FJ noted that even though the Dubs lost last night (again) they at least gave a good effort in NOLA. They get points in my book for that.
They could get even more points from me if they made some trades- QUICK.
Can CP3 come to The Town too? PACKAGE DEAL!
Jump for the 411 on bringing Xavier product to the West-syde and more.
GSoM friend MT has the details about David West over at Inside the Warriors:
I've heard the Warriors have an interest in David West, but I wouldn't give up too much for him. He's still a pretty good player, but his best days seem behind him. Wednesday, he had a tough time scoring over Randolph. West is down nearly 5 points off his average from last season and more than a rebound. He still has a midrange though and he at least commands attention inside, so I still think he's a good fit.
The Hornets ownership has been rumored to be looking to cut payroll (not that they're in a unique position in today's NBA financial landscape), so maybe they're a natural trading partner for the Golden State Warriors injury exception/ expiring contract filled roster. Here's some possibilities that would save the Hornets money in the long run and put all those expiring contracts the Warriors have amassed to work:
- David West for Speedy Claxton, Devean George, and Mikki Moore ($7.6 million in expiring contracts)
- David West for Speedy Claxton, Devean George, and C.J. Watson ($7.8 million in expiring contracts)
- [After January 16, 2010] David West for Raja Bell, Devean George, and Mikki Moore ($7.7 million in expiring contracts)
- [After January 16, 2010] David West for Raja Bell, Devean George, and C.J. Watson ($7.9 million in expiring contracts)
There's also "the change of scenery swap" which would give the Warriors a one year shorter deal:
Options, options, options.
But is David West worth it?
Game
As MT astutely noted West is having a down year and his best years are probably in the past. That still doesn't mean he wouldn't be a nice piece for the Warriors. He would instantly step in and be their best scoring big man. West has an incredibly impressive arsenal of scoring moves in comparison to the Warriors bigs Andris Biedrins, Ronny Turiaf, Anthony Randolph, Brandan Wright (remember him?), Chris Hunter, and Mikki Moore who are pretty limited (which is a nice way of saying they're all rawer than sushi).
West never struck me as the most gifted athlete in the association, but rather as someone who was willing to put in the hard work to take his game to his personal apex. He's a savvy player and has done well for himself coming into the league as the 18th pick in the 2003 NBA Draft. Take a look at his career trajectory and you'll see a guy who impressively worked his way into a nearly 21 and 9 forward with dedication and commitment. It would be great to see that type of attitude rub off on the Dubs kiddie crew.
Truth be told I haven't watched West play all that extensively since the 2008 NBA Playoffs where the Hornets looked like they had next in the West (unfortunately that didn't exactly happen in 2009 and most likely won't happen in 2010). So I'll defer to the good folks over at At the Hive, the top Charlotte New Orleans Oklahoma City New Orleans Hornets spot for a deeper scouting report.
Contract
Let's put it this way. He's slotted to make less than Warriors small power forward (at least with all these injuries) Corey Maggette this year and the next. He has a player option to opt out for the 2011-2012 season where he would be taking a pay cut at $7.5 million (wouldn't you love to be able to call that a "pay cut"?). Point being, West has all the financial motivation to have a BIG year next season, so he can opt out for more greens (and we're not talking about collard).
He'll start off next season at the age of 30, so it's not like he's young. But it's not like the Warriors need to get any younger right now. They need to get better. His drop from 21 ppg to 16 ppg this season and slip for 8.5 rpg to 7.3 rpg are a cause for concern. If he could bump those up to maybe 18 and 8 those concerns would be alleviated. It's not like West relies purely on his athleticism to get his numbers, so here's hoping he ages well.
I can't say I have that many issues with the Warriors adding on his contract. Seems like money well spent, especially for this team.
So...
Also of note it looks like Mr. Moped is off the table in trade talks (for now):
A story in the Memphis Commercial Appeal on Wednesday referred to discussions between the Warriors and Grizzlies involving Monta Ellis. These discussions were a while ago, as the report said. Back when that stuff about Ellis' agent meeting with the Warriors, I was told the Warriors were definitely listening in regards to Ellis. A lot has changed since then. Now, Ellis, I'm told, is about as untouchable as a player can be.
No one on a 7-21 team should be untouchable, but that's another story for another time.
99% of rumors never happen, but 99% of them are fun to talk about!