Saturday, March 31, 2012

DEVELOPING TYLER

I was one of Jeremey Tyler's bigger advocates during the draft, and was thrilled we got him in the 2nd round. The Warriors bought his draft rights from the Bobcats for $2M and locked in the project to a modest contract which is unguaranteed in 2013 and has a team option in 2014.
It's clear that they think his development will take some time, and they believe they can convert his raw talent into a real player over the course of a few seasons.

After watching him in limited minutes throughout the year, I've seen small improvements in the 2 areas that concerned me the most - basketball IQ and motor. Tyler has a wealth of talent to tap into, but without those two, he'll have a limited shelf-life in the NBA and will never reach his full potential. He needs to play smarter, with more intensity on defense, and play hard every minute he is on the court.

 I'm not sure how much extra work Tyler has putting into practice, but his work ethic coming into the draft has always been a concern. Fellow rookie, Charles Jenkins, is a workout warrior - 1st one in, last one out. I hope Tyler follows his example. The key now to developing his game further is to bring in the best Big Man coach money can buy. The Warriors need to bring in a former NBA big man that knows the ins and outs of succeeding in the paint - someone who can light a fire under the young man and compel him to become the best he can be. Lacob has shown he is willing to spend whatever money it takes to build a contender and I have faith that he will address this need in the offseason.

Clifford Ray just got hired by the Kings a month ago. Who else would be good candidates to help Tyler with his game?







Related Links:
Draft Express Profile Page
NY Times: Jeremy Tyler, N.B.A. Prospect, Is Groomed to Play His Own Way
Kawakami: The Warriors’ $2M bet on Jeremy Tyler: How things have changed Weidie: Jeremy Tyler: A Grainy Picture of Youth

Thursday, March 8, 2012

TRADE MONTA NOW


My guess is Lacob is scared to death of missing the playoffs again next year.

That's why he's hanging on to Monta barring a trade for equal value. He wants to keep the status quo and add a free agent Big, like Kaman or Kwame again this offseason. Lacob will not settle for a step backward until he gives the fans a taste of the playoffs first. What he doesn't realize is that the longer he delays a change, the more time is wasted muddling in mediocrity and STRUGGLING just to make the playoffs. The current formula has proven not to work (undersized backcourt + Lee) and it needs to be reworked. Even if you shore up the Center and Small Forward positions with players who can defend and rebound, there is still no guarantee that the Warriors will make the playoffs. Sticking with the status quo and making a few tweaks is not going to help you build this team into a contender.

Contrary to what Lacob may think, I think losing Monta will actually make the Warriors better regardless of who they get back in return. The ball will move more, offense will be more free-flowing, defense will improve, player growth will accelerate, and a more team oriented brand of basketball will be played. Look at what Lin was able to do playing alongside a bunch of scrubs and Chandler. It's not always about talent, but how the pieces fit together.

Trade Monta for any combination of a mid/late 1st Round pick, young big man prospect, expirings, Biedrins dump, or impact big man. There is no excuse for NOT making a deal. The fans are tired of the same old approach and are dying for a new direction. Not making a trade will be a big blow to the fan's confidence in the Front Offices' ability to do their job. Get what you can from Orlando, a contender looking to add scoring, or a team with room to take on his contract. Do not dismiss a deal just because you aren't getting an All-Star talent back in return. Reality is that you will be lucky to find a team that will value Monta as much as the Warriors Front Office does.

Trade Monta Now.