Justin Williams signed

The Warriors made their last Training Camp invite to Justin Willams formerly of the Sacramento Kings and Houston Rockets according to nba.com. I don't expect williams to make the team with all the bigs we have but with his lengthy wingspan and a decent vertical it should be interesting. A lot of the youtube videos I've just looked at show him scoring garbage time points in the paint which means he'll have to properly develop his outside shot if we wants to have a chance. Hopefully he sticks around and makes the final 15 because of his aggressive defense and Rebounding. one thing that sticks out with me this year is we have considerably more depth with big men Biedrins, Turiaf, Wright, Williams, and Randolph. One Training camp body to watch out for anyway.

Draft Express profile

NFL Week 4 picks

What did we learn about Week 3?

That the Dolphins can actually produce some offense. Huge credit to Ronnie Brown as he flourished in Miami's direct snap game as they mauled the Patriots ending their 21 game consectutive streak.

Raiders had a tough loss in Buffalo but showed promise on the Offensive side of the ball. Haternation seems to be one of the more funnier Raider blogs out there. And yes the Niners got to 2-1 with a big victory against Detroit a victoory they had to have with a tough schedule coming up. Anyway on to week 4 where because of the bye week you might find that until week 11 the schedule will be shortened


Week 4 matchups

Atlanta (2-1 @ Carolina (2-1) Hard to explain what went wrong with Carolina last week expecially with Steve Smith coming bac. Against an 0-2 team they appared to have no answer for Ferotte who did the basic things in his first game. Don't expect any letdown in Carolina though who's flexibility on Offense inluding a decent RB duo of Stewart and Williams will be too much for Atlanta


Cleveland (0-3) @ Cincinatti (0-3) The bid for the worst Football team in Ohio begins here with the Browns being my estimate to take this. Clevland looks directionless and the sooner they make Brady Quinn a starter the better. Romeo Crennell is surely under the heat now the Brownies look sloppy and out of focus. Compare that to the Bengals encouraging OT defeat to the NY Giants and you can see the future is brighter in Cincy


Houston (0-2) @ Jacksonville (1-2) Great news for Jags fans the Fred taylor Maurice Jones drew combo finally clicked in a terrific road win in Indy. Against the Texans that much like the Browns look directionless aside from Steve Slaton. Even though Houston tradititonally has had more success against Jacksonville then any other AFC South team it's fair to say that Jacksonville is more on the right track.


Denver (3-0) @ Kansas (0-3)That Denver defense will be tested by a stellar Kansas running game but otherwhise the Broncos Offense looks every inch the AFC west contenders. They won't be tested by the Chiefs but there will be times during the season that if they want to be genuine Superbowl contenders that their Run Defense has to pick up


Arizona (2-1) @ NY Jets (1-2) After a 2-0 start everyone including yours truly believed the Cardinals had shaken their years of futility into the dessert. Favre has yet to show last years form but the Washington game showed me this East coast road trip might be harder then normal to handle even with the Jets searching for a first W since they dealt with the Dolphins in week 1


Green Bay (2-1) @ Tampa Bay (2-1) The rematch of the old NFC Central. Green Bay were slightly outclassed by Dallas on Sunday night but that shouldn't be a worry the Cowboys are the best team in Football at the moment. Green Bay might be tested in the secondary without Al Harris but the Packers should be strong enough to win this old division rematch

Minnesota (1-2) @ Tennessee (3-0) Two of the best Defenses in the NFL, Great running games and Kerry Collins lining up against Ferotte plenty to like in this matchup the only difference being the Titans home advantage will be too strong.


Buffalo (3-0) @ St Louis (0-3) Does this week get any better in Buffalo? With come from behind victories and New England unexpectedly slipping up the answer is probably yes. For the first time since Warner took his place Trent Green is back under Center but unfortunately for Green the rams are in a pre Dick Vermeil state. Marshawn Lynch and company could ensure this would be Linehans last game


Washington (2-1) @ Dallas (3-0) Cowoboys are simply too strong for the Redskins in almost every department. Jason Taylor is out and that could mean Romo would have all day to throw in the pocket to Mr T.O. In other words if the Redskins pass rush doesn't show up this game will become a rout.


Philadelphia (2-1) @ Chicago (1-2) The Bears after their great week 1 win have faltered slightly save for Brandon lloyd who never produced half of what he's done for the Bears as he did for the 49ers. The Eagles Defense blitzes the most in the NFL so expecting Orton to find Lloyd consistently. I doubt it. McNabb and company will show the Bears Defense how it was suppossed to be done even without Westbrook

Baltimore (2-0) @ Pittsburgh (2-1) An exhilrating MNF matchup because of the well known AFC North rivalry between these two. Expect a Defensive struggle with Willie Parker out and Big Ben not at 100% but still expect a heavy Pass-run ratio. Expect defensive scores in the Steelers favour.


Bay Area Football

San Francisco (2-1) @ New Orleans (2-1) Surprisngly one of the tougher games to perdict. My heart says the 49ers but my head says New Orleans. Martz has finally found the right balance in the Offensive game using Gore more then previously thought. Against the Saints they won't face a top 10 calliber Defense but I still can't see them outscoring the likes of Brees, Bush etc. Key question for the SF D is how do you cope with Bush whilst also limiting the ability of Brees to make plays? The D hasn't given up really big plays all year, but they can't just sit there with 5 DBs in like they did against Seattle, because the D are having enough problems against the run as it is.


Oakland (1-2) @ San Diego (1-2)The Chargers were simply dominant in a victory they had to have destroying the Jets comprehensively. Expect more of the same in Qualcomm where they get to .500 in fact last years start of 1-3 was forgotten once they got to the AFC Championship game. In contrast the Raiders uncertainty over Lane Kiffin means even the most reliable of Raider sources doesn't know whats going to happen. Blowout time.


Last Weeks Total 10-6

Total Accumulated Score 25-22

Irish Warriors NFL Youtube clip of the Week
Best game of the week and that probably decided the AFC South

The Warriors all time Intangibles Team

When Ronny Turiaf arrived at the Warriors for the first time in years he was an intangible player aka a player who didn't contribute to the boxscore but but were integral to the team with their hustle, defense, attitude, work ethic, and so forth.
My take on the Warriors all time hustle team is below

Point Guard Avery Johnson



Ok so Avery Johnson is more or less well known for his coaching days. Even his playing career he was known as the floor General which made him an ideal Popovich player. Avery wasn't known for his variety of skills as a player but what makes him an automatic choice for this team would be his heart and his willingness to win. Avery was part of the 50 game win Warriors team that were bounced in the first round by the Phoenix Suns but proved clutch whever he was asked always willing to take a charge

Shooting Guard Phil Smith



Nobody remembers Phil Smith but belieive it or not there was a time when he was one of the worst shooters in the NBA despite being a consumate professional. During the Warriors Championship run he was asked to shut down Wes Unsweld, Walt Frazier, Norman Van Lier etc. He dramtically improved his game to up 20 points the following year whilst keeping his tight Defense. One of the more forgotten NBA and Warrior personalities sadly


Forward Larry Smith



No relation to Phil Larry smith played on some bad Warriors teams only makijg the playoffs twice in 8 years. Larry wasn't known for his scoring ability it was his Rodman like ability to hit the boards providing toughness inside not really found in a George Karl coached team. He was always willing to guard a Karl Malone and occassionally forced him into bad shooting nights most memorably when the Warriors swept the Jazz in the Western Conference 1st round. Has the ironic nickame Mr Mean

Forward: Chris Gatling




Absolute no brainer. Gatling will be remembered for his high energy reckless play with the warriors but unfortunately the most vivid image NBA fans retain of gatling is the congrutulatory handsake he gave Kemp after Kemp viciously dunked on him (forward to number 5). Despite his time with the Warriors not all being that long healways played hard and played tough when given the minutes


Center Joe Barry Caroll



Often one of the most ridiculed trades in NBA history when the Warriors gave up the rights to draft Robert Parish to draft Joe Barry Caroll these very same people forget that Carroll was decent. Not Robert parish decent but good to represent the western Conference Team in the 1985 NBA All Star game. Interestingly took a few years off to play in the Italian League one of the few NBA players to really do so but came back and averaged 21 points PPG for two consective seasns. Sign of a bust not really!

The Warriors pursuing Marburry

Though it hasn't officially been announced as a rumour by any of the reliable media sources several Warriors forums seem to be have the idealogy that since Marbury is possibly going to be waived by the New York Knicks the Warriors should make an attempt at pursuing a Point Guard with experience while ignoring his chaotic past. That player appears to be Stephon Marburry.

There might be advantages to signing Marburry. He's a slight upgrade over Marcus Williams depending on his attitude but um thats it.He's never won in his career has always been a distraction off the court, and doesn't make players better. Teams don't win more with him on the team, he is the biggest cancer in all of basketball as Knicks fans have found out for the last few years. And I don't take the we're not going anywhere so whats the point in having him excuse". Marburry has proven to be a off the court distraction that could merily harm the development of the youngsters. He destroyed the respectability of the New York Knicks franchise, there is no way he will be under control on a team with a low amount of veteran presence that simple.

Hopefully this rumour is a non starter although with the dreadful offseason Dubs fans have suffered anything is possible

NFL Week 3 picks

What a decent week for Bay Area teams. The Raiders had a decisive 23-8 win in Kansas although the Chiefs are exactly like the Dolphins from last year and the 49ers had a big divisonal win in Seattle even though Nolan still hasn't figured out a way how to stop winning games in a ugly way. Still never the less both teams are at .500 a neccessity for the Niners especially with a tough stretch of games coming up.

Week 3 Matchups

Arizona (2-0) @ Washington (1-1)The Skins suprised everyone last week with a big victory over NFC favourites New Orleans saints. However Arizona despite coming off victories over the 49ers and Dolphins have that bit more momentum especially after their first 2-0 start in god knows how long. Cardinals to continue their good form


Kansas (0-2) @ Atlanta (1-1). Matt Ryan had his first proper introduction into NFL football last Sunday but unlike the Lions game he did actually face a Defense. Turner and Norwood a surprisngly effective backfield duo should get 100+ yards between them especially since the Chiefs were horrible on Run Defense against the Raiders last week and with Kansas's offensive woes the Falcons is the easy pick here.


Tampa (1-1) @ Chicago (1-1). Could possibly be a low scoring close game but I think Chicago might just have a little extra resolve. Like last week in their battle with Atlanta Tampa has a battle in the running game but if Orte runs like he did in week 1 against the Colts the Bears have every chance of winning.. Whoever stops the run more effectively wins this one.


Carolina (2-0) @ Minnesota (0-2) Panthers the easy pick here. In a desperate and probably naieve journeyman Gus Ferotte has been named the Vikings starter in a last ditch move to save their season. Not the greatest timing especially when welcoming a team that is earily reminding everyone of their Superbowl run a few years back. running game for carolina is weak but they should still move to 3-0


Houston (0-1) @ Tennessee (2-0) After the hurricane Ike cancelling the Ravens game and therefore giving Houston a extra week to sort out the disaster that was the Pittsburgh game will it make a difference. The Texans couldn't stop Willie Parker in week 1 and Lendale White and Chris Johnson should do the same here. So far even though it's only one game Houstons offense hasn't really clicked and I don't see how it can continue here




Cincinatti (0-2)) @ New York Giants (2-0) Easy one here the Giants will continue their fast start. I'm assuming Coughlin has spoken to the team about how tough the NFC East looks because after last Mondays freeflowing clash it looks like anyones division. The Bengals on the other hand are obviously done the team looks as if they've quit on Marvin Lewis and the Defense and Offense are non existant. Giants game to lose


Miami (0-2) @ New England (2-0) The Pats should be able to deal with a Dolphins side that hasn't shown much difference to last year. Cassell hasn't actually been told to do to much although against a secondary lit up by Kurt warner he might fancy throwing it downfield to Moss or Welker. Maroney or Jordan will probably get a decent size amount of carries as well. Though this approach won't work consistently the Dolphins won't test it



St Louis (0-2) @ Seattle (0-2) Not quite the early season futility bowl the records might indicate at least the Seahawks have a proper excuse (they literally have no WR). Still apparently they've signed Koren Robinson and are going after Joe Horn so things are briefly looking up. Against a team that were horrible against Philadelphia and suffered a blowout against the Superbowl Champs Seattle with their 12th man will get their first win. The only question left is when will Linehan get fired?


New Orleans (1-1) @ Denver (2-0) Though Denver isn't wintry cold this time of the year (forecast says sunshine on Sunday) New Orlleans having not visited Denver in a while will struggle to adopt to the mile high air. Marques colston one of Brees favourite targets is out and against a Offense looking excellent against a prone Defense and it's a no brainer going for the Broncos.



Jacksonville (0-2) @ Indianapolis (1-1) It took longer then expected but Manning got his season back on track with a comeback win against the Vikings. Against a team thinly stretched at O-line making Fred taylor and Maurice Jones drew ineffective the Colts will be motivated to get their first win in their new stadium. It looks likely.


Cleveland (0-2) @ Baltimore (1-0) Tough game to pick but the Ravens appear the smart choice here. Anderson wasn't given much opportunity to throw against the Steelers such were the high winds but against the Ravens without any bye week they should contain the Browns. Derek anderson or Brady Quinn is the main question on Browns fans lips and it's easy to see the Ravens coming out with a 2-0 start.


Pittsburgh (2-0) @ Philadelphia (1-1) The battle for the pride of Pennsylvania should go in the Eagles favour. Had it not been for Westbrooks fumble they could have caused a min upset in Dallas in one of the great MNF games. Against a team not sure about Bens shoulder injury and the Eagles keen not to lose any more ground early, I reckon they can overcome their state rivals and slow down the Steelers quick start to the season.



Dallas (2-0) @ Green Bay (2-0) Aaron Rodgers has looked pretty decent in both the Packers opening victories but he faces an entirely different challenge against the Cowboys. T.O will not be contained by Harris who displayed horrible coverage when these two last met. The cowboys will have too many weapons here.


NY Jets (1-1) @ San Diego 0-2) The Chargers suffered a heartbreaking and controversial loss against the Broncos in other words they've lost to two decent teams. The Jets on the other hand barely beat the Dophins and lost to the Pats not the start Jets fans wanted. LT, Chris Chambers, Rivers and Gates etc will be motivated at getting that first win and trying to put the back to back losses out of their minds. With Denver's fast start they need to get that win now.


Bay Area Football

Oakland (1-1) @ Buffalo (2-0)The Bills were really convincing last week esepcially Trent Edwards with a 20-25 performance. They should stay undefeated against the Raiders who ran the ball well last week but got McFadden and Fargas banged up in the process. A potential undefeated game against the Pats awaits but first they will navigate their way against the Raiders.


Detroit (0-2) @ San Francisco (1-1) Will be another shootout as the Niners horrible pass Defense keeps Detroit in the game. Yet the Lions are a mess aided by Matt Millen and his comical GM skills. Frank Gore will be licking his lips at running at a terrible Defense and that will be the difference here.


Last Weeks picks 8-7

Total accumulated score 15-16


Irish Warriors NFL Youtube Clip of the Week

For all those wannabee Wide Receivers this clip teaches one lesson. Never celebrate until you score

Youtube Monday: The Championship

1975 NBA finals. The first Championship series in any of the 4 proffessional American Sports in any Sport to pit two black coaches against each other. Superbowl 41 became the second. I've already gone into detail in the History section as to how this Championship was historic in many so levels given the Warriors extreme underdog status. It was also notable if you want to look at the fact that the Warriors arguably paved the way for minorites to get Coaching jobs at any Organisation. The irony is that while the Warriors are often left behind in the playing field they started a rarity in itself while other teams and indeed Leagues were left to catch up.

For as far as we've come, we haven't come as far as we think we've come, but we have to continue to work on it."

Al Attles

The Warriors will finish 9th

according to ESPN's offseason rankings. Soon I shall be writing up an NBA preview probably two week before the season starts and will look at what the Golden state blogs and sites wwill be saying about the potential of the 08-09 Warriors as well. Unlike most sites however the best thing about the accuracy of these ranking is it's based on what all the ESPN NBA staff think about the potential of the Warriors. For example they have Portland making the postseason which is obviously unaminously agreed on by the likes of Adande etc.

To be honest I think the 39-43 record they have us achiieving is very optimistic considering we're an extremely young team that has lost it's court leader during the offseason and whose best player is gonna be a out for a good chunk of the season. Then again 39 wins would be an achievement for a team that just two years ago were thinking on ways to build on their postseason success after the 2006-2007 season. oh how times change.

Denver would possibly be a team to drop out of the Western Conference as would Dallas. Yes Rick Carlisle has proved he's a decent head coach but the Kidd trade like last season won't improve them in the longterm. If anything I wouldn't be surprised if they miss the playoffs but that won't happen probably. More then likely for the first time during the famous Rasheed Wallace era the Trailblazers will be back in the postseason and afer seeing Rudy Fernandez flush it down on Howard and Jereed bayless have a decent Summer League ESPN may very well be right

NFL Week 2 Picks

I have to say that was a totally unexpected and surprising week 1

First off you had the horrible news of Bay Area native Tom Brady tearing up his Left Knee and being done for the season. Very unfortunate really that this incident occured but then again even with a coach with as much as a genious personnel as Bill belichick will find some way of motivating the Pats and getting them back to the Postseason. I don't think they have a shot at the Superbowl but all Cassell has to do now is keep it simple and the offense will be even more effective. Then again the telling stat. Cassell hasn't started a game since High School.

Though there were also injuries to Marques Colston,Shawn Merriman and Nate Burlson (Merriman and Burlson are now done for the year) the one I want to focus on with my Bay Area bias would be Alex Smith and how he's done for the season. If Smith is ever physically able to play again, then he will definately get another shot at making an NFL roster. Tim Couch got loads. So did Akili Smith and Leaf got more chances after the Bolts. He may never fully recover from this injury though, he still wasn't fully recovered when he was competing for the starting job in preseason. Shame how much of a bust Smith turned out to be.

Oh and between all this I forgot to mention more Bay Area bad news. The Niners and the Raiders lost. Niners Defense couldn't get off the field while the Raiders looked as bad as they did in 06

Now on to the picks

Week 2 Matchups

Buffalo(1-0) @ Jacksonville(0-1) Buffalo were excellent last Week with the Special Teams and Defense really impressing but I really think that the Jags will step it up at home this week and take this one in a tight game where both teams rely on their running backs.


Chicago (1-0) @ Carolina(1-0) The Panthers had a close and slightly fortunate win over the chargers who didn't bother showing up until the 4th quarter. The Bears DOMINATED the Colts with Forte looking like a star. I think this will be a low scoring afair though as Carolina will stack up to stop the run and force Kyle Orton to beat them through the air.If the Panthers use the energy of the crowd the Bears chances of coming from behind will be slim. Carolina wins a tight one


Tennessee @ Cincinnati Vince Young is out for at least 4 weeks (if they find him!) and this could be an extremely wayward pick but even with a team that rivalled the Rams as worst performance of Week 1 the young situation will be too much for the Titans to overcome.


New Orleans(1-0) @ Washington(0-1) It was a horrible performance by the Skins on week 1 with Cammpbell showing he's not fully ajduested to Jim Zorn's new offense. The Saints are misisng Marqes Colston which makes the job a little easier for Washington's D but unlike the Giants there are far too many explosive playmakers on the Saints to make any difference.



Green Bay(1-0) @ Detroit(0-1) It was quite humourful watching the Lions make Matt Ryan and Michael Turner look like an NFC contender. Now they face Rodgers and Green Bay coming off a big Monday Night win over Minnesota. Expect a blowout in Green Bay's favour



N.Y. Giants (1-0) @ St. Louis (0-1) The worst performance by far on week 1 and really it's hard to see any positives for St Louiswell there is one Linehan will probably get the boot soon. Could be his last game coaching and expect the woes to continue here



Indianapolis(0-1) @ Minnesota (0-1) After the Bears showed them up on the Sunday Night Football opener the Colts have showed the NFL there will be a power shift coming up. Matt Forte proved they still can't stop the run in the regular season so expect a big game by Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor. All the Vikes have to do is control the clock and they win this one.



Atlanta (1-0) @ Tampa Bay (0-1) A positive start for the Matt Ryan era against the Lions but Tampa are a superior team. Tampa also had a tough loss to New Orleans while the Falcons should have beaten Detroit more comfortably. Decent start for Mike Smith but the Tampa game proves a bridge too far


Miami (0-1) @ Arizona (1-0) Arizona's Offense came through last week giving the Niners only two poccessions in the second half (5 turnovers help)and with Seattle catching the injury bug (more on that later) this is a good chance as any for Arizona to prove they can finally end a Golden State like Playoff curse. Warner leads them to the promised land of 2-0.


New England (1-0) @ N.Y. Jets (1-0) If this was Favre V Brady this game would rightly received a lot of hype. As it is it's Favre V Cassell. Never mind the uneven QB matchup the Pats as we saw several times last year are the masters of winning games they had no right to win. Bellichick switches to a running Offense which sees New England through


Baltimore (1-0) @ Houston (0-1) Baltimore surprised a few people last week with Joe Flaco proving he has the chance to become a better version of Kyle Boller but they never play well on the road and against a team that struggled against the Steelers it remains the same. One thing that really hasn't changed is the Ravens Offense. They relied on a trick play and a broken play to win the game. Luck will run out here.


San Diego (0-1)@ Denver (1-0) The Chargers bounce back and show that the Broncos aren't as good as they looked against the Raiders. I'd be shocked if Royal makes the same kind of impact in this game or that the Broncos Defense performs to the same level it did against the Raiders expecially against L.T. Funny thing about last week is Norv Tunrer lost a game he had in his hands. He won't do the same here


Pittsburgh (1-0) @ Cleveland (0-1) The Steelers should be too good for the Browns. Last year they were quick out of the blocks and it looks to be repeated this year. Against a pass defense that allowed Romo to find his Receivers all day it will be the same against Roethlisburger and Ward. After a blowout loss against the Cowboys combined with Pittsburgh crusing past Houston the Steelers will win this one



Philadelphia (1-0) @ Dallas (1-0) Game of the Week and I'd go do far to perdict whoever wins this has the best shot of taking the NFC Est crown. For what it was worth both teams were great but for a while the Eagles let the Rams hang with them and I wouldn't expect any changes. The Cowboys are the better team and they will go 2-0

Bay Area Football


San Francisco (0-1) @ Seattle (0-1) You'd think the Niners would get something here. With Seattle down to 4 wideouts Holmgren will try and get the running game going early. So what Nowin has to do is stack the box and shut down the running game and put pressure on Matt. Not so easy when you have the 12th man and a pumped up Seattle Defense trying to erase memories of the Buffalo opener.



Oakland (0-1) @ Kansas (0-1) Kansas were a goaline stand from sending the New England game into OT last week a respectable achievement even without Brady in the mix. Fargas and Mcfadden tested Denver briefly on the Monday night debacle and they could do the same here but Kansas bounce back.

Last Weeks Picks: 7-9

Total: 7-9

Irish Warriors NFL youtube Clip of the Week Highlights

A couple Bo Jackson clips. With that combination of size, speed, and power, if not for that injury, he would have been considered one of the greatest running backs ever