Rumor: Jason Richardson + #18 pick to Grizzlies, Celtics or Bobcats

by Atma Brother ONE on Jun 14, 2007 9:22 AM PDT in Rumors Comment 51 comments

ESPN's Chad Ford is in Italy at the Reebok Eurocamp and has the scoop on the Golden State Warriors including Kosta Perovic, Don Nelson's frightening possible retirement, Mickael Pietrus resigning, and the Warriors looking to move Jason Richardson:

Warriors GM Chris Mullin showed up at the camp Monday. He's been in Serbia talking with last year's second-round pick, Kosta Perovic, about playing for the Warriors next season.

The Warriors have a full contingent of people here, with Baron Davis and Mickael Pietrus also showing up to talk to kids at the camp.

Pietrus said he's looking forward to testing the free agent waters this summer. He enjoyed playing for Don Nelson this year, saying it was "the most fun I've ever had playing basketball." But Pietrus said he's very concerned that Nelson will retire this summer -- a belief that several well-placed sources in the gym also held.

"I want to go to a place where I know I have a role and where I can improve my game," Pietrus said.

The Warriors, however, may want to hang on to him. Pietrus could play a bigger role in Golden State in the future. The talk here in Italy is that the Warriors are trying to move Jason Richardson and the No. 16 pick to move up higher into the draft to grab Yi Jianlian. Their targeted trade partners appear to be the Grizzlies (for Stromile Swift, Damon Stoudamire and the No. 4 pick), the Celtics (for Theo Ratliff and the No. 5) and the Bobcats.

Anyone think Kosta Perovic will be on the Warriors next season? I just hope he lives up to his nickname "Kosta Coast" at least once with the Dubs.

The thought of Nellie leaving the Warriors is more frightening than anything imaginable, so let's pretend MP2 never said he was worried about that.

Obviously the most intriguing part of Ford's notes on the Warriors are the rumored trade scenarios using fan favorite Jason Richardson to move up and grab Yi. I personally started The Yi Movement here at GSoM, but I wouldn't do any of those trades with the Grizzlies, Celtics, or Bobcats. In addition to getting Yi, the main goal of those scenarios seems to be to dump JRich's remaining $50+ million to open up some cap room which is a foolish move in itself. You don't create cap room by getting rid of guys like JRich. You create cap room so that you can get guys like JRich. Again, swap Monta Ellis for JRich in these trade scenarios and it makes sense basketball wise.

I'm worried that the Warriors might be getting too caught up in trying to open up cap space to resign Monta Ellis and Andris Biedrins neither of whom will ever be superstars or 1st or 2nd options on a contending ballclub. Monta will never be as good as JRich and Biedrins will most likely be a very flawed big man even in his prime. What does it tell you when neither of these players alone would be able to net you a top 7 and maybe not even a 10 selection in this year's draft? Their upsides are vastly overrated by many folks in Warriors Nation.

Would you do any of these trades with the Grizzlies, Celtics, or Bobcats? Post some scenarios in the comments section using ESPN's Trade Machine.

99% of rumors never happen, but 99% of them are fun to talk about!

More on Yi to the Warriors from around the web:

Yi Jianlian and the Warriors: You can’t always get what you want [Talking Points with Tim Kawakami

I've talked to a few NBA sources and thought about this one for a week... And... hate to say it... but...
For all the interesting pieces to the Yi-to-Warriors scenario, there are probably too many barriers in the way, not the least being the simple fact that the Warriors don't have enough ammunition to feasibly move up into the top 7 or 8,and I think that's where they have to get to.
Yi the X-factor in jackpot draft [People's Daily Online]
The more intriguing rumor, however, is that Golden State Warriors will trade up to get Yi. Under Don Nelson the Warriors play a free-wheeling offensive game that would suit Yi perfectly. The team is loaded with talent in a backcourt led by Jason Richardson and Baron Davis, but the team sorely lacks an athletic, scoring power forward.
In addition to this, the Bay Area is home to the biggest Chinese population in the US. The time difference across the Pacific means home games will be screened in China in the late morning, whereas if he went to the Eastern Conference home games are often prohibitively early.
NBA DRAFT: China’s star-in-waiting Next Big Thing to hit pro game? Yi Jianlian rated 3rd-best prospect [SFGate]
Warriors special assistant Mitch Richmond saw Yi practice during a session for Chinese media, and a larger contingent from Golden State could be on its way should the Warriors explore the possibility of trading up.
Warriors Want To Move Up [CelticsBlog]: Check out what Celtics' fans think about Jason Richardson.

The Yi Movement continues...

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Another link for the movement

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/06/12/SPG55QDQ7E1.DTL

Nice article by Janny Hu about Yi.

by ThermoElectro on Jun 14, 2007 9:53 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

why

why is that we think moving out a more proven player like jrich just to grab a lotterypick who has not been proven, yi? if we just cant get yi without losiong too much then it should be kept that way. these core of guys did reach the play offs why cant we do it again?

by bun on Jun 14, 2007 10:07 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

If Nelson retires.........

I think we are in bad shape. The reason this team works is because of Nelson and the way he handles our players. Without him I dont see us making any noise in the West

by dallaswarrior on Jun 14, 2007 10:09 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Monta>Rich

I'ld take monta - already 1st in the league in fast break points just 1 year out of HS. He is also a better ball handler and defensive player. JRich is much better 3 point shooter, but that is about all.

by bol on Jun 14, 2007 10:12 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

the ceiling is high with monta

i'm telling ya, jrich should have opted for surgery way before the season started. because, now he is clearly expendable at this point in his career with Monta, MP2, Barnes and SJax filling up the 2-3. i don't think nellie believes in him getting much better at the line or on defense.

granted, i would have liked to have seen monta kept up his dominance late last season and in the playoffs. he seemed to pout being demoted after the return of bdiddy and jrich. he gives me pause, but overwhelmingly, he looked like a future Iverson. dominating quickness and midrange game. capable of running the point and finishing strong.

we all know what jrich has done and can do. the celtics can turn it around fast next year with jrich. boston will love the guy's heart, and i'm sure he'll regain his aggressiveness to the hoop and improve at the line with a change of scenery (something about the warriors' FT% is cursed). yi seems more and more like a can't miss, especially if he can come to a place like oakland to show off what he can do for a guy like nellie.

want insurance that nellie will be back next year? draft yi.

by eshock on Jun 14, 2007 10:33 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Memphis trade

That trade is awesome for the Warriors. Not only do we get rid of JRich's contract that locks up the cap room for the next 4 years, we also get a veteran backup point guard in Stoudamire, and a weak side defender/dunker in Swift. Because of the Bay Area though, we'd probably take Yi over Brandon Wright or Al Horford which I think is a big mistake. I really love Wright and his wingspan, and he's proven in college that he can run the court and post up when needed. He may be skinny, but look at that wingspan.

Bottom line though, I don't see Memphis making that trade unless we give them Monta Ellis too. I can really only see Boston making a deal because Memphis is very thin at the 1 and 2, and would rather fill both positions rather than one.

by Mdawg851 on Jun 14, 2007 11:08 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

ATMA

Come on, Atma. Both Biedrins and Monta have potential to be great players. Yes, J-rich was great for us in his years here, but since his injury, dude was only a shooter after that. When his game was on, he was great. When it wasn't, he couldn't really help the team. His D is suspect, and his play is very much overrated. How can u say that Monta and Biedrins won't become superstars?

Monta, in really his rookie year since Montgomery played Calbert Cheaney's ass, became the Most Improved Player. He led the league in fast break points. Does he have things to improve upon? Of course, but for a 22 year old, the sky's the limit. You can't really say he won't become a superstar. From what I remember, your boy J-rich couldn't hit a three in his first couple years as a W. Now, he's primarily a three point shooter.

Biedrins, on the other hand, was 3rd in the league in field goal percentage with .599. He also averaged 9.5 rebounds, good for 10th in the league! He also was 13th in blocks with 136! He has improved his game each and every year. Dude can ball with the best of them with his blocks and rebounds. How many centers are actually better than him really? Cause I can name only a few True Centers. This kid, for his age and potential, will become a very good basketball player. I think he can become a Ben Wallace with some offense some day. Would u say that Ben Wallace is a great player Atma?

Come on man, I got love for J-rich too. But it's time to move on. Monta and Biedrins will be here for a long time, like it or not. You'll be eating your words next year, when these two will take us to the promised land. One

by illmaticwarrior on Jun 14, 2007 11:12 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Pros and cons of Ellis

Ellis has amazing potential, but some of his drawbacks are areas where he's unlikely to improve. He can score, certainly, and usually shows both good judgement and the ability to get himself open looks. There's no doubt that on the offensive end he's good and likely to get better. He does turn the ball over too much, but that can be improved.

But that's half the game. I expect him to improve on the turnovers, but he's short in one other critical area. As tenacious as he can be on D (and was as a rookie--he seemed less tenacious much of last year) he's not a good rebounder. No, wait, he's a terrible rebounder. No, he doesn't play a position where it's the largest premium, but in terms of what it means to the team, a rebound is a rebound. Having below average rebounders at any position hurts the team. This is an area where he's not likely to improve substantially (or so analysis of other players suggest--rebounding ability seems to be something that is less volatile than scoring ability) and an area where Richardson is a big help. Even with the knee injury, Richardson was as effective a rebounder as he'd been in the past.

There are reasons that the team had a better +/- with Richardson than Monta, and I suspect that the ability to grab rebounds is part of it. It's an under appreciated part of it when actually looking at what separates winning teams from collections of scoring talent. But if you don't get the ball back after a missed shot, your defense goes unrewarded and all your scorers won't have a chance.

by jae on Jun 14, 2007 11:32 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Monta is

an average to above average rebounder for a guard, especially at his size. He averaged the same amount of rebounds per game as Raja Bell, Ben Gordon, Luther Head. He averaged more rpg than Jason Terry, Allen Iverson, Marbury, Barbosa, Harris, etc. He just isn't a great rebounder for the guard spot which Richardson is. If you are able to get more rebounding from the bigs you get in the Richardson trade, however, makes Monta's rebounding less of a worry. Monta is young and cheap but he has more upside than J-Rich because of his playmaking ability. What we get out of J-Rich, other than the intensity, is what we should be getting from our SF.

by yehyeh82 on Jun 14, 2007 1:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Monta is below average.

Monta's an above average rebounder for a guard? What!?! What is this based on? It's certainly not based on his past propensity to not grab rebounds or actually knowing what the average rebound rate of a guard is. Listing a bunch of other guards who are also below average rebounders doesn't wash. Monta was a below average rebounder.

The average rebounds per minute for all 2-guards last year was 0.12 rebounds per minute. For point guards, the figure was 0.097 rebounds per minute. Monta grabbed 0.092 rebounds a minute. Even if you consider him a point guard, it's below average.

by jae on Jun 15, 2007 1:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

whaaaat?

Atma, Atma, Atma. I was shocked you just said that. The kids finally play an entire season and are BOTH in the running for most improved player, and you're just like eff em. Lets get rid of these kids. And why? Because you're willing to gamble that they won't improve much more? That's not enough for me, pimp. I think the ceiling is high on these kids. Especially Beidrins. Maybe if these kids were both 5 years older, I'd pull the trigger. Not now though, hell no. Especially not for Yi.

http://westcoastbiased.blogspot.com

by coma on Jun 14, 2007 12:00 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

damon stoudemire!

if mighty mouse could stay healthy, we could use some shooting and handles that could spell Davis or even team them up together. I think its a pretty good deal. I do it.

by dj fuzzylogic on Jun 14, 2007 12:10 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

A Mentioned but Overlooked Aspect

I keep thinking about Nellie's pronouncement about possibly retiring. I didn't think that was about mo money as much as influence. I don't think Nellie has anywhere the love for J-Rich as Warrior Nation and certainly not as much as Mully. So I'm wondering if the potential trade of J-Rich, either to try to specifically get Yi, move up in general, or to fill a major unmet need of our team, will be one of the most deciding factors in making up Nellie's mind. I think it will put Mully in a very difficult position because of his loyalty to J-Rich. However, it was Nelly who, IMHO, clearly saved Mully's job with finally pushing DunMurphy out and then recontructing the team after the trade.

Personally, I would trade Richardson to move up or get a coveted trade if it is out there for us to grab. But I would not throw in Monta, even to move up to 5. Maybe to 3; but I'm not sure what Nelly thinks of Yi or how much he might want him. Yi might be too much of a project to help the team win now before Portland, for instance, gets really dominant as their young talent matures and gels. If Nelly doesn't retire, his coaching tenure is certainly limited to a couple more years at most.

If Nellie wants Monta and AB to get extensions over the summer, and, for instance, wants to sign Barnes to a new contract, then I think moving J-Rich is a vital part of that overall strategy. I think a lot of what will transpire will depend on what Nellie wants.

by commish on Jun 14, 2007 12:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

This sounds scarily like...

I can't shake the feeling that this is just like when we traded Mitch Richmond for Billy Owens. You take a proven player (although at a position where your are stacked) and trade it for a prospect in a position you need. It didn't work out terribly well last time.

by BBigJ on Jun 14, 2007 12:26 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Not so bad

Within a couple of years we had Spree putting up all nba stats while playing better defense and distributing the ball. ---Now only if he hadn't choked the coach. I think nelson wants everyone to be able to handle the ball and make good passes - ala BDavis, Jackson. Ellis fits that more than Rich.

by bol on Jun 14, 2007 1:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The future

I know the future is a dreaded thought in Warriorland, as it seems we are ALWAYS talking about the future. But unless you think that this team, AS CONSTRUCTED, can win a championship, then future is what we are talking. And by that I mean, Monta, Beidrins, and Yi. Sure its not Odgen. Or Durant, But those three together is a just as great. We have the 3 hardest things to fill. Point Guard, Center, and Power Forward. I love JRICH, but he will never be any better than he is. Or than what we have already seen. Monta at times looked unbelievable. Like Iverson. Beidrins blocks everything, & has great hands. And if Yi is as good as advertised, that is a hell of a future to compete against those young teams in the West. PLUS we still can have a few more years with Baron and our kids learning in a playoff atmosphere. I want a championship and I think that it will be Monta leading the way. Cause unless Garnett is coming without giving up our entire team, I just dont see us beating Phoenix, San Antonio, or soon Denver.

Unfortunately, I think the lottery MADE us think of the future. Cause the WEST is going to continue to dominate. Luckily we already have two gems. I would hate to see them go blossum elsewhere. Lets leave that in the past.

by Grandma on Jun 14, 2007 12:31 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

"Their upsides

are vastly overrated by many folks in Warriors Nation"

Yeah I mean this Yi character seems like he could be a pretty solid player but there's an awful lot of hype 'round these parts for a dude that projects to be a poor man's Yao, an above average big man with nice inside moves, a soft touch, and good agility around the basket, but not really anything superstar-like, kinda, sorta like Biedrins.

What's that? You weren't talking about The Glorious Movement Of Yi Which Isn't Discussed Nearly Enough Here? My bad.

(spoken partly in jest. i'm down with yi too, just not quite as much as you guys.)

Re: Ellis and Biedrins. I think Andris has better upside, only because quality big men are so rare, whereas quality scoring guards really aren't so much. I'd be fine with parting with Ellis if it could net us Yi. (Really, JRich is probably worth it too, but I have much love for JRich as a guy who's clearly put a lot of himself into this franchise and actually cares about the health of the franchise and its fans. I want him to be a career Warrior.)

by jonathan on Jun 14, 2007 12:36 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

i

would do the trade with memphis.

by gizardwizzlizard on Jun 14, 2007 1:10 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

werd

This whole trading J-Rich is truely driving me up a wall. He is so great. He's the definition of a Warrior. I feel like everyone here is begging to trade him but the second he's gone there's going to be a gaping hole in Warrior nation. Screw that noise. He should not be on the block, dammit.

http://westcoastbiased.blogspot.com

by coma on Jun 14, 2007 1:22 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

werd

truly*

http://westcoastbiased.blogspot.com

by coma on Jun 14, 2007 1:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The more I think about it the more I think we need

to keep JR

by dallaswarrior on Jun 14, 2007 1:52 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Mullin's #1 priority

If i'm Mullin, I'm going to do everything in my power to influence Coach Don Nelson to stay, whether it's making a trade or resigning certain players or whatever.

Nelson is the biggest reason why our playoff drought ended, hands down.

by jlagace on Jun 14, 2007 1:58 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Why should we go back into rebuilding mode?

I just can't understand this mentality. We just had our best season in more than a decade, beat the best team in the NBA in the first round, have an opportunity to bring almost everyone back plus add a couple pieces via the draft--any everybody wants to blow this team up! Just because a bunch of teams in the West improved, we're suddenly a bottom-dweller again? Did we trade for Murphleavy again and I didn't hear about it?

None of the experts seem to think Yi is NBA-ready. So.. wouldn't trading away an established, almost-All-Star veteran take us a huge step back next year?

If we trade for Yi's draft rights, I think it's clear that Harrington has to be part of the trade. If Yi really is the Answer (sorry AI), he'd probably need those minutes. And you can't trade two veteran starters to get that draft pick.

If trading JRich, or anybody for that matter, improves the team in the near future (next season dammit--no more rebuilding!), I'm all for it. But this isn't YiBron JiangJames.

by ffgolden on Jun 14, 2007 2:26 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I do the deal

If we can get Damon, and Swift and free up the cash, I do it. I love JRich, but his injury has caused him to be more ground based. I miss the JRich of old, to the rack and if he didn't dunk on you he got to the line. Where is that intensity? That desire? JRich should be more than a jump shooter period. If I'm Mully and Co. I carefully study Yi and let Nelson make the call, he's the guru. Sure he made a mistake with Billy O. but who hasn't made a mistake. Nellie has had more successes than failures, and has forgotten more about basketball than any of us will ever learn. If Nellie stays and wants to do the deal, I'm riding with The Don!

by goldenstatefan on Jun 14, 2007 2:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's

Not rebuilding. The team just overplayed their potential! They had a very lucky season, just making it to the playoffs. Yi will give us a low post presence and any of the deals with the Celtics or Grizz will help us financially and on the court. J-Rich isn't that great of a player now, because of his injurys and his overrated dunking! (They are impressive, but it doesnt make a superstar) Dealing J-Rich will only improve the team and hopefully land us within the top 5 teams in the Western Conference!

"Intensity, Integrity, Intelligence" - Kurt Angle

by ballin on Jun 14, 2007 3:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

One year of injury

You both make it sound like this injured year has ruined him forever. But let's remember a few things: one, this wasn't just one injury that held him back; he had knee surgery (the thing you jump off of) and a broken hand (the thing you dribble with). We have yet to see if these two injuries are going to turn him into purely a jump-shooter, but you have to at least give him some time to prove that he can be the JR of old.

And Ballin, I agree that the Warriors were lucky to make the playoffs--I mean, with Murphleavy holding it down for more than half the season, they were lucky to have even 15 wins by February! But when everyone was healthy during their playoff run, they rolled. They weren't just lucky, they were downright impressive. I don't think their Dallas series win was luck either.

BTW, Yi is a perimeter-oriented big man, not a "low post presence". He's tall and long, so I think he'll be helpful, but I doubt he'll be a great post player for at least a couple years. He doesn't exactly have Greg Oden's physique.

by ffgolden on Jun 14, 2007 4:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like any of the deals!

We get to unload J-Rich's contract and recieve Yi! Also, in all the trade scenarios we get a pretty good backup player. Like Theo, who can rebound and get some blocks. And Damon who can pop the 3 on a nightly basis and backup Baron! I think its time to get rid of J-Rich while we have the chance because its time for Monta to develop and for him to do that he needs J-Rich to be moved. Monta will be something special!

J-Rich's game has become to predictable now since all he does is shoot threes! Its easy to find a guy who pops threes only! And he isnt that great of a player in my mind ( you can disagree) because I think his dunking makes him overrated. Dunkers for some reason are considered more as superstars! In example Josh Smith who is a high flyer, but isnt really that great elsewhere in his game. I say if the Warriors get a chance take the deal and fufill the MOVEMENT!

"Intensity, Integrity, Intelligence" - Kurt Angle

by ballin on Jun 14, 2007 3:27 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Bad example

Josh Smith comes close to 9 boards and 3 blocks a game too.

by jlagace on Jun 14, 2007 4:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Mullin isn't Asian

Therefore, he will not make any trades to get Yi. We don't have any idea how this guy compares to players in this draft class or the NBA. Until I hear a report saying he dominated Joakim Noah (not saying much) one on one, I wouldn't trade squat for him. For all we know we're getting a China man with a jump shot and quickness. That's not saying much, when we'd give up a 20+/5/5 guy a game for a prospect who I can't see him doing anymore than staying in foul trouble.

As much as I'd love to move JRich's contract, I think we should only do it if we're getting a proven player in return rather than a higher draft pick. None of the big men are going to come in and help immediately unless they are as talented as Amare was his rookie year, where all he did was get alley-oops, box out, and jump higher than everyone else. Big men take a while to develop and what makes everyone think that Yi is going to develop faster than any other big man and contribute early?

by Mdawg851 on Jun 14, 2007 3:53 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Mullin isn't black either

I guess that limits us to going after pasty-white Irish Americans. Maybe we make a bold move to reacquire Troy Murphy and Bill Curley?

by Sleepy Freud on Jun 14, 2007 4:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You have to agree

On the fact that having a large Asian population in the Bay Area is making us biased toward Yi than either Horford or Wright. At least we saw both Horford and Wright play against Greg Oden and the rest of the college class. Yi on the other hand, all we get to see is a few youtube clips of him dunking against way below average basketball players in China. I mean Yao Ming is 7'6 and has a sweet shot, but he's not exactly the best defensive player (Carlos Boozer raped him). Yi's strengths are that he's quick, has decent handles, and can shoot. We read about this but we have yet to see him do any of this against great talent. If the Bay Area didn't have a large Asian population, like say Boston, then we wouldn't be as high as we are on Yi.

You just have to recognize the fact that because (I'm assuming) most of us are of Asian decent, we favor Yi because there aren't too many Chinese basketball players in the NBA. I just don't see why we should give up proven talent for a prospect that will be a crowd favorite even if he sucks for 3 years. Forget moving up in the draft, and focus on making a small move or a big one involving JRich. I would do the Memphis trade though just because it makes more sense for both sides since we get 2 immediate players that can easily spell our starters, rather than an expiring contract in Theo Ratliff.

by Mdawg851 on Jun 14, 2007 5:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Um, no

I don't have to agree to anything.

First of all, you're way off base with your Boston comment. Metro Boston's Asian population is one of the fastest growing in the country, increasing 70% in the last decade. Asians in the Boston area now total a quarter million, roughly the same number as in San Francisco.

Secondly, why do you lump together all Asians? I wouldn't think my Japanese and Taiwanese friends would have any special fondness for Yi just because he happens to come from their country's (historically) bitterest enemy. Nor would I imagine Atma Bro, being Indian, would have any particular preference for Yi over, say, an African-American player. Or maybe he would -- ask him. Bottom line: unless someone flat out says they're biased towards Yi just because he's Asian, it's presumptuous and lame of you to infer it.

You have to recognize that Yi is no less "proven" than LeBron James was when he entered the league; and that what Boozer did to Yao has absolutely nothing to do with Yi. Your arguments would be a lot more convincing if you got off the Asian thing and judged him on his merits as a basketball player.

by Sleepy Freud on Jun 14, 2007 5:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sleepy dropping science!

I gotta give you some serious props for those words man.

What people fail to realize is the Bay Area has a large Black, Latino, South Asian, Southeast Asian, and even white population as well as an East Asian one. Clumping the East Asians as one group with one preference is making a huge mistake too. That would be just ignorant.

Regardless of the color lines, we ALL root for the Dubs. Anyone who throws on that jersey (well, except for Mike Dunleavy) gets love. Give us a balla with a smile and we're all happy. If he's got some Black/Brown/Yellow flava that's just bonus points.

Also, quick question-

Asians in the Boston area now total a quarter million, roughly the same number as in San Francisco.

That's just SF, not the entire Bay Area right?

by Atma Brother ONE on Jun 14, 2007 6:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, just SF

Factor in the whole Bay Area -- San Jose, Daly City, Fremont, etc. -- and it's got to be 4-5 times that (I don't have time to hunt down the exact total). California as a whole has over 3 million Asians, broadly defined. Just pointing out that places like Boston and Chicago are a lot more diverse than people give them credit for. A big pdf file if anyone's interested: www.census.gov/prod/2002pubs/c2kbr01-16.pdf

I'm still convinced there's anything to all rumors (and I still kind of prefer Noah, from what I've seen), but if Nellie and Mullin love the guy enough to sacrifice JRich for him, that will say a lot to me. We can be pretty sure race is the absolute last thing on their minds.

by Sleepy Freud on Jun 14, 2007 7:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

i don't get it...

you're assuming U.S. college level talent of almost ALL conferences are superior to Chinese professional leagues. To say that Noah and Wright played against Oden is one thing, but that's immediately lauding Oden and his teammates and everyone else in college as equivalent as far as skill or that college is the equivalent to the NBA. Chinese basketball leagues obviously don't compare to NBA talent or perhaps SOME euro leagues, but your giving US college ball too much credit.

by dj fuzzylogic on Jun 14, 2007 6:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hmm

I been posting on here for a minute now...and, this is the first article I wasent feeling. To say Monta and Beans will never be superstars, and then to turn around and back up JRICH who STILL isnt a superstar after all these years, is out of line. Dont get me wrong, JRICH IS A WARRIOR in all means. He is the defenition of Warrior. But at the same time, he hasent even become an ALL STAR yet...and he has been around for awhile. Monta is obviouslly improving as is Beans, and if anybody doesnt think for a minute that Monta and Beans wont be ALL STARS, they are tripping. West centers are so weak, Biendris is going to get in one day. And having won the MIP award, Ellis has ALLOT more shine, and one day, will also be an All Star. Im not saying I would trade JRICH for YI and whatever...but, I would definately pull the trigger on that trade, before I let Monta or Beans go.

By the way...I will go on record and say YI is going to be a bust. Sorry guys. I just saw a tape my friend had of one of his games, and I see a couple flaws that Nelson MIGHT be able to bring him out of...but who is to say Nelson is going to be here next year.

by gswrico on Jun 14, 2007 4:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Hahaha

To say Monta and Beans will never be superstars, and then to turn around and back up JRICH who STILL isnt a superstar after all these years, is out of line.

Haha, come on man. You can't be serious. You act like I called them bad names or something. I merely stated my projections for them. I root for Biedrins and Monta just like you, but I don't see their upsides as being All Stars.

There's nothing wrong with differing opinions here on GSoM- that's what makes it interesting.

by Atma Brother ONE on Jun 14, 2007 5:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Mullin isn't Latvian, Either

But somehow he realized the potential of one Eastern European teenager. Should he have taken a proven American player because no one had ever heard of Andrins or seen him play against NBA or Collegiate talent?

First of all, Mullin has seen Yi play. There must hours of film footage, not to mention, private workouts in L.A.

If your (Mdawg851) argument were remotely true, and adhered to by scouts/analysts in other sport such as baseball, there would be very few international players entering the game, as the people evaluating the talent are generally American.

by DBB on Jun 14, 2007 4:20 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Gotta say

how much i agree with you Atma on the JR and Monta thing. Monta gets way over-hyped and people act like he's the freaken 2nd coming. I like the kid and all, but i'm not even sold that he's going to be an allstar someday. As for JR, he isn't some loser you just dump for the heck of it. NONE of those trades are worth it. If i'm trading JR i better get a proven star, not just some scrubs and a pick.

I'm not the most knowledgeable person when it comes to Yi. I'd be interested to see him play for the W's, but i mos def wouldn't trade JR to get a perimeter-oriented big man who doesn't really rebound or have an inside game.

by dirrty on Jun 14, 2007 5:08 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

THANK YOU

Gotta say
how much i agree with you Atma on the JR and Monta thing. Monta gets way over-hyped and people act like he's the freaken 2nd coming. I like the kid and all, but i'm not even sold that he's going to be an allstar someday. As for JR, he isn't some loser you just dump for the heck of it.

by Atma Brother ONE on Jun 14, 2007 5:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

No need for a trade

i mean, if we can move up 2 spots to the 16 pick just by waiting, imagine where we will be in 13 days!

The talk here in Italy is that the Warriors are trying to move Jason Richardson and the No. 16 pick to move up higher into the draft to grab Yi Jianlian.

by llamalimbo1 on Jun 14, 2007 5:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

When Will

Tha craziness stop. J-Rich is goin 2 be a dominant player when he returns next year. I mean he was hurt all last year and still averaged like 15 ppg. Next year he will be healthy and I guarantee he will be better than he was 2 years ago. And im good at predicting things, cause I said tha warriors would make tha playoffs at tha beginning of tha year. Andris is a stud 2 quit talikin bout using him as trade bait, he is goin 2 be very dominant soon.

I love 2 tell tha truth, but I'm such a Good Liar

by JRichIsStillAGodButBiedrinsIsABeast on Jun 14, 2007 6:00 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

let's even up the playing field

the setting: 2006 Olympics

## SUMMARY GP-GS Min FG% 3PT% FT% R/G A/G STL BLK PTS/G
13 Ming Yao............ 6-1 32.5 .639 .000 .821 9.0 1.5 1 14 25.3
11 Jianlian Yi......... 6-0 17.7 .412 .000 .750 5.7 0.5 0 8 6.2
14 Elton Brand........ 9-4 157 17.4 29-54 .537 0-1 .000 22-33 .667 12 18 30 3.3 21 1 7 10 11 5 80 8.9
12 Dwight Howard...... 9-5 121 13.4 20-37 .541 0-0 .000 26-42 .619 17 25 42 4.7 16 0 0 1 12 3 66 7.3
11 Chris Bosh......... 8-0 108 13.5 17-26 .654 2-5 .400 18-28 .643 14 18 32 4.0 12 0 3 4 4 2 54 6.8
04 Pau Gasol........... 8-0 26.5 .631 .000 .667 9.4 1.4 5 19 21.3

by jlagace on Jun 14, 2007 7:06 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

let me try that again

Player    MPG    FG%    FT%    RPG    BLK    PPG
Yao Ming    32.5    0.639    0.821    9    14    25.3
Yi JianLian    17.7    0.412    0.75    5.7    8    6.2
Pau Gasol    26.5    0.631    0.667    9.4    19    21.3
Elton Brand    17.4    0.537    0.667    3.3    11    8.9
D Howard    13.4    0.541    0.619    4.7    12    7.3
Chris Bosh    13.5    0.654    0.643    4    4    6.8
Antwan Jamison    9    0.333    0    1.7    0    3.6

by jlagace on Jun 14, 2007 7:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

what can we conclude

Yao Ming and Pau Gasol were monsters in the Olympics.

Yi's rebounding and shotblocking were comparable to Brand, Howard and Bosh in the playoffs.

Yi only shot 41%, which was horrible when compared to the post PF's in the olympics. But Jamison, who is a jump shooting PF like Yi, also struggled shooting 33%.

by jlagace on Jun 14, 2007 7:25 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Wow

i don't know where my head's at, take out that part about "in the playoffs".

by jlagace on Jun 14, 2007 7:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

i agree atma

these moves make no sense, but if it was monta and not richardson it would be much better

by AJC3317 on Jun 14, 2007 10:09 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

GO ARSENAL!

Tony Parker just said Thierry Henry flew out to watch the game and visit.

by Jeremy Belvins on Jun 14, 2007 10:19 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Flexibility

trading richardson should not be considered a one-dimensioned move. It should not be simply viewed as "trading richardson for an unproven CHINESE prospect" or "trading richardson to free up cap space to resign monta and biedrins". Richardson is a GREAT player and everybody in the bay loves him. But at one point a dude reaches his potential. His injuries this season and last season caused him to miss some games, and who's to say hes not gonna miss more? Dude's knee keeps on breaking and needing surgery, these kinds of injuries and surgeries to your knee greatly affects your athletic abilities, he will never be the same player. Trading him away gives the warriors cap space which we can use to do any number of things, not just the 2 things everybody keeps on talking about

by linfengx on Jun 14, 2007 11:35 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

i love j rich

that being said, i would probaly do a trade to get in the top 5.

i dont think nelson is a huge j-rich fan
i think that j-rich's on court production could be duplicated by multiple players for alot cheaper (20-25 ppg could come from monta+mp+ kelena/ whoever nellie picks up the scrap pile. yes our rebounding would take a hit (granted, we cannot afford that) but hopefully yi or whoever we draft could help shore that up.
we would need the j rich money to ink up monta and andris. the sky is the limit for monta, it seems like you are writing him off after a bad playoffs. the kid is 22. he will get better. and we need andris, that kid is something else. athletic enough to run the floor in our system, soft enough hands to take the b-diddy dish and jam it in (unlike adonal in 05), yes he has some very rough edges but he is young and has not even scratched the surface of his potential
2 guards come a dime a dozen in the nba. sure, j rich is better than most of them, but it is for sure the easiest postion to replace.
yi. i really think yi, with the right coach and right system, can be a star. he can be nellies next dirk.

however-
trading j-rich does reek of trading mitch richmond for billy ownens 15 years ago.

look, i love j rich. love his heart. love his play. love his passion. i would be torn about this either way

by Nellieball on Jun 16, 2007 1:19 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Monta and Biedrins > JRich BY A WIDE MARGIN

First of all- I love the site and check it often but I've never signed up for an account until today because of how much this topic meant to me.

I think you're CRAZY if you believe JRich has more value than Monta and Biedrins. I will agree that Biedrins will probably never become a superstar but I don't think you can make that claim for Monta. As other's have mentioned he's only 22 so he's going to improve (hopefully on his decisions with the ball and passing to lower his turnovers). Now JRich is one of the best rebounding guards in the league no doubt but if we made a move for a great big man we wouldn't need to rely on that so much. I would also argue that you can teach rebounding a bit especially from the guard position. You cannot teach quickness however and Monta is already one of the most explosive players in the game! He still needs to improve on finishing his drives but I think the quickness Monta has right now is being overlooked here. He has taken a number of charges on the season with that quickness and is already a better defender than JRich has ever been. I love JRich and what he's done but with his injury and age he can't be placed above Monta and Biedrins (even the website poll has Biedrins as more untouchable than JRich).

I also want to go on record saying I think Yi will be a bust. From all I can gather he sounds like a Chinese Dirk and we saw how ineffective Dirk can be made =D. We need some size and interior presence and this guy doesn't seem to provide that. I'd rather see us get one of the college tested bigs that are on the way especially Al Horford who really impressed me with his play during the NCAA tourney.

So you really think Yi and Jrich are better than Monta and Biedrins? I don't think that will be the case in a couple more years (but then I also thought Pac-10 player of the year Ike Diogu would have a good NBA career).

Anyways keep up the good work with the site and GO WARRIORS!!!!

by ScorpioSnake on Jun 16, 2007 5:20 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs