23 Post Draft Day 2007 Warrior Thoughts
by Atma Brother ONE
on Jun 30, 2007 1:18 PM PDT
in Science
The Warriors weren't the least bit shy about making blockbuster moves during this past Thursday's NBA Draft. With the 18th pick in the first round they drafted Marco Belinelli which wasn't exactly expected. Here's my initial reaction that I gave ESPN's True Hoop after the pick:
Will Belinelli make the Nellbelly come out in his rookie season?
In the second round the Warriors selected Jermareo Davidson with the 36th pick and Stephane Lasme with the 46th pick.
Lasme will protect this house!
But the biggest draft day shocker for the Warriors was of course the trade with the Charlotte Bobcats. In exchange for Jason Richardson and Jermareo Davison (haha, was this trade dependant on the Bobcats' getting this 2nd round pick?) the Warriors got UNC power forward Brandan Wright.
Wright was a BETcat for about the length of a commercial break.
The day for the Warriors can be summed as the following: No one expected the unexpected. (By the way wasn't that 8Ball, MJD, Puffy, and Mase track classic?) Here's 23 thoughts about the day:
1. Poker face Mully and Nellie
First of all I have to give Chris Mullin and Don Nelson major props for that poker face. NO ONE predicted that they'd add a trio of Brandan Wright, Marco Belinelli, and Stephane Lasme to the NBA's most entertaining team. They simply shocked the NBA world with their moves on Thursday.
2. Next year?
My biggest worry with the trade the Warriors made on draft day is that they actually took a step back for next year. I'm assuming that Brandan Wright's rail-thin body isn't ready to go up against the Carlos Boozers, Tim Duncans, and Amare Stoudemires of the world yet and the Warriors lost their starting 2-guard who is just one season removed from dropping 23 points and grabbing nearly 6 rebounds a night. Behind Al Harrington, Jason was their most reliable 3-point shooter and the 3-ball is what powered this team in shocking the Mavs and going on that ridiculous finish to the 2006-2007 regular season. It's a head scratcher why the Warriors would take a step back for next season when Nellie's here on a year-to-year plan. Shoot, I'm on a year-to-year plan as well. It's all about next year.
3. Alley-Oooops for Breaking up BoomRich
You've seen countless crazy, high-flying, death-defying dunks from Jason Richardson over the years and they're not misleading. One of the most underrated aspects of JR's game is he's a very crafty finisher around the bucket- layups, tip-in dunks, alley-oops, reverse-layups, you name it. It's a valuable skill which Jason has mastered.
Who's going to finish those stylish alley-oops from Baron Davis in traffic? Who's going to come out of nowhere backdoor (a very high hoops IQ move) and get the easy deuce? These two guys had chemistry and style. The BoomRich backcourt was the identity of this team for the past 2.5 years. Every time another team was about to face the Warriors they knew they were about to go up against one the league's best backcourts with two uberathletic, high-flying, entertaining, big, and strong guards with so much heart and energy. BoomRich was just looking for an excuse to embarrass you.
By loyal GSoM community member FiveTenEnt
Unfortunately, the BoomRich backcourt is over. It was well worth the price of admission and I hope they're reunited again someday.
4. "Saving" $50 million
I keep hearing and reading Warrior fans saying they're happy to be "saving" $50 million. I've said it almost as many times as I've said you can't play Mike Dunleavy and Troy Murphy on the court at the same time because of their atrocious defensive and low percentage offensive output, but I'll say it one last time: You don't clear cap space by getting rid of guys like JRich. You use your cap space to get guys like JRich.
By the way, I was just peering into my wallet. It's still empty and I'm still a broke mofo. Where's the 50 million big ones? It cracks me up how the NBA and NFL have bamboozled its fans into caring about obnoxiously-rich guys saving money. Are you really happy that 1 for 13 Chris Cohan doesn't have to pay Jason Richardson? Didn't think so.
* Disclaimer: See thought #17.
5. Cap space isn't for contenders
Cap space is for losers (ahem, Charlotte Bobcats and Atlanta Hawks). In this modern day era no team aside from the LA Lakers with Shaq (although I'm admittedly a little hazy on their cap status back in 1996 and they have that LA factor and Laker cred on their side) has ever leveraged cap space to bring on a free agent that led them to a championship. Hopefully the Warriors reverse the trend, but championships are won through drafting well, ripping off other teams in trades, and in house development. Again, you can argue that the Warriors might have done that by trading for Brandan Wright and drafting Nelibelli and Lasme, but cap space itself isn't a win. It's what you do with it and that often means overpaying players to entice them to leave cozy situations (see Wallace, Ben).
6. "A dime a dozen"
I keep hearing and seeing people knock Jason Richardson by saying that 2-guards in this league are a dime a dozen. That's entirely true and he's not an elite swingman in this league, but it's a big mistake to think that swingmen of JR's stature are a dime a dozen. Find me a dozen 2-guards currently in the league with JR's skillset or better. Even the ones you list will have their own flaws just like Jason- Richard Hamilton can't dribble, Many Ginobili is a flopper and is injured 40% of the time, Michael Redd doesn't do anything but score, etc. 2-guards are easily irreplaceable, but those of JR's status aren't.
7. "No handles"
A lot of Richardson's critics in Warriors Nation like to point to his poor handles. This is no doubt a legit stance, but you're kidding yourself if you think his current replacement at the offguard spot Monta Ellis has any better handles. Jason could at least hide his below average handles with his outside shooting and post up game (which he seemed to have lost this season for some reason). Monta simply cannot go not left right now and when teams shade him to that side and nullify his quickness with a Tony Parker or Devin Harris, he winds up getting benched. Neither Richardson or Ellis have the best handles, but Monta's lead to many more careless turnovers.
8. D-League demoter Nellie
Don't think for a second that Brandan Wright's life is going to be easy next year as a rookie playing for Coach Don Nelson. Nellie is notoriously tough on rookies and even tougher on first year big men (see Webber, Chris and O'Bryant, Patrick). Wright is a fabulous prospect, but do you really think Nellie has all that much patience right now to spend developing a power forward?
9. Damaged goods?
One aspect of this trade that few people are talking about is the injury plagued season that JR is coming off. If JR can't rebound to where he was in the 2005-2006 season from his knee problems, the Warriors just ripped off the Bobcats like they did the Pacers (minus the jokes of course). Hopefully though Jason will be fine. I want to see him do well in the Leastern Conference.
10. Resigning Andris Biedrins and Monta Ellis
If the sole goal by getting rid of JR's big money contract from the books to resign Biedrins and Ellis the Warriors made a big mistake. These guys have blatant flaws in their game that I doubt they'll ever overcome. I know I'm going to get called out for this, but hey- I thought the same thing about Jason Richardson, Troy Murphy, and Mike Dunleavy before Mullin inked to them those expensive contracts because he projected them to be worth the big dollars. At the time I wouldn't have handed out any of those deals including Richardson's. Neither Biedrins or Ellis will ever be superstars in this league. They'll be good players, but nothing great or untouchable.
11. BETcats' mistake
The ESPN crew really ripped the Bobcats for making this trade and I'd have to agree with them. JR is a fine player and when healthy one of the league's most underrated stars. However, he's not a franchise player by any stretch which is what the Bobcats were looking to obtain in this trade. But let me be clear- all 2 of those Bobcats fans out there should be happy that JR's on their team because they got someone who's easy to root for, but this was a very curious move at best and pretty expensive.
12. No complaints
One of the things I appreciated the most about Jason Richardson was that he never complained. Unlike some of his past teammates, he never complained about how inept his coaches and supporting cast often were. You need guys like that on your squad. Let's hope Belinelli, Wright, and Lasme have that in them.
13. 5 years down the line
Provided Brandan Wright isn't a flat out bust, the Warriors set themselves up for a sparkling bright future 5 years from now. If Wright and Biedrins can both eat right and put on some weight, they could be a nice 4/5 tandem in the league for a decade. That's a big deal in a league that prizes good big men.
But again I don't care about 5 years from now. I care about now. The Warriors were "rebuilding" for 12 straight years. Nellie doesn't have much more time here and honestly I don't have much more time blogging this team.
14. Looting a loaded draft
The fact remains that the Warriors were able to net a lottery pick and a sleeper late first rounder in a very loaded NBA Draft.
Ready locked and loaded.
That's both commendable and very impressive, not to mention extremely creative. Who knows how these 2 players will pan out in the end, but it does speak volumes about their talent level to be picked in those spots in this particular draft with Nellie's input.
Brandan Wright: "Yo Kenny- tell Chuck it's all about the Bay Area!"
15. Breaking up the fam
My main man Fantasy Junkie said this best in the opening for his piece Draft Day Reflection, but I'll add to it. JRich was fam. JRich was a true Warrior. JRich was Bay. No doubt. 1 Dub. 1 Luv.
Nuthin but luv.
For those of you who couldn't care the least bit about moving Jason or think we're just being silly for feeling for the man in this "business decision" (dont forget there would be no business if it weren't for loyal fans like us), then you probably haven't been with us since NBA Draft day 2001. You probably weren't there when the Warriors took this hyperathletic kid who was a winner in the NCAA tourney, but extremely raw. You probably weren't there when JR won back to back slam dunk titles putting the Warriors on the map on those All Star weekends. You probably weren't there for those two Rookie-Sophomore games where he made us incredibly proud. You probably weren't here for JR's stunning 5 straight years when he improved his overall game and scoring average, while guys like Mike Dunleavy and Erick Dampier were lazily and idly sitting by collecting undeserved paychecks. Hell, you probably weren't there for those cold and dark nights in the Arena in Oakland earlier this decade when the Warriors were getting blown out by 20 or 30, but this kid was still playing his heart out. You probably weren't there when his teammates and even his coaches quit, but he still kept giving the fans something to root for and a reason to watch. You probably weren't even there for this:
UNSTOPPABLE BABY.
[closlug]
There's not much I can say to you guys.
Jason Richardson: Remember the name.
[GoldenState23Fan5]
16. Chris Mullin's full of it
When asked if Monty was going to get canned after the disaster that was the 2005-2006 Warrior season Mullin said NO. When asked if Jason Richardson was going to be traded numerous times this season Mullin said NO.
This is fantastic. Mullin has become a master of setting up smoke screens and manipulating the media to leave everyone confused. Again, excellent poker face. You gotta love a front office man who's ready to take a gamble and shock the world. I was worried that he was going to be another complacent GM a la Gary St. Jean when he didn't pull the trigger for a much-needed shakeup in that terrible 2005-2006 campaign, but things have completely turned around for the better with regard to his style of front office moves.
17. There could be $10 million reasons why the trade was great
If Mullin actually uses the exception to bring in a stud, then please excuse my thought #4 from above. But if he lets it go to waste like he did with the league's largest in season trade exception two season's ago (which he let expire) with some silly move, then oh my. That's unstoppable baby like Marc Jackson.
18. It's coming...?
I honestly don't think Mullin and Nellie are done dealing yet. If these moves were simply a precursor to a net a bigger fish- like some masala fried fish for our man KG- then count me in as a huge proponent of the Warriors' moves on draft day. The Warriors traded away their heart and soul this past Thursday and there's nobody better to fill that void than Kevin Garnett. Anything within reason that brings KG to the Bay I'm in favor of. Again, every move for the Warriors this offseason should be towards winning NOW.
19. The youth movement?
Was Danny Ainge masquerading as Chris Mullin last night? Old people win in this league, not young people (unless you're an uber-all-world-talent like Lebron James or Dwyane Wade which I can guarantee you these 3 new Warriors are not). Why would a young team want to get even younger?
I'll bore you once more- I'm not ready to sit through another youth movement or rebuilding process. I want to win now. You don't play to build up a roster that you project will be good years down the line. Borrowing a line from then New York Jets coach Herman Edwards- "You play to win the game."
I'm with Herm.
Look, Fantasy Junkie, DJ Fuzzylogic, Hash, and I are first time season ticket holders for next year. (Yes, we finally raised enough dough from this crazy hobby we call GSoM- more on this later of course.) We didn't buy season tickets to watch a team play for the future. We bought these tickets from the blood, sweat, and tears we pour into this community to watch the Warriors win- NOW. We've seen over a decade of suck and made a decade's worth of jokes about the "good times". The rebuilding has gotten old, but winning never gets old.
20. Friends in high places
I don't think this isn't the last deal between the Charlotte Bobcats and Golden State Warriors that we'll see over the course of the next few years. The ties and bonds between ex-Warrior GM and new Bobcats GM Rod Higgins has with the Warriors are strong. Yo Higgy- we're happy to take that undersized center Emeka Okafor off your hands for the current longest tenured Warrior and "all time great" Adonal Foyle. I kid, I kid.
21. Improving dollars and sense
A lot of NBA players work hard just to get more zeroes on their next contract, but the interesting thing about Jason's tenure with the Dubs is that he actually worked hard to get better and win every night out. After he got paid he didn't lose the fire like Erick Dampier, Troy Murphy, Mike Dunleavy, or Adonal Foyle and stop improving his game. Haha, okay well I guess Damp and Dun never had that fire in the first place.
Don't discount this big Jason Richardson accomplishment in the midst of the losing culture that pervaded this organization for over a decade under the incompetent Chris Cohan. It's a big deal.
22. Backloading the money
A lot of NBA hoops analysts bring up the remaining 50 mill on Jason Richardson's contract. The money on Richardson's contract is backloaded (which is actually fairly common), meaning that the Bobcats are paying the brunt of the 70 million dollar contract Mullin inked JR to back in 2004, not the Warriors. I have to give props to Mullin here- he managed to hook his favs JR, Murph, and Dun to big money deals, but didn't actually have to pay that much of it.
23. Bad Karma
I was listening to Rod Brooks on KNBR 680 who was strongly in favor of the trade, but made the point that JRich was absolutely beloved here. He was beloved by the fans, his teammates (I don't think it's a good time to poll them for their thoughts on this trade right now), and the organization. Jason loved playing here as well. JRich was with us during all the bad times- and believe me there were some awful times for Warriors Nation between 2001-2006. We Believe and finally see the light and then BOOM- he's gone. Sorry, but I don't think the trade with the BETcats won the Warriors any points with the hoops gods.
Sport that #23 with pride.
The now throwback Jason Richardson #23 Warriors jersey: Blue | Orange | The City | Tagline | Youth | Girls Tee -- and yes, I hate the fact that the JR jersey sale profits are all going to the Warriors.
Give us 23 thoughts about draft day 2007 for the Warriors in the comments section.
Also see:
- JRich or Die Flying
- Draft Day Reflection
- Live Blog of the 2007 NBA Draft
- Warriors 2007 Draft Central [Warriors.com]
Photos: Jennifer Pottheiser/NBAE/Getty, Steven Freeman/NBAE via Getty Images
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watching
The J-RICH show is on his way out...=(
by dajrichshow on Jun 30, 2007 1:40 PM PDT 0 recs
I'll....
by Bake Da Ripper on Jun 30, 2007 1:41 PM PDT 0 recs
the differece
by kenntoe on Jun 30, 2007 1:43 PM PDT 0 recs
How much longer
by bobfitzgerald on Jun 30, 2007 1:44 PM PDT 0 recs
You mean going to the Playoffs and...
by jashugan on
Jul 1, 2007 6:32 PM PDT
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werd
You want to still play the victim of the losing culture, but I got news for you: we just made history in the playoffs. You aren't allowed to play that card anymore, no matter how easy you may find it to be.
He was a fantastic player. I said it once, and I'll say it again: When he retires, he should have his # retired here. He meant that much to that town. But that doesn't make him untradeable!
You have to give up greatness to achieve greatness. Without trying to establish a good 4-5 combo, we'd be dead in the west. Especially with the editions of Oden and Durant on two lottery teams. It's only gonna get harder. The Warriors were EXTREMELY proactive in this draft, and I don't think they are getting any credit, or the benefit of the doubt here. I think they deserve both. They got us to the playoffs last year. They've earned some trust.
I asked you, ATMA, to drop some science, and you really have, and I appreciate that.
http://westcoastbiased.blogspot.com
by coma on Jun 30, 2007 1:45 PM PDT 0 recs
YELLOW JOURNALISM
#4 and #5 are ludicrous.
First of all, the NBA operates under the salary cap. You will have to make moves to ship out expensive players in at some point or the other, and that's where the saving money comes into play.
Mullin already said it a million times on KNBR:
Baron and J-Rich barely got us into the playoffs. The 2007-08 Warriors were doubtful to make the playoffs, and would have been luckier than they were this year to get into the second round again.
That's not good enough, so that means you gotta change.
All this anti-trade talk smacks of a young child that's angry he can't have everything he wants, and he wants what he wants now.
You want a consistently good team, you want all your favorite players, you want, you want, you want. We aren't the Spurs, we don't get to keep all our stars locked up forever; even the Suns are looking at shipping players out because of salary reasons.
The NBA is a business. Get over it.
Second, cap space is for losers?
Get a grip. When the team dealt Jamison, there was similar reaction: the team traded its only star, got rid of a loyal player, blah blah blah, more bitching.
History lesson: Jamison got us Van Exel, who lead to Dale Davis and Speedy Claxton, who lead us to Jessica Alba and the playoffs.
Cap space IS useful, but it's just not sexy for fans who demand instant gratification. You can't sell cap space because fans are shortsighted and mercurial, but that doesn't diminish the fact YOU NEED TO MANAGE YOUR CAP WISELY, whether you like it or not.
Third, as for Ellis and Biedrins.
I could give you a pass on Ellis since I have my own concerns about his development and fit; he has to play next to a big point guard to be really effective.
Biedrins, however, is a Nellie-approved big man at what, 21? Mobile shotblockers that can also pass and move well with a deft touch around the rim do not come around often; center and PG are the two most difficult positions to fill in the NBA, and we have at least one of them set. So extending Biedrins is very much a wise move, even at the expensive of Richardson.
On another level, you're actually comparing Murphy and Dunleavy with Ellis and Biedrins? What sort of crack are you smoking?
Murphy and Dunleavy were, for a long time, hated on by this very site, while YOU AND THE REST OF GSOM were responsible for hyping up Ellis and Biedrins. If you don't believe me, look at your own damn archives, you probably have the articles saved on your computer.
You're gonna miss J-Rich. I get that.
J-Rich was loyal. I get that.
J-Rich was fun to watch. I get that.
We might not be as good next year. I get that.
But going overboard like this? That's inexcusable.
Your front page articles are, in large part, what shape many readers' thoughts and attitudes. When you go use this much hyperbole and leave this many holes in your writing, it's only hurting Warriors fans everywhere.
Show all the emotion you want when you're at the Oracle.
Keep up the incredible effort and the funnies when you're updating the site.
But please, let's be a little bit professional and objective. I'm saying that as someone that loves the Warriors, basketball, and wants Golden State of Mind to be better.
by OptionZero on Jun 30, 2007 1:46 PM PDT 0 recs
Whew!
All true Warriors fans were at least a little sad to see JRich go.
But any real basketball fan could see the huge holes in JR's game that kept him from being an All-Star. The most damning for a "star" 2-guard is that he could not create his own shot or be counted on in the clutch. Basically boils down to not being able to dribble penetrate.
He was the best player on the sorry ass Warriors of the past, but probably is a 6th man on a championship team. His bloated stats of the past were precisely because he played on such a bad team.
Much of JR's game was based on athleticism, and he was clearly losing some of that. I know he was injured, but those knee problems have a way of recurring and eroding your athleticism.
I still feel a little sad when I see those replays of JRich.
by DrDre on
Jun 30, 2007 2:02 PM PDT
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werd!
http://westcoastbiased.blogspot.com
by coma on
Jun 30, 2007 2:06 PM PDT
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"thank you for saying everything...
Yea, blasting people with inflammatory language for disagreeing with your opinions, which you seem to believe are indisputable fact, who are merely trying to engage in dialogue. whuts the point of having a place for discussion when 99.9% of the time your comments end up just straight up dissing people for no apparent reason?
by dj fuzzylogic on
Jun 30, 2007 2:49 PM PDT
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werd.
http://westcoastbiased.blogspot.com
by coma on
Jun 30, 2007 2:54 PM PDT
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disagreement is fine
by dj fuzzylogic on
Jun 30, 2007 3:01 PM PDT
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Werd
If you post a thread that has been posted 20 times in the last day, and then get mad when someone tells you not to carbon copy a thread, then it's you with the problem. Not me.
I'm pretty impartial on the whole J-Rich thing. He was our king but he was sacrificed for what I believe is the greater good. This whole commotion about it is pretty foolish. As journalists, you guys should be able to vent your emotion but all I've seen is bashing on the current squad and front office.
So when a guy tells you to cut it out, you both get angry about it? You guys have an effect on the entire fanbase. Why are you trying to turn them out on the front office and squad?
I.E. The only way this trade is justified is if we get KG? Come on now. Something had to happen. Maybe Monta's value wasn't as high as everyone thought it was. Maybe it wasnt enough to get Wright. J-Rich is a proven vet who can lead a locker room. He commanded respect, even when he was traded.
I still think this wouldn't have been an issue if he was traded to a winning franchise. Something about trading him to the bobcats leaves a foul taste in my mouth too.
Now, I'm not saying don't rip the crap out of Management if you TRULY believe that this was a terrible trade. But right now do you really know enough to say what you already have? I don't think anyone does.
http://westcoastbiased.blogspot.com
by coma on
Jun 30, 2007 3:09 PM PDT
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Maybe Monta's value wasn't as high
I still think this wouldn't have been an issue if he was traded to a winning franchise. Something about trading him to the bobcats leaves a foul taste in my mouth too.
Now, I'm not saying don't rip the crap out of Management if you TRULY believe that this was a terrible trade. But right now do you really know enough to say what you already have? I don't think anyone does."
Ok coma where did you steal this from? It actually is well though out and is amazinly insult free. Room is spinning, gotta lay down.
by Skeptic con Urquell on
Jun 30, 2007 3:55 PM PDT
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weee
http://westcoastbiased.blogspot.com
by coma on
Jun 30, 2007 4:35 PM PDT
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HAHAHAHAHA
I dropped this piece by request. If you don't like it, you're free to put up a diary with your own analysis. Always have been. Always will be. I guarantee you that no GSoM writer will stoop so slow as to post silly comments like this one in your post.
Also, thank you for making some bizarre inferences and putting words in my mouth and demonstrating some very poor reading comprehension skills.
Um, I know the archives of this site very well. I don't think you do. Dunleavy never got love here from day 1 for many reasons. By the way- thank you for trying to talk down to us.
Murph got love pre-Nellie, but was always criticized for the poor lateral movement and defense. Both Fantasy Junkie and I thought Biedrins was an absolute disaster two seasons ago. I didn't project him to even be in the league in a few years. Thank god I was wrong. The comparison to Dunleavy, Murphy, Richardson had nothing to with game but handing out outlandish contracts.
Look this community is for discussion- if you don't agree state your points- but please check the histrionics and theatrics out the door. All these tantrums polluting this site right now need to stop.
Let me be perfectly honestly to EVERYONE- I'm exhausted. I'm sick of all the complaining and personal shots people are taking at each other. There's nothing wrong with people sharing their own thoughts and analysis of the trade regardless of how different they may be. What is wrong is taking personal shots at others just because you don't agree with what they're saying.
I find all these "you owe us X" type comments directed at Fantasy Junkie, DJ Fuzzylogic, and me absolutely ridiculous. You can't be a demanding customer if you're not even a paying customer. It's getting to the point where we're being unfairly disrespected us because some internet posters don't agree with our takes. That' garbage.
The amount of time Fantasy Junkie, DJ Fuzzy Logic and I had put into live blogging this draft, keeping the offseason going strong, and in general year round is crazy. I dare you to find any other website that did a better job live blogging the NBA Draft. Look at ESPN's live blog as well. It took an unfathomable amount of hours to make that happen. The last thing I feel like seeing is this destructive and childish behavior tarnishing this mighty community.
by Atma Brother ONE on
Jun 30, 2007 2:40 PM PDT
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I'm tired period.
Much Love for Zero & Big Brah Brah Atma
Yall taught me mucho mang and i hope to learn more from all yall and to yall 2 DJ fuzz and FantasyJunkie & pree and SleepyFreud
by jeppalepala on
Jun 30, 2007 3:00 PM PDT
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werd
I don't think you guys give yourselves as much credit as the people who read this blog do. We all see you as legit journalists, and we aren't used to you guys being one sided about issues. He makes a point when he says that people will read this blog and deduct that Mullin just made an awful trade just because you guys said so.
But what do I know. I'm the resident troll. Weeeeee
http://westcoastbiased.blogspot.com
by coma on
Jun 30, 2007 3:02 PM PDT
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"One sided"
Also, this blog is the opinion page. If you want boring, bland, etc (what many seem to think isn't one-sided) the AP pieces on the Warriors or the cushy beat writer articles in the local papers are excellent for you. If you want insights, analysis (that you might not always agree with), emotion, passion, fire, and tons of bad jokes- this is the place for you.
by Atma Brother ONE on
Jul 1, 2007 3:02 PM PDT
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If you're sick of complaining
You're right, this is a blog that you co-run, so you can, theoretically, blog anything you want.
Equally true, however, is that you put a comment section that any register user can use- and I have.
Since you're free to blog anything, then I'm free to comment on how your blog can be better.
Sure, maybe Dunleavy and Murphy never got all the love, but Ellis has been a staple of the front page, and Biedrins is beloved as well.
To then turning around and downplaying their value and importance just to trumpet the "lost j-rich" aspect seems to be inconsistent at best, lazy at worst.
As I said, I applaud the energy and effort you put in. If it needs to be said again, I'll say it: Thank you for running the most entertaining Warriors site on the internet.
But that doesn't mean I can't point out when your analysis is flawed, and that doesn't mean I can't ask you guys to do more.
It's the same situation with the Warriors. I loved watching them, but I can also step back and acknowledge areas of improvements.
Here, I can make GSoM a favorite bookmark and visit dozens of times a day, but still ask for better.
Think of it this way, if I didn't love it, I wouldn't care enough to want more.
Regarding the "unfairly disrespected" bit- most of your readers don't know you personally, they read and react soley based on the content of your posts.
If you want to influence their opinion, then consider what you're writing. If you want to change that opinion, then change what you're writing. If you believe in what you're saying, then it doesn't matter what the masses say, stick to it.
Whatever influence I might have on them, it's because of what I've said. I don't think I know anyone here personally, at least I don't recognize the names from any other forums off the top of my head.
I will stand by whatever I have posted and defend my views, but don't blame me because you don't like how others are reacting to your posts.
Regarding the "paying customer" bit- I don't appreciate that at all. You create and run this site because you want to; we visit and participate because we do. You're going to say that since I don't pay, I can't say anything?
What do you want me to pay? $10/a month? $50/a year. You want this to be a paid site so only those who show up with the cash can voice their opinion?
Ok, that's fine, because you, Fantasy Junkie, any the rest of the GSoM crew can listen up:
If you made this a paid site, OPTIONZERO WOULD BE HAPPY TO PAY FOR MEMBERSHIP.
Got that?
Don't ever accuse me of not caring or not being willing to step up.
Here's, my paypal address:
JonJonm@juno.com
send me a money request, what's GSoM need? i'll do whatever I can
I'm not rich, I'm a student and I have an 8 figure debt from student loans, I volunteer during the summer and don't get a dime.
Despite all that, I'll still crack open my piggy bank for you guys if that's what you want.
Why? Because I'm a Warriors fan, and I'll put in the time and effort to participate in a sport and team that I love to watch- just like everyone else here.
Don't you disrespect me and say I'm just some demanding customer.
by OptionZero on
Jun 30, 2007 3:05 PM PDT
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to everyone else:
If you don't like me personally, that's fine, I'm ok with that.
If you don't agree with the actual post, that's fine too- but if you think I'm wrong, you better be able to back it up. Prove that I'm wrong, or at least tell me why you think differently.
Don't ever accept what anyone else says at face value- I disagree with Atma or anyone else, someone else disagrees with me. If you're the reader, you decide who you agree with, but you darn sure better read everything before you do so- both sides and more elsewhere if you have to.
by OptionZero on
Jun 30, 2007 3:11 PM PDT
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Same Here
Well said sir.
by jeppalepala on
Jun 30, 2007 3:15 PM PDT
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I have an 8 figure debt from student loans,
WTF? Are you counting the figures to the right of the decimal point? Debt and no income? That sounds like the balance sheet of a stellar basketball analyst!!
by Skeptic con Urquell on
Jun 30, 2007 3:49 PM PDT
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graduate school
It's not pretty.
by OptionZero on
Jun 30, 2007 4:07 PM PDT
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oh wait
See, i told you i'm not always right.
by OptionZero on
Jun 30, 2007 4:08 PM PDT
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Wasting my time
You're right, this is a blog that you co-run, so you can, theoretically, blog anything you want.
Equally true, however, is that you put a comment section that any register user can use- and I have.
Since you're free to blog anything, then I'm free to comment on how your blog can be better.
This post isn't solely about Jason Richardson, but that's all you seemed to focus on. Why? Looks like you're pushing your own agenda.
"theoretically" I can blog about whatever I want? I can and will blog about whatever I want. You're free to comment on whatever you want, but that's no an excuse for not reading properly or getting all hysterical.
To then turning around and downplaying their value and importance just to trumpet the "lost j-rich" aspect seems to be inconsistent at best, lazy at worst.
Honestly what are you talking about when you refer to the "staple of the front page"? I've repeatedly said both Monta and Biedrins are very flawed and I don't think they'll ever be franchise cornerstones. I've repeatedly pointed out the flaws in JR's game as well which were even noted in this post. There's nothing inconsistent in my stance. I've said for days the Warriors shouldn't obsess or blow up the ship just to resign Ellis and Biedrins. We're not looking at the next Allen Iverson and Tim Duncan here. You're always free to disagree with whatever any of us write, but you're not free to put words in our mouth and attack points that we never made.
No doubt but you're asking us to write and take stances in accordance with your own. If someone has a different take on the situation than you they're automatically wrong or dumb? That's silly.
Why else would I write it?
What do you want me to pay? $10/a month? $50/a year. You want this to be a paid site so only those who show up with the cash can voice their opinion?
Ok, that's fine, because you, Fantasy Junkie, any the rest of the GSoM crew can listen up:
If you made this a paid site, OPTIONZERO WOULD BE HAPPY TO PAY FOR MEMBERSHIP.
Got that?
Don't ever accuse me of not caring or not being willing to step up.
send me a money request, what's GSoM need? i'll do whatever I can
I'm not rich, I'm a student and I have an 8 figure debt from student loans, I volunteer during the summer and don't get a dime.
Despite all that, I'll still crack open my piggy bank for you guys if that's what you want.
Why? Because I'm a Warriors fan, and I'll put in the time and effort to participate in a sport and team that I love to watch- just like everyone else here.
Don't you disrespect me and say I'm just some demanding customer.
Uh, thanks for that little diatribe and theatrics on a basketball blog. You're missing the point entirely. You're demanding I write stuff that you agree with. Sorry that ain't going to happen. Never. You weren't requesting for better material from me- you were requesting I write some in accordance with your perspective. Not going to happen.
Have the last word if you want, but I refuse to waste anymore time sorting through your histrionics and helping you read more carefully. Feel free to take your tantrum elsewhere.
by Atma Brother ONE on
Jul 1, 2007 2:55 PM PDT
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Restoring Some Semblence of Good Discussion
I agree with you and your compatriots, Atma, that the name calling and personal attacks have gotten out of hand, and have devolved this site. Let's remember people that this site is all about fostering some informative discussion regarding our beloved basketball team. Warrior fans are supposed to be some of the most knowledgeable and well informed basketball fans in the world. Personally, I would rather see people drop some knowledge on here. The name calling is just juvenile and immature.
I don't know if I will respond to all 23 of the points you have made Atma, but I will address the points that got my attention.
Point # 2: Atma, you're absolutely right when it comes to Brandon Wright's lack of upper body strength, which for damn sure is going to make him a liability going up against the Carlos Boozers, Tim Duncans, and Amare Stoudemires of the world. At the same time, we should also remember that Coach Nelson doesn't focus on a player's weaknesses, but rather his strengths.
It wouldn't surprise me to see Wright playing in the high post on offense much the same way Andris Biedrins does by setting high screens and then rolling to the basket. It wouldn't make much sense for Nelly to post Wright on the low block because of his lack of strength to establish low position. Defensively, Wright will be exposed, which is why if you're going up against a dominant post player like Yao, Boozer, Duncan, or Stoudemire, you will have to use another player to body one of those guys up and use Wright with his 7'3" wingspan to come from the weak side of the lane to block shots.
I'm with you though on wanting to win now. How much longer are we going to have to wait? But this incarnation of the Warriors has a plan; we need that plan to unfold. I have a feeling that Chris Mullin and Don Nelson are not through yet.
Points # 3-7 & 17: The reason why I have a pretty good feeling that the Warriors will continue to make moves this off season and maybe through to the trading deadline of the 2007-08 season is because of that $10 million trade exception they were able to get. They have a number of options because of that. For one, if they wanted to, they could re-sign Matt Barnes or Mikael Pietrus (I personally would like to see Pietrus go). Or they could sign a free agent such as Gerald Wallace who could fit in nicely with Golden State. Or they could use the trade exception in a trade package for a big name player. This is something that we would not have had with J-Rich still on the roster.
But I do agree with you Atma that trading J-Rich away just to save cap space for signing Biedrins and Ellis is silly. If that were the Warriors' thought process, then why not ship out Al Harrington who's owed about $27.6 million over the next 3 years or buy out Foyle's contract which has him making about $18.7 million over the next 2 years?
When Tim Kawakami was on with Rod Brooks on Friday, he said that when Chris Mullin does a deal that he's looking one, two, or three moves ahead after that deal. This is why I have the feeling that the Warriors are not done by any stretch of the imagination in continuing to make moves.
Now, I'm not going to break down the flaws in Richardson's game. Those are well documented and on top of that, I've already done that in a previous post. However, it should be worth noting that the Warriors were a more efficient team during the regular season with a lineup of Biedrins (5), Harrington (4), Jackson (3), Ellis (2), and Davis (1) rather than with the same line up but with Richardson at the 2 spot. The +/- stat can corroborate that. On the other hand, the playoffs were a completely different story because Ellis was a complete disaster.
I understand that Ellis and Biedrins have flaws in their games. Which player doesn't? For instance, the fact that Ellis' ball handling has him dribbling the ball so high leaves him susceptible to getting picked just like J-Rich was. Combine that with the fact that he's turnover prone, and I really don't see him developing into a solid point guard anytime soon. With Biedrins, he still needs to continue to get stronger and put on some weight. His post moves are still very raw, and for the love of God, make a stupid free throw! But at the same time, both of these guys are so young; they're only 21!
For the 10 + years of mediocrity that we had to endure, don't you think that it's now time to see 10 years of good basketball? I sure would. I think that Mully and Nellie are making moves to have this team be relevant not only for next season, but the years to come. It's not only a ho-hum one or two years in the playoffs that we should be striving for, but sustained excellence over the next decade. Who knows how things will turn out? But you know what, I'm liking what we're doing right now.
Keep up the good work Atma.
by friscoballer415 on
Jun 30, 2007 6:12 PM PDT
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Option Zero you are my hero
Everyone loved JRICH but he is much overatedon this site. Listen to OptionZero guys everyone is sick of hearing this whining and bitching. You can just elevate Richardson as this God when he was at best our 3rd best player in the playoffs. We have to have a good team now and for the future. We dont need to be crippled with inflated salaries. Nelson said it well when he said, If you are gonna sign for all that money you have to know getting traded is a good possibility.
I think I speak for many of us when I say, that all this whining is getting to be disgusting, lets move on in a positive manner (imagine me saying that) and be WARRIOR fans.
THE HEART AND SOUL OF THE W'S
by dallaswarrior on
Jun 30, 2007 4:48 PM PDT
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Whining vs Appreciation
I don't see any whining about JR being traded. I see appreciation. Read this piece more carefully before whining- especially #13 -18 and #22.
by Atma Brother ONE on
Jul 1, 2007 2:59 PM PDT
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hey now
by AJC3317 on Jun 30, 2007 2:08 PM PDT 0 recs
my list
- Jason Richardson
- Tim Hardaway
- Mitch Richmond
- Chris Mullin
- Latrell Sprewell
With that said, I have a lot of great JRich memories from his numerous breathtaking plays from over the past 5+ years. But, this is what happens in the NBA. I agree with some of the posters that said to improve teams sacrifice is necessary. Warriors fans will always respect JRich, but he ain't dead, we can still be fans of his, he just won't be wearing the Warriors jersey. I was kind of sad to see him go, but not as sad as when Gilbert Arenas bounced! It happens all of the time, it is always apart of the game, it seems like fan favorites leave every 5 to 7 years.
by manutefor3 on Jun 30, 2007 2:44 PM PDT 0 recs
Jrich > Tim??
Marv Albert: "I ain't trippin'!"
by ZombieWarrior on
Jun 30, 2007 4:54 PM PDT
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with all due respect
dont get me wrong- j-rich is a very nice player, very talented, love his heart, but he is not a good fit for our team.
face it- jason became an interchangable piece in the way nellieball warriors style is run. he became one of many swingman, and we did not need someone like that making 10 per.
again i love him.... but where did he ever get us? like tim k from the merc said- he was the 3rd or 4th best player on our team in the playoff run, probaly 4th. he was at his best when the warriors were at their worst. kinda like antawn.
to the fans that say the warriors owe him something- they owe him nothing. pro sports are a buisness, he has millions and millions in the bank and more to come. im sure jason understands this.
with all due respect atma, i think you should take a less emotional view of this trade and it will make alot more sense. nellie knows what he is doing. now, if monty or muss or whoever was the coach i would have more worries, but we have one of the best coaches and judges of talent of all time on our side. believe!
by Nellieball on Jun 30, 2007 3:31 PM PDT 0 recs
The cap space point
Apologies if I wasn't clear. I agree with those flaws you pointed out in JR's game. My point is look at the names people are tossing out to get at with that $10 mill exception or other trades- Ron Artest, Rashard Lewis, Gerald Wallace, etc. All of them have flaws and I don't buy that the money spent on them is that much better if even than the dough in keeping JR. Sorry but saving money to make a run at these names instead of keeping JR doesn't excite me.
But what could make the Warriors big winners in this trade is if they can use that $10 wisely AND if Brandan Wright turns out to be a stud. I hope both come true.
by Atma Brother ONE on
Jul 1, 2007 3:10 PM PDT
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Thanks! Atma Bro#1
Kirk
by kirkkazas on Jun 30, 2007 3:36 PM PDT 0 recs
Marco Belinelli
Atma and crew, Thanks for all the work, glad you got new season tickets. Chill boys, In a few days this site will calm down and ya'll can have a break.
by Skeptic con Urquell on Jun 30, 2007 4:05 PM PDT 0 recs
NOOOOO!!!
by jeppalepala on
Jun 30, 2007 4:09 PM PDT
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I agree with your
Marv Albert: "I ain't trippin'!"
by ZombieWarrior on Jun 30, 2007 4:56 PM PDT 0 recs
The proof...
Whether things pan out on our end will be very interesting to see. The regular season is going to be very very interesting next year.
At least, I think we can all say that this wasn't a totaly boneheaded move, which we were able to say about many moves the Warriors have done before and many other teams did this year (like imagine being a Celtics fan right now). At least Mullin and co. are truly making an effort, working hard and smart to build a better team. I wish them the best.
And I love GSoM. I'm sorry to see internet fights starting here. We need to stay united. The internet makes conflicts happen that wouldn't exist if we were sitting around a bar drinking good microbrews together. Don't forget that. I think Atma's throwing a lot of interesting ideas out there. They don't all make sense and some of them contradict others, but all of them are worth thinking about and I appreciate the love for JRich that is driving him. That love is what makes us different from other fans. That's all we've had for so long!
Much love to the East Bay y'all! I miss you guys. You people are good and real sports fans.
by walkerp on Jun 30, 2007 5:13 PM PDT 0 recs
Jordan did much better
I actually think Richardson is going into a very good situation in Charlotte, especially if Wallace is resigned. That team already has a solid post-player and shot-blocker in Okafor, a PG that can create offense in Felton, and if Wallace comes back, the Bobcats will essentially have the two best rebounding swingmen in the NBA to help Okafor out.
Yea, they're still missing that guy you want taking the last shot, but between Richardson, Felton, and maybe Wallace (not to mention Morrison if he ever does anything), some one might emerge.
by BingBluNT on
Jun 30, 2007 5:51 PM PDT
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true dat
But yeah, Charlotte has some potential there. They'll be an interesting team to watch (and I definitely will be watching them next year).
by walkerp on
Jul 1, 2007 4:28 AM PDT
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if the Warriors didn't make the playoffs,
No way! Even if the pacers won the title and we finished last we still won the trade because we get Jackson's personality compared to Dunleaveys personality. Same thing for the new trade, I doubt we'll ever enjoy beliini and braces as much as we've enjoyed Jason so I don't see how we come out ahead?
by Skeptic con Urquell on
Jul 1, 2007 9:04 AM PDT
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Before anyone else comments
by Atma Brother ONE on Jun 30, 2007 5:35 PM PDT 0 recs