Draft Day Reflection

by Fantasy Junkie on Jun 29, 2007 9:51 AM PDT in NBA Draft Comment 80 comments

The day after. It's the realization that one of our family is gone. Jason Richardson gave everything he had to this organization and probably deserved better. Whether it was the right move or not, it still hurts. Hurts because he was one of my favorite players. Hurts because he worked hard to get better each year. Hurts because he apologized to us for not making the playoffs when there were plenty of other places to lay the blame. Standing from afar, as a person, he seemed real and seemed to truly care about making us fans happy. You could see that in the way he celebrated when we made the playoffs and then beat the Mavericks. He is one of the only guys that Warriors fans could be proud of when times were tough. Now he's gone, right when we're tasting the first sweet bites of success. It just doesn't seem right to do your family like that. Best of luck to him in Charlotte. They need a 2-guard and he fits the bill. He will become a better player under MJ, no doubt.

Now, there are now two absolutely can't miss home games, albeit for different reasons. The first is the Indiana game so we can all tell Mike Dunleavy how much we miss him (I'm cheering for Murphy by the way). The second is the Charlotte Bobcat game so we can all tell Jason Richardson how much we appreciated everything he gave to this organization. He will be missed, JRich or Die Flying.

A couple of random thoughts about the draft:

Pray for a trade

Milwaukee, are you serious?!
Drafting Yi was puzzling to me. They basically said "screw you" to the entire country of China. The guy doesn't want to play for you. He wants to play in a metropolitain area and a place with more Chinese people than cheese types. Like Atma was saying to me yesterday, why leave China for Milwaukee? He could just stay home. Drafting a Chinese player isn't about just taking the best player available. It's bigger than financial reasons, bigger than basketball reasons. You have to respect the culture he's coming from, respect the Chinese government, and respect the his wishes of where he'll be comfortable living. The best way to stunt a guy's growth is to put him in an uncomfortable situation. Good job guys, you did just that.

On top of all that, the Bucks NEED wing players to complement Michael Redd, Andrew Bogut and Charlie Villanueva. They could have taken one of the best in the draft in Corey Brewer. Now what are they going to do? Play Bogut, Villanueva and Yi at the same time? Doubtful. Okay I'll stop ranting and raving, but before I do, I hope Yi forces a trade and the Bucks get pennies on the dollar.

This just in: Portland has traded for another player
Seriously, I think Portland just drafted and traded for an entire new team. Everytime I looked up the Blazers had made a trade to pick up an extra draft pick. They have some great young talent there, but they'll need a solid veteran to show them the ropes out there. 12 young guys learning the NBA on their own isn't going to work as well as having someone to mentor them on and off the court. I hope they pick someone up because that team could be very good in a short couple of years.

Jesus Shuttleworth is going to Beantown

Danny Ainge and the Celtics.
Huge risk to trade for Ray Allen. Paul Pierce needs a complementary player, not a guy with similar skills. There were no big men available? No point guards available? P-squared wanted this team to contend in the East. I think they're a playoff team but certainly not good enough to make it to the Eastern Conference Finals. Unless Ainge makes a trade for a decent point guard or center, this team will be one and done. I hope trading away Jeff Green was worth it.

Please turn off Dickie V and Stephen A. Smith
Could these two be any more annoying? You have microphones on. I CAN HEAR YOU. People speak louder to emphasize a point. People do not speak loud the entire time they talk. It makes me want to put the tv on mute. Go away please.

Exciting Draft Day Trades
Yesterday was a very exciting draft, more so than the last few. Outside of the top two picks, a lot went down including three stars moving from West to East: Ray Allen to the Celtics, Zach Randolph to the Knicks and our own Jason Richardson to the Bobcats. This helps even out the conferences for the short term, but the West just picked up two more bright young players.

What if the Sonics had moved to San Jose?
How crazy would that be now with Kevin Durant and Jeff Green going to that team? Man that would have been a lot of fun to watch. In a couple years that team could be sick.

On to the links:

ESPN (Chad Ford) - Warriors Grade: A

I think the Warriors made several excellent moves here. In exchange for Jason Richardson, they got a player with great upside in Wright, who will be at home given Golden State's up-tempo style. He also fits a need in the frontcourt.
Belinelli also will thrive with Golden State. He loves to let it fly and Nellie will let him.
But the biggest addition may have been one of subtraction. By sending Jason Richardson packing, the team created a whopping $10 million trade exception that they can use to lure a free agent via sign-and-trade or to help with a trade in the next year.

Also check out norcaldevilasu's diary about Chad Ford's Draft Grade. Make sure to leave a comment.
SLAM Winners and Losers
Winners: Golden State Warriors - Marco Belinelli is supposed to be nice, but he's not the main reason GS cracks this list. The Warriors unloaded Jason Richardson's monster contract and managed to get Brandan Wright out of the deal, arguably the best player in the draft after Oden and Durant. And in the second round, the Warriors further addressed their frontcourt weaknesses by grabbing UMass eraser Stephane Lasme.
Hoopsworld.com (Preetom Bhattacharya)
...decided that Richardson was not the best fit in Don Nelson's system. As much as Richardson has been a joy to watch in the open court throughout his tenure in Oakland, his body and game more fit a system where he can slash and create shots for himself in a motion offense. More regimented sets, like the ones that Richardson saw at Michigan state and under Mike Montgomery, seem to fit Richardson better... ...financial aspects of this deal certainly hold strong implications as to why it happened at all. The Warriors shed $11.1-million worth of payroll next season and saved $48-million over the next four years. In today's NBA, those are salary figures meant for the second option on any team - the argument can be made that behind Baron Davis, Richardson was that player for the Warriors, but with the continued growth of Monta Ellis and the addition of Stephen Jackson and Al Harrington, Richardson's status as another go-to guy on the faltered, raising questions as to whether he held value for the Warriors at his salary.
The Wright Move (Janny Hu)
"It was a long, busy day," Warriors vice president Chris Mullin said. "But we made some big moves and it's really going to help improve the team."
Draft Day: Tough Choices and a Risky, Bright Future (Adam Lauridsen - Fast Break: A Warriors Fan Blog)
By trading for Wright, the Warriors immediately move back their timeframe two or three years. We have a tremendously young core of three players in Wright, Andris, and Monta. We'll have the cap space to sign them comfortably and add pieces around them. As the era of Nash and Duncan ends in the West, we'll be hitting full strength. This trade is a concession that we are not - and were not going to be - good enough to compete for a championship now. If Wright lives up to the hype, however, we have a much higher ceiling for the future.
Wrapping up a wild Warrior draft (Tim Kawakami)
I'll get this out of the way first, so I don't bog the whole thing down again with the issue:
The Warriors are trying to trade for Kevin Garnett. I don't know if I've typed it that directly, but they are.
They've been trying for years, practically from the first day Chris Mullin took over, they tried a few days ago and they're trying now. That has been Priority No. 1 for a long time.
A lot of what they do is done with an eye towards improving their position in Garnett talks, and some of the things they do are almost solely to upgrade that positioning.
Are the Warriors Still Manuevering for KG? (Can't Stop the Bleeding)
According to the LA Times’ Mark Heisler, the Warriors might not be finished wheeling and dealing, with Chris Mullin supposedly "offering Wright with center Andris Biedrins and guard Monta Ellis and enough salary to make the deal work to Minnesota for Kevin Garnett."

Also check out Sgy Jimmy's diary, LA Times rumor regarding Dubs and KG.
Update: For a little perspective from the Charlotte side of the trade, check out goldenboywarriors diary, What does Charlotte think of JRich?

This is just the beginning with more links to come! Feel free to drop your own links to articles in the comment to make this link fest stronger.

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Goodman, foxsports.com

Dealing Jason Richardson for Brandan Wright. Wow. Terrible move. NBA folks like Wright because of his length, but Don Nelson won't like how soft he is. Then the Warriors went with Marco Belinelli, the 6-foot-5 guard.
Grade: C

by hardcore on Jun 29, 2007 10:06 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

sigh

The morning after is incredibly bittersweet for me. As much as I am for the greater good of our team, it still hurts to know that JRich wont be on the court for game 1.

As for Nellie's Belly, I can't wait to watch him make it rain...supposedly

by Genejo on Jun 29, 2007 10:08 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Now I get it...Why the Bucks took Yi..

GM Larry Harris is the son of Del Harris, who has been coaching the Chinese National Team. No wonder they didn't need to read any scouting reports, the GM's dad's been grooming him this whole time.

by ThermoElectro on Jun 29, 2007 10:18 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

the bucks

I think they took Yi for his trade value. I don't think they actually want him on the team. It's a risk though. We shall see.

I'm warming up conceptually to the JRich trade. The guy was our heart, but this could be a good move and if it brings us closer to the thing I dare not mention than it could be really good. But I'm saying too much already. Back to sitting and watching.

by walkerp on Jun 29, 2007 10:22 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Forgot to post my source..

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/29/sports/basketball/29nba.html?ref=sports

When Stern announced that Yi Jianlian, the 6-11 forward from China, went to the Milwaukee Bucks with the sixth pick, Yi and his parents, former postal workers, accepted the news soberly. Milwaukee had not been invited to private workouts to view Yi and he knew very little about the Midwest city.

Bucks General Manager Larry Harris said before the draft that he did not have a problem picking a player he had not seen. But soon after the pick, there were some issues.

Yi's agent, Dan Fegan, was upset and indicated that Chinese basketball officials, who have the final word on releasing Yi, might block Yi from going to the N.B.A. Fegan said that perhaps a trade could be possible.

He and Chinese basketball officials wanted Yi to play in a city with a large Chinese population. But Harris said one existed an hour away -- Chicago. Also Harris's father, Del, was the coach of the Chinese national team at the 2004 Athens Summer Games and spoke extensively to Harris about this exciting, athletic talent who can run, jump, block shots and make 3-pointers.

-Liz Robbins
NY Times

by ThermoElectro on Jun 29, 2007 10:24 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

KG...

I'm not sure if the Warriors will be able to package the trade exception with other players for the player they want; but if so, it seems Harrington, Wright, the exception and Sarunas for KG would work. But if I'm the Warriors I'd probably also want Craig Smith.

by Jeremy on Jun 29, 2007 10:33 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

when

the rumours are Wright, AL, AB, and Monta for KG... that deal seems really cheap for us. but well, I hope we get lucky and somehow ran away with that deal.

I also hope Milwaukee gets screwed big time... hehe.

by lightz0ut on Jun 29, 2007 10:37 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think that...

... is too much to ask for on Minnesota's side. The Warriors are already giving up quite a bit - and Minnesota is going to have some cap room as a result, which they desperately need.

I'd do Harrington, Ellis, Sarunas and the exception and a future first round pick, but giving up Biedrins + Wright is too much.

by Jeremy on Jun 29, 2007 10:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

sentimental analysis

i agree with the ideas that, one, we love j-rich, and, two, it would be great to see yi play in an area with lots of chinese folks. however, let's try to keep some level of basketball analysis here, beyond the heart strings.

regarding j-rich: as many of the links say, this was a strategic move on many levels. despite the sentiment here -

he's gone, right when we're tasting the first sweet bites of success. It just doesn't seem right to do your family like that.

-basketball is business, not family. mullin is committed to success over emotional bonds. that is what it takes to win.

regarding yi: the quotes here are too outlandish.

Drafting Yi was puzzling to me. They basically said "screw you" to the entire country of China. The guy doesn't want to play for you. ... Drafting a Chinese player isn't about just taking the best player available. It's bigger than financial reasons, bigger than basketball reasons. You have to respect the culture he's coming from, respect the Chinese government, and respect the his wishes of where he'll be comfortable living. The best way to stunt a guy's growth is to put him in an uncomfortable situation. Good job guys, you did just that.

is this for real? milwaukee really just said, "I LOVE YOU CHINA! COME HAVE FUN WITH US!!!" they respected Yi - he was the best value there. if Yi is really going to play hardball about not going to the midwest, then that is BUSINESS (there's that word again) - he's trying to negotiate for the best possible situation for himself. that is fair - but don't get it twisted, it's not about respect. it's about everyone maximizing their self-interst. if i'm milwaukee, i want Yi - but if i can't have him, i want the Dubs/Lakers/Sixers/Knicks/Celts to give some serious value for him. all this nonsense about disrespecting the chinese people and the chinese government is a bunch of crap. what is really going on is you are not respecting the perspective of milwaukee, you are simply representing Yi.

by OaktownWarrior on Jun 29, 2007 10:37 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Dead on analysis regarding Jianlian

It's all business, and that is that. I do agree that it seems he would not be the best fit for the Bucks given their current roster, but everyone seems to care what this bum Yi thinks about... but what about the team cuttin' the checks? If this bum pulls a Eli Manning and forces a trade, it's just going to be another notch on my anti-Yi belt. It would actually be worse than what Manning did; at least Manning's "excuse" was he wanted to play for a more competitive team, or something like that. This move would be made strictly on the issue of race which is pathetic at best. Get over yourself you punk!

by Tony Stark on Jun 29, 2007 10:54 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

And this is why the rest of the world hates us...

Your analysis is absolutely spot on 100% right. And it is exactly why the rest of the world hates the United States. We (in the US and the NBA) live by the Godfather quote, "It isn't personal, its just business." But the rest of the world doesn't look at life that way. They just don't.

This pick by a Bucks team, that is just trying to do the best they can for themselves in the face of the rules, epitomizes the tunnel vision of American foreign policy.

You can argue who's right and who's wrong until you are blue in the face, but frankly it doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is that THEY view it as a disrespect.

by McJ on Jun 29, 2007 11:49 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Uh,

the US is not the only country that 'thinks like this'. That's wholly absurd. The people who make the decisions in the NBA know it's a business first and foremost, so obviously they're going to make their decisions accordingly. If there's another country that thinks exactly like this, it's China. Why do you think they want Yi to play somewhere where there's a large Asian population? So he'll be more comfortable? Please. But lets not get into this conversation now.

I'm just wondering how anyone could be surprised or upset with Milwaukee for picking Yi. The kid is 19, never played a minute in the NBA, and is crying about where he wants to play. So we're suposed to feel bad for him? This is a business, first and foremost. The Bucks made a business decision, drafting Yi. They got the best player available, and they got some trade leverage, if they decide to go that route. If I were the Bucks' GM, I'd have picked Yi too. Absolutely nothing wrong there. And as for Yi, he's making a business move as well by saying where he wants to play. By doing that, he's gaining leverage for further negotiations. All this talk about disrespecting the Chinese culture and Yi just seems really silly.

Finally hoops hope in the City Of Dope?

by oaklandish on Jun 29, 2007 12:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I do not disagree...

Yi was the best prospect on the board, the Bucks had every right to take him, it was a smart basketball move. I am neither surprised nor upset.

HOWEVER, your claim that "All this talk about disrespecting the Chinese culture and Yi just seems really silly." simply proves my point that you, the Bucks, and so many other Americans just don't get it. You simply don't understand why this is NOT silly and why it IS disrespectful.

We have an imbedded belief in the Capitalist Secular Democratic ideal. And you are right, we aren't the only ones. But we do have a unique brand of Manifest Destiny individualism that permeates our preconceptions of every situation.

Yi is coming to the US to play basketball in the NBA. There is no argument but that he will need to make radical adjustments in his perceptions to transition to this new role. I get that. I also get that it isn't the role of the NBA or any team specifically to coddle him just because he is from China. He chose to come here, not the other way around.

BUT, as others have pointed out already, Yi represents (just as Yao did before him) the entirety of the largest and one of the most ancient cultures on earth.

All I'm saying is that the Chinese and Indian and Japanese and most Muslim cultures simply DO NOT share our values. And in turn, we do a great job of not respecting theirs.

by McJ on Jun 29, 2007 12:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

RE

This is probably the wrong place to be getting into a discussion about this, but I'd like to reply to a few of your points.

I agree there is much more culturally embedded in Yi coming to the NBA than I gave credit to in my previous post. I was just trying to prove a point. I understand he is representing a huge nation on a global stage by choosing to play in the NBA. I also understand how much American has gotten wrong in it's disregard of every non-western culture. The biggest tragedy of our recent foreign policy, in my eyes, has been the meteoric rise of our levels of alienation from the rest of the world. This will have a more lasting negative effect on our country for longer than anything else (save perhaps environmental policy).

I actually DO get it. I get what you're saying. I simply disagree with it. It has nothing to do with not respecting another culture. In terms of the 'Capitalist Secular Democratic Ideal' you speak of, China is, in many ways, worse than the US in terms of their 'Manifest Destiny Individualism' (since when was this an undergraduate polysci message board?). The Chinese government is thinking of this in terms of business and money and image just as much as the Milwaukee Bucks are. You act as if the Chinese government has only the best, and most oh-so perfectest un-American capitalist intentions for Yi simply because they are not American capitalists. A bunch of saints they certainly aren't . The Chinense government has perpetrated some of the worst crimes against humanity (mass genocide) in their occupation of Tibet that the world has ever seen. Talk about not respecting another culture. Please, please don't take this hackneyed 'just because the US are a bunch of assholes means that everyone else is a saint' viewpoint.

This is the way professional sports work in every country (really it's how any large corporate business works in any country). Everything is just magnified here. Teams from all over the world pull this kind of contractual crap and hold the rights to certain players against their will all the time. I remember recently when American soccer player Landon Donovan couldn't play in the US for a while because Bayer Munich of Germany had bought his rights when he was like 17 and wouldn't let him opt out of his contract. I know the Yi situation has lot more riding on it than a young Landon Donovan, but I see the parameters as being exactly the same. Both are pure, cold, capital business decisions. And in today's ever-increasing global economy, they have far less to do with American values than you seem to think.

Finally hoops hope in the City Of Dope?

by oaklandish on Jun 29, 2007 1:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I do believe we have come full circle

We are all broken. The Bucks, the Chinese, you, me AND Mark Cuban. I agree that I was oversimplistic in my previous approach, and I made the Chinese appear to be altruistic in ways that they certainly are not.

I just think that there are so many non-simple ramifications to every decision in today's modern world that to claim that anything is "just business" is naive. It appears that you agree.

However, it also appears that sometimes the complexities are so unresolveable that we simple throw our hands in the air and say, "Screw it." and make the best decision we can.

If I had been in the Bucks draft room, I probably would have advocated the same action.

All of that said, I appreciate the dialogue.

by McJ on Jun 29, 2007 5:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Same Here

Finally hoops hope in the City Of Dope?

by oaklandish on Jun 29, 2007 9:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

oaklandish

i love the posters, l'il bobby hutton and bruce lee, and of course the logo and the cultural movement.

i worked with a nonprofit group in oakland, oakland leaf and one of our board members, dr. levinsky, used to speak of you.

much respect. holler at me if you are ever looking for project partners in the 'town.

by OaktownWarrior on Jun 29, 2007 6:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry, dude.

I'm just a poser. I live in Oakland, and have been a fan of and participant in Oaklandish activities and the movement and all that for a while, and this being a Warriors site, I thought the name would be cool. But the Oakland Leaf project sounds really cool. I'm a musician, and am all about different kinds of Urban Art outreach and stuff like that. Much respect to you, sir!

Finally hoops hope in the City Of Dope?

by oaklandish on Jun 29, 2007 9:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

word!

the name is good, i appreciated your posts

by OaktownWarrior on Jun 30, 2007 12:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

This is about being a basketball fan

Honestly, basketball shouldn't be about business. The moment I accept that moves made by teams are okay because it's business is the day I sell my soul. I'm a fan, period. I couldn't care less about whether Milwaukee does well. Do you?

You think people are going to give "serious value" for Yi. I doubt it, especially if he holds out or refuses to play. Then the Bucks have a player on their hands who won't mind sitting out a year and playing in China. I don't see teams ponying up "serious value" for him after that. That was not a very smart basketball move.

By the way, that is definitely not an "I love you China, come play with us". Please. If they really had the interests of the Chinese people in mind, they would want to see Yi succeed in a city where he can feel at home. I have doubts he's going to feel comfortable living in Milwaukee.

I'm a fan of Yi. I want him to do well. I don't think Milwaukee has his best interests nor the interests of the Chinese government in mind. Don't get it twisted, Yi is more than just another basketball player. We can't look at him strictly in terms of basketball value. He's the 2nd major basketball star to come out of China to the US. Whether he wants to or not, he's representing China, just like Yao did. If he fails, it's a reflection on Chinese basketball as a whole, not just an isolated incident. That's a lot of pressure and that means he should be in the best possible position to succeed. Milwaukee is not the best situation for him to be successful.

by Fantasy Junkie on Jun 29, 2007 11:59 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Interests of the Chinese government????

"I don't think Milwaukee has his best interests nor the interests of the Chinese government in mind"

Why prey tell, should the Bucks have the interests of the Chinese government in mind at all? That is one of the most ridiculous comments have heard on this subject. Last time I looked Milwaukee was not yet a part of China.

IF Lew Alcindor aka Kareem Abdul-Jabbar managed to put up with Milwaukee for about six years without whining about disrespecting his culture then Yi and the Chinese government can do the same.

by Ace Fury on Jun 29, 2007 1:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

just a thought... lol

Just thinking about Yi and The Chinese Government is like comparing Drago and The Russian Government in Rocky 4! You gotta please them cats or Yi won't be steppin' foot in Milwaukee- shoot, all my oriental friends are bummed out they wanted him in Oakland coz he'd only a bart ride away!!

New photoshop fun...

Fun Webpin outta respect...

by Tony.psd on Jun 29, 2007 4:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks

See you missed the entire point...

In having the best interests of the Chinese government, I'm referring to that on a basketball level. By drafting Yi, the Bucks have to deal with not only Yi and his agent, but the Chinese government. Who do you think is letting Yi come to play in the NBA?

Sorry, I wasn't around when Kareem played in Milwaukee. Could you explain to me the similarities between the two situations? When did Yi whine about Milwaukee disrespecting his culture?

by Fantasy Junkie on Jun 29, 2007 4:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Today on ESPN

they told that the biggest loser of the night were the bobcats cuz of J-Rich contract and cuz he isnt a franchise player just a good player and that this is the worst move that air-jordan has done since drafting Kwame Brown

Quoted Text

by goldenberto on Jun 29, 2007 10:51 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Forget KG

He is old and getting older, trading Monta, Andris, and Wright for him would be a huge mistake but I don't think that is about to happen

by BaronForPrez on Jun 29, 2007 11:55 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

MAN IS THIS A WHINE -THON

I love this site but stop with the JRich is family crap my Goodness. He is a basketball player who makes a crap load of money for playing a game. I cant believe how emotional everyone is a bout this. Ya its too bad in some ways but its about not being in the lottery for a long time and staying in the playoffs. Not about holding JRICH's hand.

by dallaswarrior on Jun 29, 2007 12:00 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

its about man man crushes

some of these guys are on his nuts to an almost creepy level

by Zig on Jun 29, 2007 12:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Beyond creepy

especially when we are asking for his address and talking about getting him gifts in the diaries.

by dallaswarrior on Jun 29, 2007 12:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

JRich

Look, when I put my heart and soul into rooting for a team and also a certain player, that team becomes part of my life. I live and die by the Warriors, not just wins and losses but the personnel too. That kind of investment of personal time and emotion cannot be measured by dollars or basketball decisions.

It's fine for you to stay on the outside looking in without having a personal or emotional investment in the players or the team, but respect those who do.

by Fantasy Junkie on Jun 29, 2007 12:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I dont have to respect that it sounds sad to me

that you are that invested in a team you are no part of.
If you know JRICH personally then I understand but otherwise its pathetic

by dallaswarrior on Jun 29, 2007 1:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

it sounds sad to me

"that you are that invested in a team you are no part of'

That's the definition of Fan, if you don't understand that then why are you here?

by Skeptic con Urquell on Jun 29, 2007 4:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

sorry i must clarify everything for you

skeptic but you obviuosly dont have the intellect to understand what I am saying so here you go. "That involved" refers to the extreme level at which he is letting Chris Mullin determine how he feels. Being a fan is not investing your life into a team to the point of tear. Can you comprehend that or do you need to paste a quote into every singe post you have and pick apart sentences when they obviously have nothing to do with the point

THE HEART AND SOUL OF THE W'S

by dallaswarrior on Jun 29, 2007 6:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Okay.

No. I refuse to respect people who do. You can't just invest your emotions on someone and then get pissed off when the team trades them high. It makes no sense. Don't demand respect, and all the while you guys are running around disrespecting the franchise you "live and die by". If you live and die by them, then stop whining and start accepting and understanding that what they did was the best thing for the team. It was a smart move, a GREAT move, and it will only improve this team for years to come.

Maybe if he was traded to an eastern contender you'd be more content about it, but he wasn't. If they had traded pretty much anybody who was a part of that fantastic run last year, warriors fans would be all up in a damn huff.

Look at it this way, he was a fantastic player while he was here, we got to watch the guy peak as a fantastic player, and now he's on his way out.

If I had my droughthers, I'd like the warriors to retire his jersey number. Yeah, that's how much respect I had for the guy.

But you don't see me whining like a little baby about it. Come on now. And the writers for this blog are compromising their credibility by looking at this one-sidedly. I have all the respect in the world for you guys but come on now. The game was built to be played this way.

http://westcoastbiased.blogspot.com

by coma on Jun 29, 2007 1:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I feel sad for you

go get a girlfriend and some sun

by Zig on Jun 29, 2007 3:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Please...

How old are you? 10?

What does getting a girlfriend and sun have to do with this? I have both. It's called loyalty, go get some.

Why do you feel sad for me? Because I'm a die hard Warriors fan? Because I appreciate the things that JRich did?

by Fantasy Junkie on Jun 29, 2007 4:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think he was kidding, FJ

I mean, you've posted pix of both yourself and your girlfriend on this site. IIRC, you're both perfectly cute and look like you get just the right amount of sun. ;-)

by Sleepy Freud on Jun 29, 2007 6:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hope he was kidding

odd sense of humor though. thanks sleepy.

by Fantasy Junkie on Jun 29, 2007 6:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

yes a joke

not odd to me. I am a loyal Warriors fan since the days of Sleepy Floyd (so you do the math on my age)

I just think the man crush stuff is funny. I used the same joke for people waiting in like for the IPhone

I liked J_rich a lot. I watched him go crazy at the SF ProAM against Oakland after his first year and the guy was literally amazing that night

That said he makes 10 million per year and it was very good trade. Paraphrasing Nelson, once you start making the huge money you are always at risk of being traded. Its business

by Zig on Jun 30, 2007 8:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I feel sorry for you that you are taking it this

hard... I feel like its over the top to be so infinitly invested in a player you dont know. It seems like you are more a jr fan then a warriors fan because it seems like you are only mad that they dealt him not that they received the compensation they did for him

THE HEART AND SOUL OF THE W'S

by dallaswarrior on Jun 29, 2007 6:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thank you

No one is HAPPY to see J-Rich go and it kinda does really stink that a "loyal" fan-favorite like J-Rich gets traded when the team finally becomes competitive. At the same time, however, this deal keeps the team competitive by filling a need with a potential high-ceiling future stud, getting rid of a redundancy positionwise and clearing much needed cap-space.

So, I don't blame anyone for being bummed, but it's not like the W's got ripped off. They made out very well in this deal and for that, the fans should be grateful, but they have to look at it objectively and put their emotions aside. Being a fan favorite doesn't win games. It's time to start looking forward.

Left hand, right hand, it doesn't matter. I'm amphibious.

by Kobe on Jun 29, 2007 1:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

No way

the warriors trade Monta, Biedrins, and Wright. Two of those players at most in my opinion.

Is it me or is the drafting of Belinelli evidence that Monta will stay: Belinelli is a (relatively) big guard who can play solid defense, is athletic, and can shoot 3's. Basically, he's a great compliment to both Baron and Monta.

When playing with Baron, Belinelli can bring the ball up the floor and camp on the outside while Baron runs the O. With Monta in, Belinelli becomes the PG but Monta can still create a ton of offense.

I don't see the warriors trading both Monta and JRich in the same offseason, even if it nets KG. At this point, if something happens, I see the warriors trading their exception for a talented player and adding that player to Harrington or Foyle (depending on how good the unknown piece is), a first, and Wright to get KG.

Hopefully Andris and Monta are off the table at this point but we will see.

by BingBluNT on Jun 29, 2007 12:20 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

The future

I can see how this trade helps the team in the future. In a few years, Belinelli and Wright will most likely be amazing players who are helping the franchise a lot.

The only problem is, will Nellie be around that long? He's the perfect guy to shape the players they just got in the draft, but he almost decided not to come back this year. If he leaves, is there anyone else who can bring his style of play and be as smart as him? I don't think there is.

GOOD LUCK, JRICH. WE MISS YOU, MAN.

by goGSW24 on Jun 29, 2007 12:26 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Yi

If it's disrespectful for the Milwaukee Bucks to draft Yi, then it is also equally disrespectful that Yi would only work out for a few select teams, not workout against any competition, and say he would only play for 4 out of 30 teams in the entire league. No one deserves special treatment, government and culture should not be involved in draft positioning.

I feel the same way about American players complaining about where they want to play. It is an honor to play in the NBA, a player receives great compensation and high status for playing the game of basketball. Everyone that wishes to play in the NBA should understand this. Some might think it is selfish for the Bucks to draft Yi and "hold him hostage," but Yi and his representatives are also selfish for trying to get what they want when a lot of other draftees accept the decisions made by the franchises that draft them.

by manutefor3 on Jun 29, 2007 12:49 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

i don't

see it as disrespectful...when u go for a job interview do you go to each and every one? hell to the no! You have the right to pick and choose the job you want to your own best interest.

BTW. i can't believe the wide spread Butt-hurtism going on throughout this site. Guys, these are grown ass men here, get over it and accept the fact Jrich is gone.

Warriors, Stupidest franchise in the league. Purgatory is thy home.

by kenntoe on Jun 29, 2007 1:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

this isn't Starbucks

Are you seriously comparing a 9 to 5 job to the NBA? This is not an ordinary job interview to earn $8.00 an hour. This is an opportunity to earn millions of dollars a year regardless of which one of the 30 teams decides to draft a prospect. It is funny how many people try to compare professional sports to regular jobs, there is a big difference between an NBA player and a cashier at Starbucks.

It is a great opportunity to just be drafted in the NBA, so it doesn't make sense to tell teams: I won't play for you.

by manutefor3 on Jun 29, 2007 3:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

you're way off target

If Yi was Asian-American, key word "American," there probably wouldn't be a problem with Milwaukee. He probably still wouldn't like it(who would?), but, as another poster specified, he is from China, you know, that country in Asia. That in and of itself makes him a special case. You can't compare his situation to that of European players. There have been way more Euros than Asians in the league and since Europeans are white, it's reasonable to assume they won't feel a level of discomfort that a guy from China could potentially feel. Hell, I'm Asian-American and I don't feel comfortable in the Midwest. I visited a friend at Northwestern in Chicago and I could not believe how racist it was in a major U.S. city. I was called "Chinaman" and "gook" while walking the f'in streets of Chicago (I'm Japanese-Filipino, btw). I guess that's why I stay in the BAY. If I don't feel comfortable in Chicago, how the hell do you think Yi's gonna feel comfortable in Milwaukee?

It makes sense to tell teams "I won't play for you." others have done it in the past. Kobe Bryant forced Charlotte to trade him to the Lakers, Steve Francis wanted no part of Vancouver among other examples. Hell, even Joakim Noah refused to work out for Milwaukee. Greg Oden refused to work out for Seattle (he interviewed with them though). Outside of these examples, whether you like it or not (or are able to grasp the complexities of this situation), Yi is a special case. Whether you think he's overhyped or the real deal, he has a lot riding on his career in the NBA. So of course his representation would want to get get him in the best position for him to succeed. You can't compare his situation with U.S. born players (of any race or ethnicity) or even European players. His reps flat out denied Milwaukee the chance to see him work out. It's like forcing a girl to be your girlfriend even though she wants no part of you. It's stupid, especially with the talent that was left on the board (Brewer, B.Wright (who's pretty much the same prospect as Yi with less skills), etc.).

by TVN on Jun 29, 2007 7:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's like forcing a girl to be your girlfriend

" even though she wants no part of you."

No it's like payin your money and getting the pick of the whores in the whorehouse.

by Skeptic con Urquell on Jun 29, 2007 7:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

it will take me

Until wright makes a last second tip jam to win a game to get over the j rich trade. Everybody around here knows what jrich is to the warriors so I'm not going to add to it but...

This trade is also made to counter the portland factor in which we will now have players to at least limit a potentially triple tower line up of magloire/pryzbilla oden and aldridge. Now we have more flexibility to go all small or all big or whatever concoction nellie has in his kitchen.

I'm also just talking to console myself. I actually said this last night: "I'd rather lose with jrich than win without him"

Let me now cry over my lucky me pancit canton..

warriors dont fish they hunt!

by VonteegoCummings on Jun 29, 2007 12:51 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Wow

I liked JRich a lot, though he certainly had a lot of shortcomings as a player.

But you'd rather lose with him than win without him? WTF?

This officially qualifies as a man-crush.

by DrDre on Jun 29, 2007 4:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Portland has two teams now

I just took a look at their roster at http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/por/roster;_ylt=AkczAQMqTlIEEyFnWBr2RiGK0bYF

21 players! There will be some interesting players available after training camp from the NW, my friends.

by eshock on Jun 29, 2007 2:40 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Interesting point

That team is poised to be dominant again in the near future.

by Jeremy Belvins on Jun 29, 2007 6:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Their "second team"

Could kick the Sacramento Kings' a**.

That said, it looks to me like they have way too many "good" players and not enough great ones. Until Oden becomes a dominant force, on both ends -- which could take a year or two -- I don't think they really frighten any of the Top 5 in the West.

by Sleepy Freud on Jun 29, 2007 6:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

list is fubar

zrandolph is still listed!

by hardcore on Jun 29, 2007 9:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

they got

picked up all those players to package them for a veteran SF. they just said they had a deal in place, but they couldn't name names because they'd be violating some rules.

Warriors, Stupidest franchise in the league. Purgatory is thy home.

by kenntoe on Jun 30, 2007 1:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gerald Wallace.

If Chris Mullin truly believes that Brandan Wright has a chance to be a star, then I would stand PAT with him, Ellis, and Biedrins. Adding Belinelli put the biggest smile on my face. I know his game, and he will be a great player for the Warriors for years to come.

With that said, I think the best player for the Warriors to go after is Gerald Wallace. Im a big fan of his game, and I believe he wouldnt fit in better on any other team than the Warriors. We then move Harrington and Sarunas for ONE better player with maybe 1 or 2 yrs left on his contract. Then we use that cap room to resign our core.

Then Foyles contract comes off the books in two years, by then we will have had a chance to give our youngsters some developement, we would still have Baron, and we could add another big name, and make a serious shot at the title.

Portland will be the team to beat.

This is my team There are many like it But this one is mine. My team, without me is useless. Without my team, I am useless

by BlueNgoldBlood on Jun 29, 2007 2:46 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Agree on Wallace

Great player-- a huge upgrade over JRich imo if we can get him for around the same price.

Don't start counting rings for Portland-- you just never know how picks are going to pan out.

by DrDre on Jun 29, 2007 4:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

how many points did Bellinini average

... in the Euroleague? Like 12 a game? And he's supposed to be lights-out in the NBA????

by Jeremy Belvins on Jun 29, 2007 6:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

too much...

Biedrins, Monta, and Wright would be giving up way too much to snag Garnett. Of course you could always use the "what if's" about their developement, but say we do make the trade and all 3 of them go on to be all-star franchise players. With the Warriors luck, it probably would happen.

I like trading maybe Wright and Harrington, or Ellis and Harrington, along with Foyle to get Garnett. If we did that, and signed Gerald Wallace, we would be good and ready. But to include all 3 prospects, and another player to get a 30 yr. old Garnett... it might get us to the finals, or even a championship, but then we would be throwing away a team that could be a GREAT team for the next decade. Do you agree?

This is my team There are many like it But this one is mine. My team, without me is useless. Without my team, I am useless

by BlueNgoldBlood on Jun 29, 2007 3:20 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I've been listening to this...

Good Things by Rich Boy. If anyone is gonna put together a farewell highlight package of JRich highlights, I would use that song

by DaAzNJRiCh on Jun 29, 2007 3:38 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Might Wright turn into Yi?

I'm a new commenter, so forgive me if this has been posited elsewhere, but has anyone considered the possibility that the JR for Brendan Wright is the first step in putting together a package that at once extricates Yi from his international fiasco in Wisconsin and fulfills the manifest destiny that is the Yi Movement? I actually saw someone, whether it was Bill Simmons or Henry Abbott or one of the Free Darko guys (last night was a blur) mention this possibility and I sincerely hope this is what's on Nellie and Mullin's collective hive mind.

by AndyH3000 on Jun 29, 2007 6:14 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

no, unless he becomes Asian.

You see, nobody really knows if Yi's going to be a stud in the NBA. He's coveted by GSOM because he's Chinese. That's pretty much it.
The fact is, that's the main reason I was high on him too. With the Chinese/East Asian population in the Bay Area, it would be great to get a chinese player on the team. But, he went to the Bucks, so I don't want to hear anymore about him until he has a few NBA games under his belt.

by Jeremy Belvins on Jun 29, 2007 6:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yi

Uh he's not just coveted here by GSOM cuz he's Asian. The guy went #6 in a loaded draft for a reason. The Bucks can't even confirm that he WILL play for them but, due to his tremendous upside, they had to draft him anyway because he was the clear best player available.

by jlagace on Jun 29, 2007 6:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh please

No, you're totally right, it's because he was so talented that he developed a cult following on GSOM. Get real!

by Jeremy Belvins on Jun 29, 2007 7:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

yes, it's cuz he's talented and asian...

Otherwise we'd be having the Sun Yue Movement..

by ThermoElectro on Jun 30, 2007 12:00 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Actually

Well, I didn't bring it up because he's Asian, I bring it up because:
A. I saw someone say something about it last night
B. Oakland is on the Chinese mafia ... I mean Yi's handlers' list of approved NBA cities, Milwaukee's not
C. If I were a dyed-in-the-wool Dubs fan, I'd rather see Yi, with his center size, mobility and potential, join the team then another tweener forward who, frankly, reminds me of a poor man's Joe Smith (that said, it seems like the Bucks need a tweenish three more than the Warriors do)

But of course, I'm sure having a bona-fide Asian basketball superstar would help sell some more tickets in the Bay area as well. Nothing wrong with pointing that out.

by AndyH3000 on Jun 29, 2007 7:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wright v. Yi

Brandan Wright isn't really a 'tweener. He's got a longer reach than Yi and is much more of a true post player, on offense and defense. Once he gains 15-20 lbs, he'll be an ideal-sized Nellieball 4. Yi is the one with the knock on him for falling in love with perimeter and not defending the rim or playing "big" enough.

Also, Wright is much quicker, more explosive and more athletic than Joe Smith ever was. And Joe Smith was a pretty decent pro.

by Sleepy Freud on Jun 29, 2007 7:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Belinelli highlights - includes USA game

Very impressive. Super quick release on jumper. Very athletic. I'm excited about this guy. His game reminds me of Michael Redd. Could be another Nellie steal.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=pNxZ4_O8R8M

by trojansigg on Jun 29, 2007 7:45 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Ha Ha

Everyone shoots 100% in thier highlight reels. But I have to admit, I kinda like him too. (for honestly no reason at all other than a feeling.)

"We STILL believe..."

by Da City1 on Jun 29, 2007 8:10 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I'd

deal Harrington, Monta, Wright for KG (not AB)

by chili01 on Jun 29, 2007 8:39 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

EVERYONE LOOK AT THIS PLEASE!!!

What would you guys think of this scenario?

3 team trade:

Warriors trade: Al Harrington, Adonal Foyle, next yrs. 1st rd pick

Sonics trade: Rashard Lewis, Chris Wilcox

Heat trade: Antoine Walker, Jason Williams

Warriors receive: Chris Wilcox, Jason Williams

Sonics receive: Al Harrington, Warrior's 1st rd pick, Antoine Walker

Heat receive: Rashard Lewis, Adonal Foyle

We would be getting rid of Foyles contract, plus we would be addressing a need, getting a young, athletic rebounding big man in Chris Wilcox. Several people have mentioned that they wouldnt mind seeing Wilcox in a Warriors uniform. I think we might have actually made a run at him last year, during free agent signing. Jason Williams is an expiring contract. He would really fit in Nellie's style. He plays at 100 mph, shoots 3s, and would be perfect off the bench. Then he would be gone, and we would have more cap room.

Seattle would be getting Walker, who the Heat want to trade. He might fit in nicely with their team with his perimeter shooting.(I hate his game)They would be getting Al, who I believe has trading value, and they would get our 1st rounder as well, and they are trying to get younger, and more talented it seems. We on the other hand, DONT need anymore young talent right now.

The Heat would be getting Rashard Lewis, who league sources have said is coveted by Miami. Plus Foyle's game is made EXACTLY for the style they play. He could be a nice compliment to Mourning or Shaq, since they both are hurt so often.

WELL, WHAT DO YOU GUYS SAY? YOU LIKE THAT??? I want to hear from ATMA on this one.

This is my team There are many like it But this one is mine. My team, without me is useless. Without my team, I am useless

by BlueNgoldBlood on Jun 29, 2007 9:43 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

great first peice

about jason richardson. it totally sums up what im feeling at the moment and what just happened

by travisl212 on Jun 29, 2007 9:53 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Best of luck J-Rich

First of all, you have to give much love and respect to Jason Richardson for the time and service that he gave to Warrior Nation over the past six years. His heart, toughness, and hard work will never be forgotten.

But with his departure, comes a bright future for our Dubs. This trade came as no shock to me, especially with the excess of swingmen on the perimeter. In my opinion, this move bodes well not only from a business standpoint, but from a basketball standpoint as well.

Let's look at this from a hoops point of view first. In trading away Richardson to the Charlotte Bobcats, we traded away a player who wasn't stellar defensively, an above average rebounder, a poor ball handler, a lackadaisical passer, and an inability to get to the rim with his athleticism.

Richardson's defense left something to be desired, so much so that it was the turnover prone Matt Barnes who was logging those minutes in the fourth quarter of the playoffs this season more often than Richardson. Nelson made absolutely no qualms about his lack of fondness for Richardson's defensive lapses. All you have to do is read any of the newspapers covering the team or listen to KNBR to know that.

In my estimation, Richardson had the potential to be one of the best rebounding guards in the league if not the best on account of his athleticism, but for whatever reason (lack of desire, lack of positioning, staying on the perimeter) had a career average of 5.4 RPG.

Although Richardson made his teammates better by being a stand up locker room guy who led by example, he certainly didn't do that with his passing ability. It's kind of hard to believe that he only averaged 3.4 APG this season considering the fact that he played for a team with the second best offense in the game.

Richardson's inability to handle the ball was maddening at times not only because he was vulnerable to getting picked, but also because it prohibited him from getting to the rim. Richardson is just as athletic as Dwyane Wade if not more athletic, so why can't he finish at the rim? It's not good to let that athleticism go to waste when you're shooting more 3's than free throws. That shows a lack of aggressiveness, and is something we could have used during the Utah series instead of continuing to hoist up perimeter shot after perimeter shot.

I'm sure one of the things on an NBA scouting report on Jason Richardson would read "Can't drive to the hoop; close out on him on the perimeter." This was problematic because Richardson ultimately became a one dimensional player for the Warriors, and to compound matters, was taking contested shots; thereby, leading to an inconsistent shooting touch. If all you're doing is staying out on the perimeter, you're bound to shoot 35% from 3. You have to keep defenses honest and mix it up. I would have loved to see J-Rich drive more and post up.

Having all of that said, I do think he's a good player. Being able to score 20 points on any given night is tough to do in the NBA. But considering the fact that he'll be playing in the East, I have a good feeling that he'll make his long awaited All-Star debut. He richly deserves it. So thank you to Jason Richardson for all you have done for the Warriors.

by friscoballer415 on Jun 29, 2007 11:48 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

What we're getting in return basketball wise

Taking a look at what we brought in through the draft, I think Warrior fans should be relatively pleased with what has transpired. Obviously, we traded away a proven commodity in Jason Richardson for an unknown player in Brandon Wright, so only time will tell whether or not this trade pans out in terms of being a good basketball move or not.

But taking a look at Brandon Wright, we know what his deficiencies are. He's listed anywhere between 200-210 pounds. Anyone can see Wright is going to have to bulk up in order for him to play at the NBA level. In addition, he needs to work on a mid range shot and his free throw stroke. However, word on him is that the sky is the limit.

Despite being 6'10", Wright has a wingspan of about 7'3". Combine his length with his athleticism, and you have a player who can block shots, grab rebounds, and finish at the rim. Furthermore, with Baron Davis and Stephen Jackson creating plays, it'll be exciting to see that length be paired up with another lengthy player in Andris Biedrins.

Remember for all of Wright's deficiencies, Coach Don Nelson will more often than not put him in a position where he will not be exposed. I would expect to see Wright on the high post on offense, often setting high screens and rolling to the basket very much the same way Biedrins did. It would be counterintuitive to place him on the low block because he wouldn't have the strength to establish deep position.

Defensively, you may have to give Wright help if he is being isolated, but I think with his length and athleticism, he would be an incredible help defender. So have Biedrins or whoever is on the other low block body up the post player, while Wright comes from the weak side to block shots. It also should be worth noting that with his length, he will invariably cause many deflections, a key stat the Warriors coaching staff keep due to the fact that it fuels the running attack. So I think from a basketball standpoint, it may bode well for our Warriors.

Marco Belinelli on the other hand is unknown. He's been said to be a combination of Vinny Del Negro and Brent Barry. He has a quick release from the perimeter when spotting up, and he can go off the dribble to a pull up shot going left or right.

With no limitations in Coach Nelson's offense, anyone can hoist up shots, including Belinelli who can give us something Richardson did not: a more consistent stroke from the outside.

So from a basketball standpoint, I thought the Richardson trade worked out well for both sides involved. We added talent at a position of need and filled in the position we traded away. No one is going to ever replace J-Rich. You're talking about the heart and soul of our team, but from a basketball standpoint, I have to trust the eyes and ears of Coach Nelson and Executive VP of Basketball Operations Chris Mullin.

by friscoballer415 on Jun 29, 2007 11:49 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

The financials

From a business standpoint, this trade makes absolute business sense as well. By shedding Richardson's contract of 4 years and $48 million, the Warriors positioned themselves to be about $3 million under the salary cap. The importance of this can't be overstated.

After the 2007-08 season, the Warriors are going to have to re-sign Monta Ellis and Andris Biedrins long term. They are the future of this team without a doubt. Furthermore, if Brandon Wright, Marco Belinelli, or Stephane Lasme pan out, one would be led to believe that we would have to re-sign one or more of those players as well.

We certainly would not be able to do any of the aforementioned things with Jason Richardson's contract still on the books. It would be an invitation to luxury tax hell. Not to mention the fact that Baron Davis will be looking to possibly sign for a maxed out contract after the 2008-09 season.

In addition to receiving Brandon Wright in the trade and instant salary cap relief, we were able to also obtain a trade exception of $10 million. This trade exception can be used to go after a top flight free agent who can make an immediate impact for next season such as Gerald Wallace or Rashard Lewis among a host of others. In addition to that, the Warriors could use the trade exception to re-sign Matt Barnes or Mikael Pietrus if they wanted to.

In theory, the trade of Jason Richardson would result in the Warriors receiving an athletic 4, a shooting guard to fill in for the void left by Richardson, and a Gerald Wallace type player. Three players for the price of 1 sounds like a good trade off to me.

But even if the Warriors did not use the $10 million trade exception to go after a free agent or re-sign one of their own free agents, it would still prove to be useful because they could use it as part of a package in a trade. So if the Dubs were to put some players together in a trade, they could use the $10 million trade exception to take on some contracts that the other team may want to dump. This gives the Warriors a lot of leverage at making a trade come to fruition.

Whatever way you look at it, the Warriors have given themselves a lot more options and a lot more flexibility to work with. I wouldn't be surprised to see them continue to wheel and deal in this off season. Personally, I would love to see them lock up Biedrins and Ellis for sure. If the Warriors determine Wright, Belinelli, Lasme, or even Patrick O'Bryant to be ballers, then they could certainly make a long term investment on those guys as well.

That's 6 players on the Warriors roster who are 21 years or younger. You lock up Ellis and Biedrins for sure and one or more of the four players listed above, and you're talking about a team that will be a perennial contender that will compete in the playoffs for the better part of a decade. If you're a long suffering Warriors fan, this is music to your ears. Call it retribution for the decade of mediocrity that we all had to endure. I love Richardson as much as the next guy, but right now, I'm loving the future of our team even more.

by friscoballer415 on Jun 29, 2007 11:49 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Roster looks like this

Keepers with Contracts:
Baron Davis
Marco Belinelli
Patrick O'Bryant
Brandan Wright
Adonal Foyle
Sarunas Jasickevicius
Monta Ellis
Andris Biedrins
Stephen Jackson
Al Harrington

What do we do?
Matt Barnes - Please come back?
Mikael Pietrus - Bye
Josh Powell - Give em one more year?
Kelenna Azubuike - Give em one more year?
Zarco Chabarkapa - Waste of Time
Kosta Perovic - Naa Not comin here?
Stephane Lasme - NBDL?

What should we do girls?

Goodness Gracious Great Balls of Fire!

by jeppalepala on Jun 30, 2007 1:03 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

heres a great vid on

Marco Belinelli

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNxZ4_O8R8M

Goodness Gracious Great Balls of Fire!

by jeppalepala on Jun 30, 2007 1:16 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

On KNBR Yesterday:

Heard from Rod Brooks that there's a strong rumor that the Warriors are in the Garnett talks. He wasn't surprised about seeing either J-Rich or Monta go, but now he's thinking it's possible both won't wear a Warriors uniform next season.

He mentioned there's a reason the Warriors drafted Bellinelli - to fill in a missing SG spot, unless Jax slides over to that position or Azubuike steps up.

He interviewed Tim Kawakami who really thinks the W's are one of 2 teams in the run for KG - Suns & Warriors. Tim was saying the W's might dangle Monta Ellis, Brandon Wright, Adonal Foyle, Al Harrington, and maybe Patrick O'Bryant, plus give them a $10 million trade exception that we got from the J-Rich trade for KG and some other scrub like Marko Jaric.

Is it possible the Warriors are one of the frontrunners for KG?

by AntiLaker on Jun 30, 2007 1:57 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs