. Too much niceness on Warriors these days.
I say it every chance I get, Bill Laimbeer.
by samuraaaaiiiiiii on Jan 21, 2011 2:21 PM PST up reply actions
he would start off his first day
by face palming Beans and telling him to man up
but yeah, our front line could use a little more of this (attitude that is; I do not advocate this technique for boxing out)
"There’s no such thing as off the charts, just get a bigger piece of paper. If you can’t figure that out you shouldn’t be charting anything" - Skep
by Duby Dub Dubs on Jan 21, 2011 4:38 PM PST up reply actions
I see David Lee shove and push when he can, but the rules these days would never allow play like back in the day.
by Doctor Kajita on Jan 21, 2011 4:46 PM PST up reply actions
That being said, it’d be nice to see a little toughness, especially on the offensive end.
Ehem, Biedrins needs to start initiating contact. As well as Monta and D. Wright.
Well, the whole team!
by Doctor Kajita on Jan 21, 2011 4:47 PM PST up reply actions
yeah, I know it is a good long-term plan to see Beans get to the line more often…just not sure I am ready to see that happen
Shaq never seemed bother by his FT ineptitude, maybe Beans should talk to him?
"There’s no such thing as off the charts, just get a bigger piece of paper. If you can’t figure that out you shouldn’t be charting anything" - Skep
by Duby Dub Dubs on Jan 21, 2011 4:56 PM PST up reply actions
Shaq never seemed bother by his FT ineptitude, maybe Beans should talk to him?
Haha, what’s Shaq gonna tell him? Gain 200 pounds and some ShaqDadditude?
Lights please, lights please, turn off the lights.
by Skeptic con Urquell on Jan 21, 2011 6:32 PM PST up reply actions
Yeah, the whole team. We’re so much worse than every other team at getting to the FT line it’s brutal.
by Missing Barry on Jan 22, 2011 7:44 AM PST up reply actions
our front line could use a little more of this (attitude that is; I do not advocate this technique for boxing out)
haha, couldn’t happen to a more deserving guy.
Lights please, lights please, turn off the lights.
by Skeptic con Urquell on Jan 21, 2011 6:28 PM PST up reply actions
Excellent interview by Tim Kawakami!
Words you don’t expect to see.
Good piece though. Very un-Kawakami
Kawakami respects Lacob
Lacob now has to show he can make the changes to really deserve it though.
More like, Kawakami wants access
He’s not trying to burn another bridge. I’m surprised Lacob sat down with Kawakami though, of all bay area writers. I would expect someone like Ray Ratto (even if he isn’t with Bay area news group or chronicle anymore) to get the interview.
Kawakami has been a big warrior critic
So targeting him makes sense
Kawakami’s problem is he loves to say stuff just to provoke a reaction, or drop random rumors that have no basis in reality and may or may not make any sense at all. He’s not bad when he’s doing actual reporting, like he is here….
by Missing Barry on Jan 21, 2011 1:14 PM PST up reply actions
Not to sound contrarian, but is it actually good for the team to have an owner that’s this candid with the media? It’s great for us — Lord knows this is a refreshing change from the Cohan days — but it seems to me that Lacob just tossed a couple dozen potential little distractions at a team that’s trying to go on a run.
Golden State Worriers: Angst & Analysis
it seems to me that Lacob just tossed a couple dozen potential little distractions at a team that’s trying to go on a run.
naw, they will like the fact that they know exactly where they stand since it’s public knowledge. The truth will set you free.
Lights please, lights please, turn off the lights.
by Skeptic con Urquell on Jan 21, 2011 10:22 AM PST up reply actions
Great point
I worry about the same thing.
That said, at the moment it is good. Considering the general image of the Warriors around the league, Lacob’s eagerness and aggressiveness to want to become a winner is needed, to show a change in culture, to show these aren’t the same old Warriors.
Also, he’s PR savvy enough to not throw players under the bus. That’s my biggest fear.
It's not like he dropped any bombs
Beidrens needs to start getting to the line more, but he has been sucking at FTs…Smart’s rotations are all over the place….we need to get a really, really good player, and to do that, we will almost certainly need to give up one (at least) of our core players
"There’s no such thing as off the charts, just get a bigger piece of paper. If you can’t figure that out you shouldn’t be charting anything" - Skep
by Duby Dub Dubs on Jan 21, 2011 10:36 AM PST up reply actions
If Lacob reads GSOM...
Trade idea!
A player the Warriors could get and is intriguing is Troy Murphy. The Nets will deal him for an expiring with potential. We got Gadz or Vlad who is an expiring and Brandan Wright. Perhaps two players like that could get us a dub-dub machine in Murphy. We can re-sign him for less if he works out. He would be like a more dependable Vlad. I can see him playing some backup C, too.
"Go ahead. Make my day."
the only part I agree with is this
He would be like a more dependable Vlad
but that’s not saying a whole lot
"There’s no such thing as off the charts, just get a bigger piece of paper. If you can’t figure that out you shouldn’t be charting anything" - Skep
by Duby Dub Dubs on Jan 21, 2011 4:39 PM PST up reply actions
no Troy murphy
what are you thinking?
by Anonymous1337 on Jan 21, 2011 1:43 PM PST via mobile reply actions
"What about the Luxury tax"?
Irrelevant.
Goal: 8 seed!
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