Thursday, April 30, 2009

POST SEASON REVIEW: ANTHONY RANDOLPH


The Good
  1. Warriors got a huge steal by drafting him #14 overall.
  2. Versatile big man with the competitive drive and work ethic for greatness.
  3. Had in impressive April for a 19 year old: 32.3 min, .472 fg, .808 ft, 1.5 stl, .9 blk, 10.6 reb, 15.1 pts
  4. Seems to have solidified his spot as next years starting PF, but has shown that he has the skills to move to SF with additional experience, hard work, and confidence in his jumpshot.
  5. 16.94 PER - 7th best among rookies, 17.5 RebR - 4th best among rookies: accomplished even after being held back by Nelson
  6. Is saying the right thing to the public and giving credit to Nelson for the 'tough love' so as not to cause any troubles

The Bad

  1. Was unable to get many minutes early in the season.
  2. Had run ins with Rob Kurz during intense practices.
  3. Made a lot of silly turnovers, fouls, and forced the issue earlier in the season.

The Ugly

  1. As indicated in his 'Hot Spots' chart, his perimeter game needs a lot of work, although he did show much improvement in April.

Top 5-Man Units with Randolph

Watson / Crawford / Morrow / Azubuike / Randolph:
29 min, 1.19 off, 1.03 def, +12

Crawford / Ellis / Azubuike / Randolph / Turiaf:
24 min, 1.18 off, 1.03 def, +10

Crawford / Belinelli / Azubuike / Randolph / Biedrins:
22 min, 1.27 off, 1.09 def, +8


Bottom 5-Man Units with Randolph

Crawford / Azubuike / Jackson / Randolph / Biedrins:
27 min, .99 off, 1.29 def, -15

Watson / Morrow / Azubuike / Randolph / Turiaf:
55 min, 1.00 off, 1.12 def, -13

Watson / Morrow / Azubuike / Randolph / Biedrins:
41 min, 1.08 off, 1.21 def, -11


Anthony Randolph - 82games.com

2008-09 Statistics - ESPN
17.9 min, .462 fg%, .000 3p%, .716 ft%, 5.7 reb, .7 stl, 1.2 blk, 1.3 to, 2.2 pf, .8 ast, 7.9 pts

Game Log - Yahoo! Sports




Season Highs/Career Highs
Points24 vs. San Antonio 04/13/09
Field Goals Made10 vs. San Antonio 04/13/09
Field Goals Attempted18 vs. San Antonio 04/13/09
Three Point Field Goals MadeNone
Three Point Field Goals Attempted1 4 Times
Free Throws Made7 2 Times
Free Throws Attempted10 @ Sacramento 11/09/08
Offensive Rebounds8 @ Denver 03/28/09
Defensive Rebounds14 vs. San Antonio 04/13/09
Total Rebounds16 vs. San Antonio 04/13/09
Assists4 vs. San Antonio 04/13/09
Steals4 2 Times
Blocks5 @ San Antonio 03/24/09
Minutes Played47 @ Detroit 03/06/09



Warriors Weekly: Anthony Randolph Feature (11/18/08)
GoldenStateWarriors
November 18, 2008




Anthony Randolph - Golden State Warriors Mix

NBAChrisPaul
March 07, 2009

Monday, April 27, 2009

POST SEASON REVIEW: STEPHEN JACKSON


The Good
  1. The Warriors' most valuable player of the season.
  2. Led the team in points (20.7) and assists (6.5).
  3. Sets career high averages in rebounds (5.1), assists (6.5), and points (20.7).
  4. Did not have any off-court issues this season.
  5. Continued to be the best defender on the team.
  6. Got his first career triple-double in a win over the Suns.

The Bad

  1. Not his fault, but the Warriors front office turned his expiring contract into a long-term deal expiring in 2013. Although he is a fine leader for this team, he would have been much more valuable as a trade piece to steal away young talent or picks from teams desperate to clear salary.
  2. Played a team high 39.6 MPG, 2nd in the league only to Andre Iguodala by .3 MPG. Jackson isn't young anymore and he's locked into a long contract. Warriors need to bring down his minutes immediately in order to insure a good return on investment.
  3. He did not bother to show up for the final home game, Fan Appreciation Night.
  4. 2nd most Technical Fouls in league; has a bad habit of arguing calls while his man scores easily on the other end.

The Ugly

  1. Led NBA in turnovers at 3.9 TO with .5 more than the second worst in the league. This is a product of roster deficiencies and his overestimation of his abilities as a Point Forward.

Top 5-Man Units with Jackson


Crawford / Ellis / Azubuike / Jackson / Turiaf:
67 min, 1.19 off, 1.08 def, +17

Watson / Azubuike / Jackson / Maggette / Turiaf:
45 min, 1.14 off, 1.07 def, +9

Watson / Azubuike / Jackson / Wright / Biedrins:
58 min, 1.03 off, .96 def, +6


Bottom 5-Man Units with Jackson

Watson / Azubuike / Jackson / Maggette / Biedrins:
65 min, .98 off, 1.21 def, -27

Crawford / Ellis / Jackson / Maggette / Turiaf:
85 min, 1.12 off, 1.24 def, -26

Ellis / Azubuike / Jackson / Wright / Turiaf:
54 min, 1.04 off, 1.15 def, -13


Stephen Jackson - 82games.com

2008-09 Statistics - ESPN
39.6 min, .414 fg%, .338 3p%, .826 ft%, 5.1 reb, 1.49 stl, .53 blk, 3.88 to, 2.59 pf, 6.5 ast, 20.7 pts

Game Log - Yahoo! Sports



Season Highs/Career Highs
Points35 vs. New York 02/10/09
Field Goals Made13 2 Times
Field Goals Attempted25 vs. San Antonio 02/02/09
Three Point Field Goals Made5 vs. New Orleans 10/29/08
Three Point Field Goals Attempted12 vs. New Orleans 10/29/08
Free Throws Made13 vs. New York 02/10/09
Free Throws Attempted13 3 Times
Offensive Rebounds4 vs. Portland 11/18/08
Defensive Rebounds10 2 Times
Total Rebounds11 vs. Phoenix 02/04/09
Assists11 3 Times
Steals5 @ Oklahoma City 12/31/08
Blocks4 @ Washington 11/25/08 *
Minutes Played53 vs. San Antonio 02/02/09 *

* career high


Warriors Weekly: Stephen Jackson Feature (11/10/08)
GoldenStateWarriors
November 10, 2008




Stephen Jackson: 2008-09 Warriors Second Half Flashback MIX

ajbry
April 21, 2009

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

POST SEASON REVIEW: MONTA ELLIS


The Good
  1. His 'second' comeback was a rousing success - showed his quickness, hit his jumpers, showed some explosiveness, and finished at the rim like he used to.
  2. Came back from a severe ankle injury and eventually showed everyone that he still could light it up just like he did before surgery. There were questions as to whether or not he could return to the Monta of old - those questions have been answered.
  3. The threat of voiding his contract was lifted and he'll come back less annoyed and more willing to act like a team captain. The past is past and it's time to move forward.

The Bad

  1. He lied about how he injured his ankle - that lost a lot of respect and trust from the front office and fans.
  2. He was sidelined again with a bone bruise after his monster game vs. the Kings, but supposedly, it's not related to his original ankle injury. Hopefully, it's just a precautionary move and he'll be ready for an intense summer of training.
  3. He did not bother to show up for the final home game, Fan Appreciation Night.

The Ugly

  1. He nearly ruined his career by taking part in a prohibited activity soon after signing a 6 year / $66 million contract. He was the new face of the franchise and it couldn't have gotten off to a rougher start.
  2. He missed all of training camp and his best opportunity to learn the nuances of being a true point guard.
  3. He only played 25 games the entire season giving the Warriors no shot at sniffing the playoffs.

Top 5-Man Units with Ellis


Crawford / Ellis / Azubuike / Jackson / Turiaf:
67 min, 1.19 off, 1.08 def, +17

Crawford / Ellis / Jackson / Maggette / Biedrins:
22 min, .98 off, .66 def, +17

Crawford / Ellis / Azubuike / Randolph / Turiaf:
24 min, 1.18 off, 1.03 def, +10

Bottom 5-Man Units with Ellis

Crawford / Ellis / Jackson / Maggette / Turiaf:
85 min, 1.12 off, 1.24 def, -26

Ellis / Azubuike / Jackson / Wright / Turiaf:
54 min, 1.04 off, 1.15 def, -13

Crawford / Ellis / Azubuike / Jackson / Biedrins:
56 min, 1.12 off, 1.18 def, -10


Monta Ellis - 82games.com

2008-09 Statistics - ESPN
35.7 min, .451 fg%, .308 3p%, .830 ft%, 4.3 reb, 1.56 stl, .32 blk, 2.68 to, 2.68 pf, 3.7 ast, 19.0 pts

Game Log - Yahoo! Sports



Season Highs/Career Highs
Points 42 vs. Sacramento 04/01/09 *
Field Goals Made 16 vs. Sacramento 04/01/09
Field Goals Attempted 35 vs. Sacramento 04/01/09 *
Three Point Field Goals Made 1 8 Times
Three Point Field Goals Att. 4 @ New Orleans 03/22/09
Free Throws Made 10 vs. Sacramento 04/01/09
Free Throws Attempted 12 vs. Sacramento 04/01/09
Offensive Rebounds 2 2 Times
Defensive Rebounds 10 vs. Dallas 03/13/09 *
Total Rebounds 11 vs. Dallas 03/13/09
Assists 9 vs. Sacramento 04/01/09
Steals 5 2 Times
Blocks 2 2 Times *
Minutes Played 49 vs. Sacramento 04/01/09

* career high


Warriors Weekly: Monta Ellis Interview (3/30/09)
GoldenStateWarriors
April 02, 2009




Kings-Warriors 141-143 OT I Martin Career-High 50pts,3ast vs Ellis Career-High 42pts,9reb,9ast

11EDmanLV
April 02, 2009

Monday, April 20, 2009

10 REASONS TO BE OPTIMISTIC ABOUT NEXT SEASON

If you're new to my blog, you'll probably think I'm a blind homer as I list off reasons why I feel the Warriors have a bright future. But if you go back into the archives of Mind of Mullin, you'll see that I've been critical of the organization whenever I feel it's deserved, I don't pull any punches, and let my disappointment be known when they make stupid moves along the way (Jackson extension, Maggette signing, max salary offer to Brand, straight-up trade of Harrington for Crawford, lack of development time for the youngsters, overall off-season grade, etc.) I suggest a lot of moves and targets to go after - some of them are duds but a large majority of my takes end up being spot on. I have a pretty good record for a basketball junkie compiling information from sources all over the place and turning them into recommendations for smart transactions.

In this entry, I'm not just playing the role of contrarian, I actually believe there is great reason to be optimistic. It seems as though a majority of fans and media are pessimistic about the Warriors future. They are taking their lousy record at face value and not taking into account that strategic tanking has been taking place ever since Nelson announced the team had no shot at the playoffs. On the surface, it looks as dysfunctional an organization as ever, but I believe looks can be deceiving and brighter days are just around the corner IF a few simple moves are made (or not made) this off-season.

Here are ten reasons why I think the Warriors are on the right track and are in for a great 2009-10 season:

1. Monta Ellis will return of sound mind and body.
The opting out of Baron Davis was a big blow to the 2008-09 season, but the Ellis 'moped' injury was a season killer. There was legitimate reason to be worried that Ellis would never return to his pre-injury form, but his late season play has proven that he is back. Up until a few days ago, the Warriors front office held the threat of voiding his contract over his head and bad blood between the two parties festered. I hope his absence on Fan Appreciation Night and on the day of the team photo will not an precursor of things to come between the $11M/YR man and the Warriors Organization. Now that Ellis doesn't have to worry about the void issue, hopefully, he'll be much happier and more willing to do whatever it takes to be a team player and be ready to lead the team.


2. Anthony Randolph will have a monstrous sophomore year.
By virtue of being a rookie deemed to be too stupid to make in-game adjustments, Don Nelson proceeded to yank Anthony Randolph out of games and benched for multiple games for any little mistake. Curiously, if other players made the same mistake they wouldn't the same treatment. It was clear from the outset that Randolph was a wild horse waiting to be tamed, but Nelson took the extreme approach and is lucky that relations weren't too strained because of his tactics and we did not have another Chris Webber situation on our hands. Playing Rob Kurz ahead of Randolph early and opting to play Maggette and Azubuike at PF instead of giving a single minute to Randolph was inexcusable. He should have gotten a few minutes every game (more in blowouts) and been yanked on a per game basis. Randolph missed defensive assignments and made silly turnovers, but Nellie's double standard was taken to the extreme and as a result, Randolph was robbed of a Rookie All-Star appearance, a shot at Rookie of the Year, and the fans were treated to 3/4 of a season without the exciting Randolph to enjoy. Nellie wanted to show everyone who was in charge and Randolph got caught in the crossfire. Now that Randolph is not a rookie anymore, look for an improved, more experienced athletic freak to grab the PF role from the outset and not look back. The only person that could stop him is Nellie, but he has already stated that Randolph is penciled in as the starting PF until Wright could wrestle it back away from him.



3. The discovery of Morrow was like stealing another 2009 late-lottery pick.
Whoever was responsible for finding Morrow and signing him to the Summer League roster deserves to stay. It might be Mullin, but we probably won't know until after he exits and IF he spills the beans. If it was him, it would be great if he could be retained as Director of Scouting, but unfortunately, he has too much pride and the Warriors have treated him too poorly for him to do them any favors. Mullin's services and his special ability to relate to the players will be in demand so he won't be away from the NBA for too long.

Regardless of how he ended up here, the important thing is that Anthony Morrow is a Warrior. Touted as perhaps the best shooter in all of college basketball, he went undrafted and under the radar mainly because he put up lack-luster numbers at Georgia Tech. Don't know why, don't care, all I know is that we got him now. He proceeded to score 37 pts in his first NBA start and ended up leading the league in 3 point field goal percentage as a rookie. His stoke is quick and beautiful. His confidence will continue to grow along with other parts of his game (rebounding, defense, driving). Warriors did as well as anyone in last years draft by getting two incredible steals in Randolph (#14 pick) and Morrow (undrafted). Morrow will have a long career in the NBA by virtue of his coveted shooting skills. The Warriors have another valuable asset to do with as they see fit.

4. Don Nelson is in control of the draft.
He'll tell everyone otherwise, but there's no doubt in my mind that he has final say on what goes down on draft day. As much as I dislike Nellie's handling of the rotation, I really admire his eye for talent. Before last year's draft, Nelson's #1 guy was Randolph. He mentioned on KNBR that he was watching film at Maui and a player that hadn't been talked about as a possible #1 pick caught his eye and that he would consider taking him ahead of anyone in this draft. Fortunately, Mullin took his advice and phoned in his name at #14.

Now that Nellie's in charge, there will be no politics with regard to playing anyone on the roster. Everyone new, from here on out, will be a Nellie guy. No more games and questions of accountability.


5. New logo and uniforms? New mascot? New beginning.
Rumor has it that the Warriors are going to finally reveal a new look, new logo, and new uniforms. It's long overdue. For years they've been stuck with an amateurish design centered around a mascot named Thunder. What does he even have to do with being a Warrior? When I think of a Warrior, I think of a gladiator, Native American in full battle gear, or anything evoking the imagery of a soldier going into battle. Thunder doesn't do that for me and carrying that over as the inspiration of the logo and uniforms is just as bad. It's time to make a change and leave behind anything that reminds fans of some of the darkest years of the franchise.

Updating the classic 'City' jerseys would smart. I've read that the new Bay Bridge design will be incorporated - modern, slick, fresh, understated. Hire the best design firm to come up with the vision. If you invest in good design, you will be repaid many times over by Warrior fans and basketball fans in general who buy the merchandise because the result is an aesthetically pleasing one. Couple that with a Michigan St. Spartan type of mascot and the fans would eat the new image up.


6. Internal development from a promising young core will make for a deeper, more talented rotation.
Don Nelson has trust issues when it comes to playing the young guys over the established vets. Every mistake is amplified 10 fold if committed by one of the young players while the same kind of mistake made by the vets would have little consequence. Nelson would let his fear of mistakes blind him of the good each of the young talent brought onto the floor. He would use undrafted / low profile players like Rob Kurz, DeMarcus Nelson, C.J. Watson, and Jamario Davidson as motivational pawns in mind games. There was no margin of error allowed even in a lost season. None of the core youngsters was allowed to learn on the fly and develop while contributing on the court. As a result, Jackson, Maggette, Crawford and other vets would log in heavy minutes in what was supposed to be a year where development was one of the main objectives of the season.

With another year under their belts, Wright, Randolph, Belinelli, and Morrow will shed the inexperience label to some degree and be allowed to contribute more and be part of the rotation. They will come into next season stronger, more mature, and having worked on their weaknesses over the summer. Their talent is undeniable and shouldn't be held back just because they don't have seniority.

PG: Ellis / Crawford / Watson
SG: Jackson / Morrow / Belinelli
SF: Azubuike / Maggette
PF: Randolph / Wright
C: Biedrins / Turiaf

My preference would be:

PG: Ellis / vet PG / Holiday*
SG: Jackson / Belinelli
SF: Randolph / Morrow
PF: Wright / Azubuike / proto PF
C: Biedrins / Turiaf /3rd-string C with range
* 7th pick
out with Maggette and Crawford

This team can go 10 deep, easily (12 if they can't trade either Maggette or Crawford). Obviously, there will be a roster shake-up this off-season. Look for the addition of a true PG and the thinning out of wing players, most likely by attempting to trade Crawford, Maggette, Belinelli, Morrow, and Azubuike. Another back-up center is needed as well as a prototypical big POWER forward to bang with the bigs too much for Randolph and Wright to handle.

7. Don Nelson will claim the all-time wins record.
Don Nelson is only 24 wins away from surpassing Lenny Wilkin's regular season win record of 1332. Nelson's high octane style of play makes our brand of basketball fun to watch, but he is still missing a few types of players that will actually make his style serious challengers in the playoffs. Regardless, barring a catastrophe, Nelson should claim the mark next season. Not only would it be a historical season for Nelson and the Warriors, but it could also mark the transition of Nelson from coach to general manager. He is currently grooming Keith Smart to take over once he retires. Depending on how the season is going, Nelson could make an early exit to the front office after breaking the record and turn over the reigns to the less 'small-ball' obsessed Keith Smart. Smart is excellent in dealing with the players one-on-one, is in the process of improving his x's and o's, and seems to be open to playing the best players on the floor regardless of how tall they may be. Smart is also a defensive-minded coach, so that will also be a plus. Whether he takes over next season or at the start of 2010's, following Nellie's chase for the record should be fun. I know I would love to be at the game in which he finally does it.


8. The Warriors have a surplus of tradeable assets.
There are few teams with as much desirable young talent as the Warriors. They are the youngest team in the league and what they lack in star power they are starting to make up for in talented depth. Players with All-Star potential: Anthony Randolph, Monta Ellis, and Andris Biedrins. Players with high ceilings: Wright, Belinelli, Morrow. Players that could be valuable additions to a contender needing that one player to push them over the top: Azubuike, Turiaf. Watson's late season improvement also opened a few eyes. He has value if he can be retained at a low price.

Randolph is untouchable (well unless another untouchable is offered in return). It would take an established star for me to consider giving up Biedrins - young, smart, coachable, great hands, great work ethic, good passing, developing offensive game, good contract, and great locker-room presence. Ellis is fair game because he is a tweener, could be at risk to re-injure his surgically repaired ankle, and is a below average defender. Unless he can miraculously develop PG skills and revert back to the type of defense he played when he was a rookie, he's far from untouchable.

Crawford could be an excellent piece to an offensively challenged team. His contract lasts for 2 more years, so it's not too much of a commitment to make. He's overpaid, but he's not a trouble maker and on some nights he could be downright unstoppable.

The Warriors have a surplus of fine, young wing players in Belinelli, Azubuike, and Morrow. They are cheap, talented, offer a variety of skill-sets. They should look to trade one and keep the other two.

Brandan Wright is another intriguing asset that many teams around the league could have interest in. If trading him could rid us of the Maggette contract AND bring in another lottery pick to be used on a PG - do it. With Randolph on board, Wright is expendable, but after watching Randolph in April, I see no reason why he couldn't play SF while Wright plays PF. It won't happen on Don Nelson's coaching watch, but perhaps with Smart calling the shots.

9. A roster at full strength is playoff bound.
The injury to the Warriors star player, Monta Ellis caused a chain reaction with regard to many (but not all) of the 'injuries' to the Warriors. Don Nelson raised the white flag early on in the season conceding that the team had no shot at the playoffs. Many of the injuries to the veterans were manufactured to make playing time for the youngsters. Unfortunately, Wright and Belinelli had legitimate injuries at the worst time of the year and were not able to take advantage of the situation to prove themselves and develop with on-court experience.

Depleted rosters were able to hold there own most nights, especially at home. The 'Magnificent Seven' played admirably, even upsetting the Jazz in Utah in a game they desperately needed in order to avoid facing the Lakers in the first round of the playoffs. I have high hopes that a full roster with a true PG in the mix will actually be a playoff team next season, especially with the Mavs, Jazz, and Suns getting older and possibly losing some key players along the way. We have youth, speed, and a unique style of play on our side. With Don Nelson approving all additions, his vision has a greater chance of success.


10. Warriors have a high draft pick.
This draft is considered a weak one, but fortunately it's deep enough to net a solid player and perhaps even a player with star potential. Don Nelson stated in a radio interview that #1 on his list is to improve the passing on the team. A team without a true PG is obviously going to struggle when good defensive teams clamp down. And without a true star to make up for the lack of a true PG, playoff basketball will be a one-and-done affair if they are even lucky to qualify in the first place. Point guards are plentiful in this draft and the Warriors should be able to get one of the 3 best ones at around the #7 pick. Blake Griffin is a near consensus #1 pick. If the team with the #2 pick already is set at PG, perhaps the Warriors can put together a package including #7, Wright, Belinelli, cash, etc. to move up and take Ricky Rubio. If they can't move up, they can stand pat and go with a number of PG's depending on who's available:

Brandon Jennings: true PG, tremendous speed and athleticism, can't defend, scorer, star potential
Jrue Holiday: true PG, defends, athletic, good size, played out of position all year, star potential
Tyreke Evans: combo guard, lethal scorer, rebounds, high defensive potential, great size, star potential

Others to consider trading down for: Ty Lawson, Jonny Flynn, Eric Maynor, Patrick Mills, Nick Calathes, Stephen Curry

Like I said. Things are looking up for the Golden State Warriors. Stay tuned because it's going to be another eventful off-season.

Friday, April 17, 2009

WELCOME TO WARRRIORS WORKS


Formerly known as the Mind of Mullin, I am in the process of moving on to a new blog site, Warriors Works, since Chris Mullin will most likely be moving on as well. Much love goes to my favorite Warrior of all-time, especially for being the architect of the 2007 WE BELIEVE team that captured the basketball world’s hearts and minds. I wish him all the best, but a name change is in order, partly to signify a new era in front office leadership, partly to signify a new hope for the franchise.

Just like its predecessor, Warriors Works will focus on anything and everything related to the Warriors. I'll cover the offseason, review prospects, examine possible moves, free agent targets, etc. I hope you enjoy the commentary, analysis, and miscellaneous musings about my favorite team, the Golden State Warriors. Please visit often and all comments are greatly appreciated.

Once again, welcome to the new blog and for those of you coming from Mind of Mullin, thank you for your continued support!


Thursday, April 16, 2009

NBA 2009 MOCK DRAFT 2.0


Based on Final Regular Season Standings
  1. Kings - Ricky Rubio
  2. Wizards (t) - Blake Griffin
  3. Clippers (t) - Jordan Hill
  4. Thunder - Hasheem Thabeet
  5. Grizzlies - James Harden
  6. Timberwolves - Brandon Jennings
  7. Warriors - Jrue Holiday
  8. Knicks - Tyreke Evans
  9. Raptors - DeMar DeRozan
  10. Bucks - Earl Clark
  11. Nets - Stephen Curry
  12. Bobcats - Craig Brackins
  13. Pacers - Jonny Flynn
  14. Suns - Terrence Williams
  15. Pistons - Ty Lawson
  16. Bulls (t) - Donatas Motiejunas
  17. 76ers (t) - Patrick Mills
  18. Timberwolves (1) - Austin Daye
  19. Hawks - B.J. Mullens
  20. Jazz - Chase Budinger
  21. Hornets - Wayne Ellington
  22. Mavericks - Patrick Patterson
  23. Kings (2) - Gerald Henderson
  24. Trail Blazers - Eric Maynor
  25. Thunder (3) - James Johnson
  26. Thunder (4) - DeJuan Blair
  27. Grizzlies (5) - Tyler Hansbrough
  28. Timberwolves (6) - Jeff Teague
  29. Lakers - Sam Young
  30. Cavaliers - Nick Calathes
(t) tie
(1) from Heat
(2) from Rockets
(3) from Spurs
(4) from Nuggets
(5) from Magic
(6) from Celtics


On the bubble: Darren Collison, Tyler Smith, A.J. Ogilvy, Marcus Thornton, Omri Casspi, Gani Lawal, Damion James, DaJuan Summers, Jon Brockman


Tuesday, April 7, 2009

10 REASONS WHY WARRIORS SHOULD RANK RUBIO AHEAD OF GRIFFIN


  1. Two of the toughest positions to field with star talent are PG and C. Rubio is already a star in Europe at the young age of 18. Blake Griffin has the makings of a star, but is a PF, a position easier to fill. Players with Griffin's attributes are less scarce.

  2. The Warriors biggest area of need is PG. Monta Ellis is trying hard to learn the role, but it's becoming clear that he doesn't have that special something that allows him to see the entire floor seconds before it actually happens, nor does he have the passing ability to get players the ball in tight spots.

  3. Rubio will fill the seats for the next decade-plus. He's humble, charismatic, talented, and has a flair for the spectacular. The fans will love him (especially the females) and so will Cohan's bank account. More revenue means more money to spend on free agents.

  4. A PG of Rubio's caliber is difficult to find and even harder to trade for. IF he reaches his potential, he's the kind of player that teams hold on to for their entire career. Better secure his services now while you still can rather than over-paying to try and trade for him when he is a star.

  5. The only other player worth taking #1, Blake Griffin, plays the same position that two fast rising Warriors play. Randolph and Wright aren't as potent scorers but they are far better defensively than the undersized Griffin will ever be. Warriors are loaded with scorers already and have the 22 year old Biedrins who is always among the top players in fg% is a potent weapon inside when given the opportunity. To think that Biedrins is not going to continue to add post moves to his repetoire is insane. He is years away from his prime, so the front court, along with the hustle and heart of Turiaf, is set. Drafting Griffin would help, but it would also force Randolph to SF and slow the development of Wright and Griffin. A trade would be necessary to clear the log jam and bring in a true PG.

  6. Griffin = cross between Michael Beasley, David Lee, and Carlos Boozer. Rubio = a cross between Pete Maravich (creativity), Stockton (steals), and Steve Nash (elevate team play). Rubio will make a greater overall positive impact on this team than Griffin will.

  7. Don Nelson stated in a recent radio interview that the Warriors need to acquire a player that is a good rebounder and defender, but first and foremost, is a passer. He needs to be able to get the ball to where it needs to be and make sound decisions every second on the floor. Rubio is a decent rebounder for his position, was awarded Defensive Player of the Year in the ACB League, and is THE best passer to come into the league in a few years. There's no question that he is a true PG and that he would be an ideal choice for acting as an extension of the coach on the floor. He's only 18, but he knows the game inside and out and plays the game like a coach's son.

  8. Rubio makes others around him better. Right now, the Warriors are a team filled with young, exciting talent, but they are without a captain that could take command of the ship and lead the group in the right direction. Rubio will make the game easier for others, especially for the Big 4 who are athletic, have good hands, and fast reactions. Baskets will come easy for everyone else. Wright, Randolph, Biedrins and Turiaf will get high percentage opportunities with a true PG of Rubio's caliber on the floor. He can get to any spot on the floor and once he's there, he knows what to do with it.

  9. Chris Paul and Kobe Bryant think he has the potential to be a special player. They played against him and came away very impressed and believe he has a bright future ahead of him. I'll trust their judgment of talent any day. "It's crazy what he's already done," Paul says. "He will come to the NBA and steal my job."

  10. Read the scouting reports and watch the footage - this kid is going to be special. Note: if you only have time to watch one video, watch the last one where you get a taste of how much of an impact Rubio makes in a single game. Also, keep in mind that he is fresh from returning from wrist surgery.













And I leave you with a quote from one of my favorite sports writers, Bill Simmons:

Ricky Rubio started for Calderón and was solid, if not great. But the feat itself? Do I need to remind you he's the same age as Jamie Lynn Spears? Imagine Team USA picking Chris Paul and a high school kid as its point guards, then Paul missing the gold-medal game and the teenager holding his own? How many commercials would he be filming right now? Twenty? The nonstop Pistol Pete comparisons are beneath Rubio; his defensive instincts, playmaking and athleticism bring him closer to a hybrid of Scottie Pippen and a young Magic—if they happened to look like one of the Jonas Brothers. I love Ricky to the point that I might move to whatever NBA city gets him. You think I'm kidding.



Related Links
LA PISTOLA - ESPN the Magazine
Ricky Rubio may enter 2009 NBA Draft - Interbasket.net
Ricky Rubio - NBADraft.net
Ricky Rubio Prospect Profile - Draft Express
Ricky Rubio Draft Bio - ESPN
Ricky Rubio : Next Bio - ESPN the Magazine