Chris Webber BELIEVES and So Do I

by Atma Brother ONE on Jan 29, 2008 1:32 PM PST in News Comment 62 comments

It's official. Can you believe Chris Webber- CHRIS WEBBER (!)- and Don Nelson- DON NELSON(!)- are both back on the Warriors?

Someone pinch me.
[photo: warriors.com]

The golden welcome for our old friend resumes... after the jump!

CWebb on the World Wide Web.

Here's Webber's take on the return to Dubs land 14 years later:

"It is with great pride and humility that I announce my return to the Golden State Warriors - the place where it all started. This organization and city has always had a special place in my heart because it is where my dream of being a NBA player first came true" stated Chris Webber. "I am looking forward to playing with Baron, Stephen and the rest of the crew and I am extremely excited to be reunited with the fans of Oakland along with Coach Nelson and my former teammate Mully (Chris Mullin). In playing with Nellie before, I know how much fun his style of "ball" can be. I BELIEVE great things are in store and I can't wait to put on that #4 jersey again. I can't wait to get on the court!"

I think this deserves a big phat Boom Dizzle YA DIGG?!

But CJ- watch your back kid! Looks like CWebb's coming for your #4 jersey.

Definitely head on over to Chris Webber's website and make sure to check out this must see TV highlighting his rookie season with the Golden State Warriors.

Let me just disclose this up front: I am one of the the biggest Chris Webber fan/ apologists around. I'll even go so far to say that I think CWebb's eyes are far prettier than even KNBR's Ralph Barbieri does (please tell me you caught that old skool reference- thank you! thank you!). I BELIEVE this is a fantastic move for the Warriors, Nellie, Webber, and longtime fans. This man still has a lot of game left because of the amazing hoops talents he's been blessed with and his incredibly high hoops IQ (just not with time outs!). The Warriors just got smarter and more savvy.

For those of you who think Webber can't run the fast break with the Warriors- who cares? That's what Monta, BD, Jack, and Barnes are for. How many times have you seen Andris Biedrins or even Al Harrington finish a fastbreak for Nellie this season? I'll go so far to say that CWebb could make them an even deadlier fast break team with his tremendous outlet passing and rebounding abilities. Also, when teams force the Warriors to run a halfcourt offense they jack up a ton of silly three's. The Warriors are simply not a very good half court offensive team, but Webber helps them out in this area by giving them a midrange threat and a stunning halfcourt passer. Check here for some of my rough thoughts on this with more to follow.

Longtime GSoM reader Zorgon dug up one of the rare good, bold predictions that I've made over the years (I swear I must bat worse than the 2007 Giants at those) from May 21, 2006 when then Warriors were sitting out of the playoffs were the 12th straight time post-Webber that I made in a response to OG community member kirkkazas:

The funny thing is...
If the Warriors brought in Nellie and CWebb next season to replace Monty and say Troy Murphy, they'd probably be in the playoffs.

After Zorgon caught my rare hit, RubberDubDubs pleaded for me to say that the Dubs will probably have a championship by the end of this season in the hopes that I would get lucky again. If I predicted the Warriors will probably win the 2007-2008 NBA crown most of you would stop reading righ now (and I'd stop typing!), so I won't. However, this actually brings up a great topic from the Webber/ Nellie angle though.

Chris Webber: The man's got everything in his basketball career. He has the stats (a whopping 10 20-9 seasons), the accolades (1994 ROY, 5 time All-Star, 5 time All-NBA), plenty of success (back to back NCAA Championship appearances, 12 trips to the playoffs), and even the honeys (ahem, Tyra Banks). The only thing missing from his resume is a championship.

Don Nelson: The man's got everything in his NBA coaching career. He has the numbers (over 1,200 coaching victories), the accolades (3 NBA Coach of the Year trophies), plenty of success (18 trips to the playoffs + the greatest upset in NBA Playoff history), and even a trademark in Nellieball. The only thing missing from his coaching resume is a championship.

I will predict this though- this is just a sign of things to come for the here and now. Webber and Nellie have absolutely nothing left to play for, but to win a championship. They know this. Mully and the Warriors front office know this. We know this. Everyone knows this. This could be a major turning point.

The Warriors aren't done dealing and we aren't done BELIEVEing.

GSoM's CWeb:

Who's the next breakup to makeup?

Puffy and Jennifer Lopez

13 votes

Bobby Brown and Whitney Houston

40 votes

Mike Tyson and Robin Givens

14 votes

Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston

22 votes

89 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

When...

...will he suit up? I assume he won't be in Houston tonight.

by Zack Vank on Jan 29, 2008 1:48 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Friday

Vs. Bobcats

by GOLDENstateGIRL on Jan 29, 2008 2:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

maybe

Most likely Thursday the 7th against Chicago.

by Psion on Jan 29, 2008 2:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

man

we coulda used him against the hornets.. chandler will be a tall order.

by saintdee on Jan 29, 2008 2:20 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

couldn't agree more

I can't recall if I did say something in that regard or not before but I definitely agree with this sentence. Webber is here to add another offensive weapon in the half-court not run with the Warriors. We already got the running part covered, but it is when teams starts making shots and zones up that is when our trouble starts. C-Webb may not be a bruiser who's gonna push everybody around but at least (and I certainly hope), he would be taking his shots inside the arc. Let's just hope he can still make those mid-range jumper of his, CONSISTENTLY.

Also, let's face it -- as much as we'd rather have Brandan Wright or even a lil some-some of POB and Kosta gracing the hardwood instead of MP and Barnes masquerading as our big man, it's never gonna happen as long as Nellie is in reigns. So, if bringing C-Webb in means less of those ineffective small frontcourt, then count me in. I do have my reservations on D, but he was a decent/good rebounder in his career. He must know how to box out, right? Score a little, rebound a little. If he can do that consistently, then we got our money's worth.

by lightz0ut on Jan 29, 2008 1:58 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Im SO ready.

very eager, very anxious.

by KINGofCRASH on Jan 29, 2008 2:00 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

I'm ready

I'm ready to see his patented behind-the-back bounce pass to a cutter on the baseline.

Welcome back!

by mojo X on Jan 29, 2008 2:04 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Does anybody remeber

the link between Chris Webber and Matt Barnes. They played together with Sacramento and got traded together to Philidelphia. I don't know if they were friends or not, but I think it is funny because back then Webber was a bigtime player and Barnes a journeyman. Now Barnes has a good role as a 6th man here in Golden State, and Webber role may be about the same as Barnes'. Come of the bench en give energy.

by Jacque on Jan 29, 2008 2:12 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

I read somewhere

I read somewhere recently(don't ask me where) that Barnes was lobbying for Weber and was in contact with him trying to convince him to come aboard. My take was that they were pretty close.

by PhilSmith on Jan 29, 2008 2:23 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

They're on each others Myspace Top 8! (lol)

It's a legit page- I'm a myspace junkie and this is the most legit Barnes profile I could find. (I also run GSoM's myspace page and didn't wanna plug the wrong profile on the page LOL)

http://www.myspace.com/mattbarnes

by Tony.psd on Jan 29, 2008 2:30 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

lol

Nice find. Guess that proves that.

by PhilSmith on Jan 29, 2008 2:32 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

LOL...

It's also the page most of the girls check out!
I noticed he only adds Chicks and Rappers. (LOL- and GSoM!)

by Tony.psd on Jan 29, 2008 2:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

hahaha

nice dig!

by RubberDubDubs on Jan 29, 2008 2:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

As a longtime Kings fan

I was pretty upset the Kings dealt Barnes. I still am in alot of ways. He was a pre cursor to Garcia and Salmons and Dahntay Jones. Up to that point he was a very effective cog in Adelman's system. I am not surprised he's played well in Nellie's system. What I am surprised is how few coaches recognize him for what he is. So I gotta give Nellie props for that.

At least the dubs are 80 miles down the road.

by pookeyguru on Jan 30, 2008 2:39 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Something to play...

next time the Dubs are on TNT.

by nautica on Jan 29, 2008 2:20 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

#4

Chris Webber is going to be wearing #4 and CJ will be wearing #23. This was just stated on KNBR.

by Psion on Jan 29, 2008 2:24 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

uh oh

watson gonna be wearing the old mitch richmond jersey!

He never stopped running!!!

by J2daZ on Jan 29, 2008 2:36 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I was

going to ask this very question...I was wondering ig he was gonna have to resort to #84 again. I forget who The Razoe & Mr. T were interviewing, but the guy said they should make him wear #94, in honor of what happened in 1994.

by flipgatey3 on Jan 29, 2008 3:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Fair and Unbiased

Nelson does it again--Spin City all over the place. There were at least two big men we could have potentially gotten with some creativity: Tyson and especially Villaneuva for the long term. But vintage Nelson gets us to take our eye off the ball with his spitter, genuis that he is.

I don't mind this move and it might work out in a variety of ways. But hey, it is too much to expect Webber to take us to the promised land or even get us a gig on The Next Top Model with Tyra.

Ok, we will all have to wait and see. However and as usual, we sure get a lot of entertainment and drama with Nellie and the guys.

Maybe it is not over til its over and some other moves are pending. I still chose to believe the spitter is still spinning.

You call me ancient, I say "oldguysrule"

by commish on Jan 29, 2008 2:28 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Don't rule out...

Villaneuva. We still have players to deal before the trade deadline.

by streetballer on Jan 29, 2008 3:11 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I REALLY

hope we can get charlie v. for mp2.

by flipgatey3 on Jan 29, 2008 3:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

link...from today

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/50609/20080130/villanueva_doesnt_see_himself_in_milwaukee _long_term/

by streetballer on Jan 30, 2008 2:21 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

W00t!

Mentioned in the Chris Webber article!

In any case, I predict that the Hornets and Warriors will se each other in the playoffs....and the Warriors give the BEATDOWN to the team that abandoned me.

(Yeah, it's not as courageous as a Championship, but....yeah.)

WELCOME BACK, CHRIS WEBBER!!!!

Tony.psd = Da Man

http://adonalobsessed.blogspot.com/

by Zorgon on Jan 29, 2008 2:39 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

boo.

If Chris Webber was white, Atma would be ultra hating on this deal. He's clearly favorable to those of us with color. He continually hates on Biedrins, and the management. Regardless of the moves they make.

It's no surprise his tongues out and wagging after this deal.

by xcoma on Jan 29, 2008 3:00 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

LOL

by maybenextyear on Jan 29, 2008 3:11 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

SWEET!!!!

Web pin, I hope you don't mind if I use it as my wallpaper.

by Psion on Jan 29, 2008 3:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Brilliant!

Thanks for telling me something about myself that I didn't even know. No wonder I gave out all those poor grades to Nellie, Mullin, and Biedrins:
http://www.goldenstateofmind.com/story/2008/1/23/191648/442

http://www.goldenstateofmind.com/story/2007/6/17/20059/6475

http://www.goldenstateofmind.com/story/2007/6/21/123430/636

http://www.goldenstateofmind.com/story/2007/10/4/25949/5131

by Atma Brother ONE on Jan 29, 2008 3:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

HAHAHA

i love the sarcasm

He never stopped running!!!

by J2daZ on Jan 29, 2008 3:59 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

boo.

You always bring those grades up like it matters. They're useless, and they mean nothing to me. You write one good thing about them and then try to use it as fodder over the fact that you criticize them far more than you write anything good about them.

Facts:

You continuously use Biedrins as a scapegoat for the J-Rich trade. In fact, most of the time you talk about how weak he is inside, how he isn't an offensive threat, how he's soft on the boards.

You take every chance you get to take shots at the management, especially Cohan. You can barely muster respect for Mullin for getting rid of all those retarded contracts, INCLUDING J-RICH. His contract was bad, and now it's gone for good. Thank god.

Coincidence all these guys are white? I don't really think so.

I'm pretty sure if Chris Webber was Chris Andersen you'd be taking a crap all over that deal.

by xcoma on Jan 29, 2008 4:26 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

What?

You always bring those grades up like it matters.

How can you say this? These grades arent even a week old. I think you are imaging things. Plus when did he say Biedrins was soft on the boards?

by Psion on Jan 29, 2008 4:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

What?

Yeah. Those are the only Midterm Report Card grades he's ever written ever.

And I think the question is when HASN'T he said Beans is soft on the boards. Clearly you don't read much around here. I'm a little too lazy to do some digging. If you mattered more to this community, I probably would though.

by xcoma on Jan 29, 2008 4:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

callin dude a racist

you better come correct w/the evidence. whats that? too lazy? oh i see. well done. i guess empty accusations are easier anyway.

by GameSix on Jan 29, 2008 5:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

not.

If you haven't seen him slander Biedrins, you obviously don't read much around here. I don't need to plead my case. You can use the search button if you'd like.

by xcoma on Jan 29, 2008 5:23 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I guess I don't read much here.

I only have commented 366 times since 11/03/06. Have you changed you name, with your 37 comments since 1/09/08? Back yourself with facts not just hate.

by Psion on Jan 29, 2008 5:27 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Hush.

If you don't know who I am, then you clearly don't aren't a vet around here. If it's not downright obvious to you, I don't know what I can do to help you.

I can tell you this though, my old name has your 366 posts trumped by like 500. So don't bring that garbage in here, buddy.

by xcoma on Jan 29, 2008 5:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

still running

From the facts. Show some facts before or atleast after you making it sound like someone is a racist!

by Psion on Jan 29, 2008 5:31 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

enough.

I'm not making it sound like he's a racist. He clearly favors people of color. Its ridiculously obvious to anyone who doesn't have a pea for a brain. Like I said before, I'm not here to do research for people. Look it up yourself.

by xcoma on Jan 29, 2008 5:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

OK

I'm not making it sound like he's a racist. He clearly favors people of color.

These two sentence contradict each other. Making it sound like a racist is exactly what you are doing. I don't care to do some research you pull you out of the hole you dug yourself into.

by Psion on Jan 29, 2008 5:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

correction

research for you to pull, not research you pull

by Psion on Jan 29, 2008 5:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks!

then you clearly don't aren't a vet around here.

Thanks for calling me a vet t GSoM

by Psion on Jan 29, 2008 5:33 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

you'd be a great lawyer

"what? evidence? ** you go find your evidence. the prosecution rests."

moron.

by GameSix on Jan 31, 2008 6:40 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Ohhh big words

I don't care if you think that I don't mattered to this site, there are plenty of people who would disagree with you. I think you just don't know what you are talking about! Atleast I add to GSOM, ask those who have met me, while you seem to be trying to take away.

by Psion on Jan 29, 2008 5:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh.,

What constitutes a big word? I didn't really use any in my response to you.

by xcoma on Jan 29, 2008 5:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

weird

your going to congratulate mullin for getting rid of bad contracts that he himself was responsible for? if we were quantify everything as if that was objectivity (which everyone believes is true), wouldn't he still be in the "-" given how many more losses the Warriors have incurred during his reign of terror. And also, your going to congratulate Cohen who for over a dozen years did absolutely nothing? wow, i guess your easy to please.

by dj fuzzylogic on Jan 29, 2008 5:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

ouch

reign of terror - not even an ardent Mullin-masher like me uses that!

by hardcore on Jan 29, 2008 5:20 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

poop.

Hell yeah I'm going to congratulate him for that. It's damn hard in this league to correct your mistakes. Look at the Knicks. He deserves all the respect in the world for looking at his mistakes and turning a lot of them in the blessings.

I can't blame Cohan for trying to make money. Us fans try to act like we're the best fans ever, just because we're loud. To say the Warriors were a lucrative franchise the last 10 years would be a stretch. I don't blame him for his flawed logic. He's rich. He's allowed to have that logic.

by xcoma on Jan 29, 2008 5:20 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Dude

Once you start defending Cohan for his cheap-ass management style over the last 10 years then I know that you either have some hidden bias, come from some alternate reality or are completely insane. Even the most ardent white supremacist would not defend Cohan's behaviour as a professional sports team owner.

by walkerp on Jan 29, 2008 6:18 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

boo.

Consider it defended, then. And I'm black btw.

by xcoma on Jan 29, 2008 6:25 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

shart.

BTW calling a reign of terror doesn't plead your case. He still got them to the playoffs. And they're 9 games over 500 right now. He made mistakes, and now he's corrected them and it's resulted in wins. It's nice to see how little respect you have for that.

by xcoma on Jan 29, 2008 5:22 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

objectivity

check +/- for wins/losses since he's been the GM or whatever his special title is. once season doesn't let him off the hook. am i upset the warriors are over 500? of course not. do i think they can get better? I would hope everyone else felt that way, too. of course im happy that he was able to right his wrongs, but why does a GM's worth have to be dependent on how he can clean up his own mistakes? what do mistakes have to do with a GM's success? Isn't a good GM supposed to make as little mistakes as possible in the first place? granted, Mullin's fear of opening up his checkbook is a relief, but i'm not sold YET on the things he's done.

by dj fuzzylogic on Jan 30, 2008 7:33 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I can't accept this

Atma is a case-by-case basis....I mean, he likes Chris Webber, obviously, because he grew up watching Chris Webber in his teens, and it's simply nostalgic. It's like if Adonal came back to the Warriors for me.

And if you look around the league....it's what, 80% black? Just because Atma hates management (Chris Cohan may be an excellent owner-for-profit, but the fans are right in hating a hands-off owner who doesn't care about his team)doeasn't mean that he hates white people. Chris Mullin gave big contracts to white guys....one of whom seemingly destroyed team chemistry and the other of whom was plagued by injuries. Hell, does Atma even hate on Troy Murphy? He discouraged the booing, and acknowleged that he worked hard while at Golden State. So, he hates the guy who gave them those contracts and the people who recieved them for not playing up to par. Fair enough.

Why did he not hate Jason Richardson? Because, unlike Muprhy or Dunleavy, he gave 100% every time, all of the time, and helped out the team in the clutch. If he was here today, we might not have any of these insane 1st quarter slumps! If you polled GSoM right now, I guarantee you over 50% would want him back.

Oh, and who is our coach? Don Nelson, white as can be, played for the Boston Celtics (who Atma hates). But why would he like him, then? Because he coached the team when Atma was growing up!

So, he has his reasons and logic for hating certain people, and liking certain people. I mean, if you polled an average Warriors fan 2 years ago, you'd probobly consider them rascist for their hate of Cohan, Mullin, Montgomery, Murphy, and Dunleavy.

Oh, I didn't address why he hates Andris...well, I really have no idea why. But hey, I hate Dwayne Wade because he is ugly.

And don't bring up Chris Andersen. If you really analysed his game, his attitude, his background....you'd rather have Chris Webber. The dued just wants his dunks, doesn't try on defense, doesn't try to get rebounds....he's just there for the show. Not to mention that he's been out of the league for 2 years (less hops, he's 29) and....does drugs (yeah, I said it). Fan favourite, but doesn't actually contribute much. How do I know all of this? I watched him when I followed the Hornets.

So yeah, there's your explanation. While Atma may seem a bit illogical at times, he is, by no means, rascist.

Tony.psd = Da Man

http://adonalobsessed.blogspot.com/

by Zorgon on Jan 29, 2008 11:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Hate's a strong word my friend

I don't hate any of these players and I sincerely hope none of you seriously hate them either. I have NEVER said I hated Mullin, Dunleavy, or Biedrins. That would just be silly.

Mullin's a really nice guy and used to stop by my high school from time to time. Great fun player, but highly questionable GM- especially if you believe like I do that Nellie's (who I love) the mastermind behind this project right now. But I did like what Mullin did last season (brining in Nellie mostly) and graded him an A. So far this season, not so much- aside from the CWebb signing which is still a big unknown.

Haha how could I hate Dun when he's given us so much material over the years?

And I really like Biedrins. He's got a great personality and has surpassed all my projections for him- an A last season and a B so far this season. There's really not much I can do if people confuse my pointing out the flaws in his game with "hate". Flip back through the archives. I've made this abundantly clear, but there's not much I can do when Biedrins fanboys quickly make anyone who critiques his game out to be the anti-christ. Biedrins is far from the 12 million dollar player or high impact, untouchable young up and comer some people made him out to be at the beginning of the season and this past summer. And for some odd reason when I or someone else says that they immediately "hate" him? Come on. We're bigger than that.

by Atma Brother ONE on Jan 30, 2008 10:05 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Ah, I'm sorry

I usually use "hate" too freely....could we say, "like less than others?" Or how about "People who make questionable descisions?" I don't know, I was just trying to defend the notion that people thought you were rascist....and you comments above only amplify that fact.

Tony.psd = Da Man

http://adonalobsessed.blogspot.com/

by Zorgon on Jan 30, 2008 2:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Word man

I appreciate the support, but to tell you the truth I don't take those types of cheap shots all that seriously. I'd approximate that 80% of the people making them don't even read what I or others write. They're just dysfunctional people trying to stir up silly drama behind their computer screens. It's not worth your time nor mine to even address them.

by Atma Brother ONE on Jan 30, 2008 4:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

You go, Atma

I'm certainly aware, perhaps as much as anyone, you aren't a hater -- even during our Dunleavy debates (when I thought you were cheap shotting him with the photos while being way over-protective of a then over-weight, ball-pounding, ball-hogging BD) it was all just differing perceptions, not genuine -- and certainly not personal -- nastiness. (BTW, as you know, since Nellie came to town and BD changed his game, I'm now among his many "biggest fans." I didn't think he could overcome his ego problems: he has, and I was -- happily -- wrong.)

But I continue to think you're missing out bigtime on AB's game -- and find the "fanboy" comment re those who like him so much a bit strange, and atypically ad hominem. For instance, tho AB wasn't key to Nellie's game plan last night, when he came in he made a huge difference both times.

First, when the W's jump shots started tailing off -- as they always do -- in comes AB to work the PnR with ALL of the Big Three (BD, Jack and Monta). Once they established an inside threat in the half-court, NO had to back off the perimeter.

Second, when NO started coming back in Q3, it was because NO ONE could stop West from making the same left low post spin move again and again. In comes AB, and West is not only shut down JUST LIKE THAT, AB starts clearing or at least tipping rebounds.

All this in 19 minutes. And he's been playing like this pretty much since month two. (That first month, without Jack and with his hands inexplicably brittle, is but a faint memory now.) Yet you grade him a B, just like Cro? I think he's better at almost everything this year -- and I'd love to know who you think, other than perhaps Duncan, has a better outlet pass in this league (especially beneficial to a running team). And is their another Center in the league with AB's speed AND athleticism?

Finally, as much as I love the guy, is Nellie the only one who can't see that BW is ready NOW for a more significant role on this team? I thought he could have made a real difference in Houston, and I'm confident that with his quickness and LOOOONG arms he would have been much more effective than Al, Jack or Matt in stopping West in Q3. And the thought of our small ball Warriors using AB, BW and CWebb together leaves me a bit giddy with the possibilities.

by johnl on Jan 31, 2008 12:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Great thoughts

First of all my game ball for the Hornets game goes to Andris Biedrins. I thought Matt Barnes and Al Harrington did an admirable job guarding stud big man David West for the first half. Then West went nuts in the 3rd quarter. Nellie brought Biedrins in the 4th quarter and had him defend West mostly one on one. It was the best one on one D I've ever seen Biedrins play. If he brings that type of shutdown D on opposing 4's and 5's in the West every night, the Warriors are a very good team.

Apologies if the "fanboy" comment seemed like a blanket statement. If it came across that way, it came across stronger than I intended.

I think he's better at almost everything this year -- and I'd love to know who you think, other than perhaps Duncan, has a better outlet pass in this league (especially beneficial to a running team). And is their another Center in the league with AB's speed AND athleticism?

Truth be told I don't think Biedrins is all that fast and athletic. Guys like Boozer beat him not only with power, but laterally with speed. He's not all that athletic- his shooting form is ghastly, he's not a stellar passer, his motions are pretty herky-jerky, his timing on shot blocks is about average by NBA standards, he doesn't use his fingertips when handling/ shooting the ball (see my comment in the report card), and his footwork in the low post isn't sharp. All of this could of course change, but that's a LOT to be banking on.

Remember the NBA is filled with athletic uber-freaks. If you watch the vast majority of NBA players night in and night out you'll be stunned by their athletic gifts, but you have to rank them alongside one another. For example Dunleavy will impress you with his handles if you watch him day in and day out or on the playground and in practice. But if you compare him to other tall NBA players who can handle the rock, he's below average- he can't beat anyone off the dribble, his crossover is slow, and he dribbles off his foot sometimes (by the way his poor footwork might be his #1 physical downside). This is a game where amazing talent prevails- the type that less than 0.001% (probably even less) of the country's population are blessed with.

As far as outlet passers I think Matt Barnes hands down is the best inbounds passer in the league. It's amazing how he quarterbacks those long passes, one armed-two. I think was most evident in the playoffs against the Mavs.

by Atma Brother ONE on Feb 1, 2008 10:40 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Check these out!

http://www.warriorsteamstore.com/gswar46120810.html
http://www.warriorsteamstore.com/gswar46380810.html
I think these were just released today. At least I didn't even see them at 10:30 AM today. Kind of funny being the white one is the warm up jacket Webber wore his rookie year.

by Psion on Jan 29, 2008 4:17 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Scapegoat

I hope this works out because I'd hate for Webber to end up taking blame if GS fails to make the playoffs. Always been a Webber fan especially since he brought the Kings out of being crap for so many years.

by greala on Jan 29, 2008 4:41 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

rofl

I'd love for that to happen. It'd be hilarious.

by xcoma on Jan 29, 2008 5:23 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

friggin warriors

now i have to let everyone at work have a bad day... thats the best part of being a drill instructor, you always know that someone else will have a worse day than yours... i feel better already!

win or lose... playoffs or lottery... i gotta luv them dubz! GSW 4 Life!!!

by gogomaplata on Jan 29, 2008 8:25 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

One last boo for Webber, then all love!!!

I have to give C-Webb one last boo before finally starting to cheer. I haven't fully gotten the past 13 years off of my chest yet.
But after that, all love for C-Webb

I don't want Chris to think we all hate him anymore, but it is hard to get rid of those feelings. One last boo, then nothing but love.

by Oldscule on Jan 30, 2008 2:02 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

I almost Cried when....

I saw the C-Web Video on his website. Oh what might have been. Instead, the Warrior faithful are thrown into 13 years of Chaos. Sigh! All the success that the Dubs are having lately is great, but it doesn't take away the pain of 13 years of frustration. That Video proves it. That could have been a Championship contender on a perennial basis.

Go Warriors!! I Still Believe!!
OakFoSho

by Sneaky275 on Jan 30, 2008 2:55 PM PST reply actions 0 recs