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Q&A: Preetom Bhattacharya from Hoopsworld 1/3/07 (Part 1 of 3)

January is a busy time of the year around the league with trade rumors running rampant and most teams and players in mid-season form. Since we have some very inquisitive minds over here at we decided to check in with GSoM friend Preetom Bhattacharya from Hoopsworld.

Here's a little bit more about Pree:

Preetom Bhattacharya is the Senior Newslines Editor and covers the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers for HOOPSWORLD. Preetom oversees the daily publication of HOOPSWORLD's newslines products for both the NBA and NCAA.

Pree has been very good to the GSoM community for a long time and frequently sprinkles in his insider knowledge into the comments and diaries.

Make the jump for Pree's thoughts on an Andris Biedrins for Josh Smith rumor, whether Brandan Wright and Marco Belinelli are on the trading block, and if the Warriors front office is looking to make a big move at this year's trading deadline.

Star-divide

**********

Golden State of Mind: Rumors posted on message boards by anonymous posters usually don't have much credibility, but that doesn't mean they don't make for an interesting discussion. About a month back on Atlanta Hawks message board Hawksquawk.net a poster claimed that the Golden State Warriors sent an offer to the Atlanta Hawks: Andris Biedrins for Josh Smith straight up. How true is this rumor and how much interest do the Warriors have in acquiring Smith? Are the Warriors shopping Biedrins?

Preetom Bhattacharya: This is a rumor I heard, but it's not one I really believe was even close to coming to fruition.

If the Warriors could have gotten Josh Smith, I believe they would have made that move, contingent upon them finding another big man somehow, likely with the TPE. As Sleepy Freud likes to say, it would have been a domino move with other things likely coming along.

On the surface, it's important to know that Josh Smith is becoming an elite-level player who would absolutely thrive in Nellie's system, so I don't think the Hawks, who have grown up and are playing pretty solid ball, would give up their most popular player for a center. Especially when you consider that they've got Horford and Shelden developing. Why take more minutes away from the Landlord and the Gator?

It just doesn't make sense for both squads at this time. If Biedrins is moved, it's likely in a package with one of the Warriors' bigger contracts for a guy that can really make an impact. The good thing is that the Warriors don't have any bad contracts. The bad thing is, they don't have guys with huge salaries to move for a bunch of pieces, either.


Golden State of Mind:
Nellie has publicly stated several times that he thinks rookies Brandan Wright and Marco Belinelli aren't ready to contribute this season. Given that Nellie is in the twilight of his career are either of these 2007 Draft picks being shopped around for players who can help the Warriors now? How high is the Warriors organization on these two players? Is their much interest in these two rookies around the league? What could they net in return?

Preetom Bhattacharya: There's no reason to believe that either one of these players is on the block - they're an integral part of the Warriors' future, even if Nellie isn't around to see them really grow. One thing you have to keep in mind is that the Warriors have positioned themselves to be flexible for the long-term, and part of that is keeping and developing young talent. Although B-Wright doesn't look like he'll be able to give the Dubs much this year, after adding some weight, I can definitely see him being a big part of the Warriors. Hopefully, he can do that sooner rather than later.

Everything I've pieced together is that the team is very high on both of them, especially Wright. I don't know if Belinelli can be a starter in the NBA unless he develops his point skills - but as a gunner off the bench, man can he be special. I know that Belinelli is working his tail off to get better (not that Wright hasn't, but I haven't heard stories about him like I have about the Italian sensation).


Golden State of Mind:
The Warriors are playing well right now at 18-7 since the 0-6 start. In the past few years, Mullin has had rumors swirling around the Warriors involving them in major deals during the trade deadline. Are Mullin and company looking to make a big move and risk messing with the good thing they have going right now? Or do you think they'll be focusing more on shoring up some of the weak spots on the team?

Preetom Bhattacharya: Mullin has the mentality that he'll do whatever necessary to make the team better. As much as finances were a part of the J-Rich trade (oh no .. I brought it up), it can be argued that the deal allowed the team to be better in the long run. Having J-Rich in the lineup beside Baron, Jack, and Al would have been nice, but not if it came at the expense of bringing back Azubuike and Barnes. Look at what the team is getting from Pietrus - Barnes was totally necessary.

The Warriors are going to be in the thick of a lot of rumors again this year because Mullin has that mentality, and he's basically got a $9.9-million check for anyone that wants it. I wouldn't be surprised if the Warriors made ancillary move for someone - they've already been linked to Smush Parker and may be interested in Damon Stoudamire from afar. That's the kind of move the team is probably looking at, and they've got some options to pursue that kind of a deal.

**********

Part 2 and 3 of our Q&A with Pree coming at ya' soon!

Feel free to leave some follow up questions and thoughts in the comments for Pree. If he has time and your follow up thoughts are well researched and thought out, he'll try to get to them. Please be respectful of our guest and make sure to give our brother that golden treatment!

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Trade with the Magic
Preetom, do you think the Magic are interested in acquiring Mickael Pietrus from Golden State, as is rumored? And if the Warriors do trade with Orlando, with whom would they part?

by Ben Q Rock on Jan 5, 2008 5:02 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Swingmen
The Magic definitely need a swingman and a big man - after Shard and Hedo, they've got a whole lot of nothing on the wing. Pat Garrity and Brian Cook are soft like nice towels and Adonal is D-12's backup.

I wouldn't be surprised if the Dubs packaged POB and Pietrus for Redick and Dooling. It isn't much at all - Redick can't guard a traffic cone, but Dooling sort of fits a need.

It's one of those "whatever" trades - it's not like the Magic will trade Nelson (just gave him an extension, making him BYC, and their GM likes him) and Arroyo is their starter (and is playing well).

by pree on Jan 5, 2008 5:14 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

would it make sense
for ORL to take MP, POB for Dooling and a 1st instead of Redick. It seems a bit redundant with Belinelli on our team.

It would probably depend on if they can A. Resign MP to a reasonable contract, and B. If their late first can net them a good wing better than MP.

But maybe, just maybe Mullin is that shrewd.

Warriors, Stupidest franchise in the league.

by kenntoe on Jan 6, 2008 5:00 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Excellent questions guys
i love it.

When can we do an active Q&A with Pree again?

Thanks.

Warriors, Stupidest franchise in the league.

by kenntoe on Jan 5, 2008 5:11 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

This is one :)
Ask away, friend. I'm here for you.

by pree on Jan 5, 2008 5:15 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I've got a question...
...about Brandan Wright, namely, the prevailing thought is that he needs to gain weight to be effective.I've always felt like he could be successful at his current weight and that adding too much might be detrimental to his body. Are the Warriors actively forcing him into the weight room thus far?

by Zack Vank on Jan 5, 2008 5:21 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Short answer: Yes
Yes, they are directing him to gain weight. Catch my column Sunday morning for more Brandan's thoughts on how he's working in the weight room.

by pree on Jan 5, 2008 11:37 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Question For Pree: Bench Problems
The stats say that the Warriors have at least a top 5 starting lineup in the league when Baron-Ellis-Jax-Al-Biedrins start. I love that lineup, but we don't have much of a bench right now. I'd like to see Wright be the first off the bench and then Barnes and Buike in that order with Pietrus getting very minimal time. However, that won't allow the Warriors starting 5 to survive through the whole game without being exhausted. Eventually this process will lead to injuries. So we need bench depth, but do you know if there are any players the Warriors are targeting? I think at this point we need a versatile 3 or 4 who can post up and rebound but isn't a dummy on the court.

Also, what are the chances O'Bryant will be back, I didn't see any problem with excersising his option, he seemed like Bynum to me, all the talent, but he didn't always look like he was trying. I thought that POB could have been a great backup for us this year.

by CABANGBANG on Jan 5, 2008 6:48 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Good question
The Warriors' bench struggles come, in my opinion, from a philosophical place. Nellie believes in having a sixth man that brings a lot of energy and instant offense - the "microwave" guy.

I'm not of that belief. I think what separates basketball form other sports is that everyone needs to do everything for the most success and the way you win games is by attacking your opponents weakness. If you're facing a team that has a terrible wing defender as their starting 3, iso Jack until the other team figures out what to do.

The Sixth Man role should be a guy that can come in and do what the team needs at that moment, but I also feel that it is a static spot designated for the gameplan. If the Warriors are playing Yao Ming and Beans is having a tough time containing him, the Sixth Man should be (yes, I'm about to say it) POB to go in there and foul the hell out of Yao until Beans figures out how to guard him.

In any case, the Warriors' best lineup, to me, is Baron-Bukie-Jack-Al-Biedrins. That's a lineup that should start most games very, very competitively. You've got size in the backcourt and versatility up front. I didn't think Bukie was this good - preseason, I didn't think he'd ACTUALLY start, but he's impressed me with his versatility. He's a great glue guy for the first unit.

Off the bench, you bring in Monta about six minutes into the game if you need an offensive spark. If you've got a nice, solid lead, let Barnes come in and give Jack some rest early since the team will need him later. Baron must play about ten in the first quarter and you can consider putting Monta, Bukie, and Jack altogether to finish.

Between Monta and Barnes, you've got a solid sixth/seven man to use off the bench. When Croshere and Mbenga get healthy (DJs knee isn't 100%), you use them off the bench for big man support. Obviously, Barnes gets a lot of time at the 4 as well, so whatever. That's an eight-man rotation right there. Slowly integrate Wright into the rotation on a consistent basis and save Belinelli for depth if someone gets hurt.

I don't think it's a bad bench at all. AT ALL. It's just about using the guys the right way. Al needs the ball. Beans needs the ball. Baron needs to be reigned in. And Jack needs to be a jack of all trades (Nellie wants more attention to boards, I agree).

So, really, I don't think the Warriors really HAVE to target a bench player, but if they do, they need a backup one (duh) and a mobile big man (duh), but Wright fills that need right now since he'll get some spot time.

POB is as good as gone - I don't think he even wants to stick around. I guess the team could keep him on a minimum contract, but .. well .. ok it's possible. But his problem is between his ears, always has been. You're right, talent is sort of there, but he doesn't have the focus.

by pree on Jan 6, 2008 12:12 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

sweet!
okay...hmm.
  1. You said that the Warriors are now encouraging AB to look for his own offense and taking a jumpshot. How much range does he show in practice? Does he have any face up game? For AB to really deserve a long term contract, i think he has to show he has more skill to his offensive game/range than putbacks and dunks.
  2. If the warriors fail to make the playoffs this year, how would this affect their long term plans? Do they still look to re-sign AB, BD, and Monta? I'm assuming that Stephen has zero value and to trade Al would take packaging him with another young player. But do they let Baron play out the next season until UFA? Let Barnes go, as well as Monta?
  3. To me its never too early to talk draft. If they make no other moves this season, where do they look to draft first? PG, C, or SF?
thanks.
Warriors, Stupidest franchise in the league.

by kenntoe on Jan 5, 2008 6:57 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Double dose for kenntoe
  1. Biedrins actually shows three-point range. Nellie compared him to Manute Bol, but they want him to start running the pick-and-pop. Biedrins always rolls to the basket, but they're going to start finding some holes in the defense for Biedrins to pop rather than role. Nellie is comfortable with Biedrins shooting ten-footers, but did say he can shoot the three as well. I agree about him needing to show more to get that long-term deal. I wonder if he can be Pau Gasol sometimes.
  2. Wow, I haven't really considered this team not making the tournament. If that happens, I'd have to say I would understand them not re-signing Monta, but I don't think they can let Biedrins go. He's so young and is getting better at a nice pace. I like that and wouldn't let it go. As for BD .. I don't think you can let him go if his demands are fair. He's showing this season that he can stay healthy (obviously, a contract is the incentive, but still) and he's the face of the franchise. As much as I understand and agree with the J-Rich trade, I don't think you can trade him and then let Baron go, too. Monta is a nice player, but he's not a franchise player .. Baron is an MVP candidate. Barnes is tough to say - a lot of things factors involved with him. If Artest is gone from Sacramento, Barnes might go there, but he's got a lot of things to factor in.
  3. I SCREAMED at the TV when they drafted Belinelli, even though I knew it was likely because of his skillset. I wrote Belinelli's draft profile on HOOPSWORLD in May of last year and said the Warriors would probably consider him, but I thought that since Jason Smith was on the board, they'd take him. I loved what Smith did in college and thought he'd be a great fit as a backup to Al, and I still believe the Warriors made a mistake here. Sean Williams would have been ideal, but the Nets are reaping those benefits now. Even J-Critt would have been a better pick, but he's a few years away as well.
So for this year, you have to look at the same position - a hybrid big man that can run and hustle. Wright is nice, but I'm all about getting guys that can produce NOW when you're one of those middle picks, because if you don't take an immediate impact player, you'll be right in the middle as a mediocre team again.

Nellie has said that Biedrins isn't a pure 5, so finding a center to come in and spell him would be a good idea. I like Mbenga, but he isn't the future. I don't know when the Warriors will be picking, so I can't say what they should focus on, but they're lucky because there's a lot of talented big men and a lot of talented PGs coming out.

Nellie likes bigger guards, though, and almost all the college guys I can see are NOT big. Rose and Bayless have OK size, but the next tier is tinies like Collison and Augustin (I like Augustin a lot, though). The guy I think the Warriors should target: JaVale McGee, C, Nevada. Check him out. I love him for Nellie's system. That's if they're in the 16-20 range again, at least.

by pree on Jan 6, 2008 12:36 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Threes?!?!
Man Andris has got to whip a 3-pt shot out in a home game one of these days, at least in garbage time.

by racsan on Jan 6, 2008 2:36 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Well
One of the things that is so great about Andris is that he never plays outside of himself. He does what he can and, well, that's it. I really like that about him. Knows his role, shuts his mouth, and brings it.

He can shoot out there, but he clearly isn't comfortable. Does he even get the ball out by the line?

by pree on Jan 6, 2008 3:18 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I like the guys you've mentioned
Augustine, Collison or Lawson could be decent backups for Baron.

As far as hybrid bigmen...its a stretch but i'd like Donte Greene to fit that bill. Other guys like Earl Clark or Davon Jefferson.

As an athletic center i'd love the Warriors taking DeVon Hardin with a late first if he's still there. If all we need is a big bodied center who can rebound and provide energy off the bench. Plus he's from here so props!

Warriors, Stupidest franchise in the league.

by kenntoe on Jan 6, 2008 2:47 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Clone
Hardin is too much like Biedrins to pick him up. He's undersized for a 5 (6'10) but there's no point in drafting him after Wright. If Wright gets to 225, as he should, I don't see why you'd pick up a PF in the draft. Hardin wouldn't get much PT behind Wright and Harrington.

Focus on a five or a PG. There's a lot of options, so that's great!

by pree on Jan 6, 2008 3:17 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

SF
Given that Barnes and Pietrus are FA's and will definitely not be looking to take paycuts...what do you think of some of the swingmen types?

Courtney Lee
Chris Douglas-Richards
Brandon Rush

I would think it's more likely those guys fall to the mid teens/20-ish area than a worthwhile 5 or 1, and drafting them means replacing Barnes/Pietrus for less than half of what they're making (each).

I don't watch college ball, so I'd love to hear what you've got on those guys.

SB Nation Quality Control

AIM: Jetforze

by OptionZero on Jan 6, 2008 11:17 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I was thinking SF too.
I'd be seriously disappointed if either Barnes or MP is back next season.

With that, Earl Clark i like, although he may need some time. But as of right now i don't see a college sf that could step in to a team and contribute right away outside of Beasley.

I'd love Donte Greene (as i keep on saying), but he most surely won't be available for us (maybe another trade up? who knows), Earl Clark, Batum or Galinari might be good but i've never seen them play.

Douglas-Roberts looks like a decent prospect, but i wouldn't particularly look to draft him, nor Rush.

CLee is a senior and may be the most ready out of college, but i've never seen him play. Does he play much D??

Warriors, Stupidest franchise in the league.

by kenntoe on Jan 6, 2008 4:57 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Josh Smith's stat line tonight for ATL
34 points on 14/22 shooting, 9 boards, 3 assists, 3 blocks, 3 steals....we need this guy in the worst possible way. If we don't get some interior help SOON, the playoffs may be not be in the cards for us this year. Chandler ate GSW's lunch last night...

by kitoko on Jan 5, 2008 7:13 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

lol
What is Josh Smith going to do against Chandler? Smith doesn't even play inside- he has no post game and he thinks he's a jump shooter now.

Great stat line, but that's hardly his normal production level.

As Pree said, we're not getting him and theres  no indication ATL will deal him.

SB Nation Quality Control

AIM: Jetforze

by OptionZero on Jan 5, 2008 10:12 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

respect
Does your web pin is meant to be a flag of Latvia or is that just a coincidence? If it is meant, than - wow - I like it.

by ramiism on Jan 6, 2008 5:06 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Yep
People saw the Hawks' decision to not extend Smith as an indication that they'd be willing to trade him. That's silly - they know that few teams are going to have the dough to pursue him, so why not just slap on RFA status and deal with it later?

A smart decision from a notoriously not-so-smart organization. They've really turned things around lately, though, and are relevant for the first time in a decade. I doubt they'll throw it all away for .. Andris Biedrins.

by pree on Jan 6, 2008 5:22 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

POB Question...
Hey man. Thanks for taking time to answer our questions.  My question is what happened to POB.  He looked great in preseason and looked good whenever he got in early in the year.  On this very board, we were talking about how much he had improved and how excited we were about him. And then it just stopped.  It was like he was banished from the team.
Did he slap Don Nelson's Mama?  Was he a caught writing checks to Bad Newz Kennels?  What happened?  Is there any hope for POB ever contributing to our squad....peace, dan

by BeLEGENDelliAllDay on Jan 5, 2008 8:12 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Emergency Duty
That's about all I see for him. Like I said before, he lacks focus (that's what Coach Smart has told me). That's the only explanation I've been given - he's not consistent because he's not focused.

by pree on Jan 6, 2008 12:38 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

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