Crawford for Harrington close to happenning

Sums up how the majority of Warriors nation feels


The Morrow distraction and his superhuman abilities gave Warrior fans a pleasant distraction from Al Harrington for a few days. However tonight as ESPN have revealed it looks like Harrington will become a Knick in exhange for Jamal Crawford. Neither the Warriors or Knicks press office have confirmed any such move just yet so this Friday evening it looks as if Golden State fans will have to wait if Jamal is Warriors.

A few thoughts spring to mind

: Essentially the Warriors traded a disgruntled forward who was filled with poor play and contract issues for a Guard who though is incredibly streaky with shooting would be an instant upgrade at the Point Guard spot. Nelson once Monta comes back would immediately pair him with Ellis in a two combo guard backcourt. Crawford is a perfect Don Nelson type player in which take games over at times, and can shoot you out of a game at others

: Crawford is a terrible man to man Defender. With the Warriors leading the league in blocked shots and having a pretty decent opposing FG% allowed for those stretch of games where Randolph, Wright, Turiaf, and Biedrins were playing heavy minutes I seriously doubt they want to go back to playing matador defense.

: Talent accumulation without any long term plan for contention....won't amount to anything. Case in point....the Chicago Bulls who accumulated loads of young talent and never did anything with it. In any case, I seriously dislike the make-up of this team. I don't like how the pieces fit together. I don't like how the young guys with potential will never see enough minutes to develop. I hate our style of play and offensive philosophy. I just don't like any of it.

At the moment I dislike the fact we're playing for a Western Conference 8th seed spot and hope to have a repeat of the Dallas series. With the Lakers and the Bynum and Gasol partnership that won't happen. A step in the right direction is letting Biedrins, Wright, Randolph, etc. all get tick so when (if) Ellis comes back, we can really see what we have. The team they're potentially putting together is one being setup for a huge retooling/ dismantling once Nelson finally steps away.

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

Warriors going after Corey Maggette, Josh Smith and Iguodala

Following Barons departure you have to give the Warriors a certain amount of credit for at least trying to fill his void rather then be content with what they've got and be a lottery team as what has happenned in the past It looks if they've made an offer to Corey Maggette following Brands almost certain announcement he will stay in LA. By opting out of his deal Corey gave up 7 million. The Warriors can definitely sign him to a deal starting with that, which would be about a million more than the midlevel exception, which is all other teams can offer him (though I hear he’s looking for like $10). I don't know where the Corey love comes from yes he's a guy who can create offense when he's not in love with the jumper but other then that he's not worth going after.

Early 2004-2008 when the Warriors needed a 2-nd or 3rd option scorer it would have made perfect sense going after Maggette but I can't say I see the point of adding and most likely overpaying for Maggette on the free agent market when this team doesn't have Baron Davis or even Jason Richardson for that matter. This team needs passers and top tier scoring options right now, not 2nd or 3rd option scorer.




I also read that the Warriors are looking to go after Josh smith and Iguodala. Both would be decent fits and either would suffice but I'm pretty sure Atlanta and Philadelphia will offer them better deals. As things stand they would have a better chance making the Playoffs with those teams rather then the Warriors. If they do it will because the Warriors front office gets hoodwinked and offers some ridiculous Rashard Lewis type deal that even their own team won't match. Chances are the Warriors aren't going to get a single major impact free agent. For the most part you win in this league with stellar drafting and amazing trades. Two things the Warriors historically have been absolutely horrendous at.

Good times in Dubs land!

Latest Rumours #2

Can you imagine him and Jackson together?

In conciding with the other latest rumours Part 1 post it's interesting to see right before Draft Day all the last minute rumours floating around. Never mind the potential of these rumours being true most fans secretly pray they happen or in some cases don't. With that being said the latest batch are here

Davis to the Pistons I don't know hou much credibility the article has but Rasheed wallace Chauncey Billups and Jason Maxiell all for the 14th pick and Baron seems to be dominating the Warrior rumours. Whilst I think this is more legit then any of Sam Smiths or Pete Vecsey's reports Davis would need to officially not opt-out to make the trade happen, but it’s worth noting that Davis and Wright (or Belinelli or Perovic) works under the cap for Billups and Wallace, even given Billups’ BYC status.

The trade works better for the Warriors then the Pistons. Even though Billups and Wallace wouldn't seem to fit in Nellie's system but we do get a starting line-up of Billups / Ellis / Jackson / Wallace / Biedrins. On paper that’s an impressive team (at least for next year. Billups is the master of defending a Pick and roll and Wallace would finally give the team a low-post offensive threat. Destroit would want to give Billups large contract a rest injecting fresh blood, landing a prospect with Wright but it doesn't look like an easy sell plus Stern might want to prevent the nightmare of seeing Jackson and Wallace together. This trade makes a better team immediately (for one season until Rasheed's contract runs out) and Billups deal is much more cap-friendly for the future than Baron Davis' deal

Al Harrington to Cleveland It's been talked about before it is the type of mature team / younger team deal that frequently gets done in the NBA. From a numbers standpoint, Al Harrington and Kosta Perovic for Anderson Varejao and Eric Snow works under the cap. The Cavs do the deal to gain Harrington’s offensive punch now that they have Ben Wallace filling the role of big man with no offensive skill while The Warriors would do the deal to gain a low post rebounding and defensive threat with heft to compliment Wright and to gain the salary relief when Snow’s contract is bought out (which has been widely reported as a possibility

Latest rumours

As the picture shows stay clear


Been a surprisngly busy rumour day concerning Brandon Wright and Al Harrington both who have and had been linked in trade possibilties. Lets get to Wright first. Even though Mullin categorically stated they would not trade J-Rich and look what happenned Wright ESPN reported the Wright for Yi deal is basically dead

"A Warriors representative shot down an assertion made in a couple of my columns that the team was looking to move Brandan Wright. He especially took umbrage at the report that the team coveted Milwaukee's Yi Jianlian. I've been assured that Warriors GM Chris Mullin, who makes the final decisions at Golden State, isn't trading Wright for Yi."

.

The one I'd like to talk about though is Wright for Varejao once again touted about by Chad ford. I don't know where Chad ford is getting all this strange info. Mullin flat out thinks he can be a great player. I don’t think they’re misleading me about this. They are not contemplating trading Wright and they won’t do so unless it could get them back a sure-thing forward (my interpretation) and that’s not Varejao. The prblem with Varejao ala Sideshow Bob is he can’t shoot, a major up-tick on the front line. He’s not a Nellie-style forward, and really, could you play him with Biedrins?. The short answer is no. I alo think that with the 14th pick you can possibly get a player similiar if not better then Varejao Robin Lopez, Marreese Speights, JaVale McGee and then you can ignore the 12 million he's due over the next two seasons a sum of money he's not worth

The last one once again involving the Cavs is Harrington. News Herald have the lowdown

"

If the Warriors made forward/center Al Harrington available, the Cavs might have an interest. Harrington, 28, averaged 13.6 points and 5.4 rebounds for the Warriors last season. The 6-9, 250-pounder will be entering his 11th season in the league.
He will earn $9.2 million this season and $10 million next year. It would take much more than Varejao to coax Harrington away from Golden State, however."

I'm not Harringtons biggest fan by any stretch but would hate to see him go. He seems like one cool guy who cares about the community. I'm the last one to criticize Nellie since I think he's one of the few guys in the Warriors basketball operations who actually knows what he's doing. But I really think Nellie misused Al this past season and was way too unforgiving if he made any mistakes. But again can you really question a legendary coach who took this flawed and under talented team (by West standards) to 48 wins?

Baron Davis to the Knicks, Seems Far fetched to me

Future Team for Davis?

I'm not sure whether it's a case of NBA silly season beginning early or a Point Guard desperate to play for a coach who favours the same type of offense as Nellie but either way Newsday released a very interesting article suggesting Davis made inquires about a sign and trade with the New York Knicks.

It seems pretty convincing that all this will he opt out talk is just contract speculation. That being said there is the possibility that Davis is sending a message that " “I’m just crazy enough that I might opt-out, so you better negotiate an extension with me.” talk. Baron's agent realises that no one has the 17 milion required for his services so a sign and trade is the best option. Having said that if 'm the Warriors Davis might be a shadow of himself the next few years. If a long term extension is to be negotiated you did for the belief he could be a leader for people like brandon Wright, Marco and future draft picks and be a posisitive force even if his knees didn't hold out. This could have been bought as a possibility in my blind sense of opptomism but Baron's agent just killed that pipe dream.

To be fair the he most the Knicks could offer Davis in unrestricted free agency is the mid-level exception, which would start him at $5.7M and that’s a lot less than $17.8M. If it was to be a trade neither Randolph,Curry or Marburry offer any suitable replacement. There's another way BD doesn’t opt-out or doesn’t indicate either way by draft night, but Warriors and Knicks agree to a deal, Knicks pick 6th for Warriors then wait until July 9 to finish the trade, BD for Marbury plus drafted player. I’m highly dubious that would pass NBA muster.

Unfortunately thought the real dissapointment though in this likely non starter rumour has been Baron who has a me first attitude.Telling the Warriors you’d risk losing $12 million to escape the team doesn’t seem like a great way to convince them that you’re the right leader for the future. Likewise, it might make more sense to spend time talking about what you could do to improve the Warriors’ system than dreaming out loud about how much you’d enjoy playing even less defense in Mike D’Antoni’s rotation. He also admittely didn't have the best of timing a month after missing the Playoffs and joining the Lottery for the upteenth time he then publicly lobbies about how the team has underrated your value. A bit of context has been lacked.

The comments coming from him though indicate he woud lilkely want to move regardless of the Knicks woeful situation. Even though it would hurt I was more dissapointed on the fact the Baron of 06-07 was lacking the last few months scrapping, running, and pushing the team to frantic victories was the enduring image Dubs fans had of him that season. Unfortunately this season there were glimpses of a a player more focused on his individual battles than the success of the team. It's showing evidently again

Warriors interested in Kyle Lowry

According to ESPN'S John Sheridan who breaks down the many possibilties of the NBA Trade deadline the Warriors along with Nuggets, Bulls, 76ers, Heat and the Nets are all interested in the Memphis Grizzlies Guard.

The Nuggets' willingness to give up this June's first-round draft pick will keep them a player in the Artest stakes, but it also could make the difference in their pursuit of Memphis point guard Kyle Lowry, who is being shopped by the Memphis Grizzlies.

Memphis also is fielding offers for Mike Miller but is trying to include little-used, heavily compensated forward Brian Cardinal (two years remaining at $6.3M and $6.75M) in any deal.

The Nuggets, Bulls, 76ers, Heat, Warriors and Nets are among the teams seeking to acquire Lowry, the 24th overall pick in 2006 who became expandable when the Grizzlies acquired Javaris Crittenton from the Lakers in the Gasol trade.

"The Grizzlies want to have at least three first-round picks this summer," the source said.

As much as I'd like to add Kyle (see the irony) the Grizzlies as yet have to decide where they want to keep him or Crittenton with GM Chris Wallace stating his intentions of looking at both. On the other hand Lowry would be a great backup and even though he's not a scorer he can past almost as better as anyone on this team and is a decent Defender much better then Monta as Chris Duhon or Roger Mason J.R will tell you. Lowry could give better alternatives at this position and a great backup for Baron down the stretch. Worth taking a shot

Links
Wikipedia entry
ESPN Page
NBA Draft profile
Most famous NBA play

Chris webber reunited with Nellie?

This would be big. Forget Jordans comeback or Shaq and kobe highfiving when they first faced each other but a small section of the Basketball world would be stunned if Nelson and webber reunited as the Sac Bee reported. It went on to point out that Nelson and webber were seen eating at his restaurant in Sacramento a few days back which didn't seem like news at all. Diplomacy from Nelson perhaps but then this story took a even big fruther twist when the contra Costa times reported the Dubs are seriously considering a return of Webber to Golden State

The Warriors are "seriously interested" in free-agent big man Chris Webber, a team source confirmed Friday night.
Two team officials confirmed that the Warriors are in discussions with Webber, who played his rookie season with the Warriors in 1993-94. There is some belief the two parties are close to an agreement.

A different source confirmed that Webber and Warriors coach Don Nelson, who separated on bad terms in 1994, have talked in an attempt to put the past behind them.

Warriors executive vice president of basketball operations Chris Mullin has said a big man is on his wish list

A few points

: I think the first view people take of this is this could get ugly fast. Back when Webber was a rookie in 1994 him and Nelson constantly clashed at practice every day. Nelson even made fun of the way he ran obviously harsh when Webber busted his rear end off for Nellie yet didn't get enough credit that Nash, Nowtizki, Baron, Jackson and Hardaway all Nellie coached players got. Nelson has admitted he was harder then he should have been on Webber.

:The tempo that Webber would like obviously isn't here but on the other hand the asset he has is a great passing game something Biedrins or Mbenga didn't or don't have. Eventually in this gut wrenching too close to call Western Conference playoff race teams will find out they can stop Golden State down the stretch of a big game. Webber opens big chunks of the halfcourt game and has a nice looking J. As the 76ers will tell you he can still bring a few 20 and 10 efforts each night.

: When Webber was a King him and Divac were arguably two of the best low post passers you will see in a while. Had it not been for this or that the Kings could have been looking at possibe NBA finals appearances. That Kings team could never win in pressure situations though.

: Webber to the Bullets for Tom Gugliotta and three 1st round picks (to make up for the ones they moved to the Magic along with Penny Hardaway was a horrible trade which started the futlity we took a while to recover from.

:This possibly if the move does happen could be his last season as a NBA player. This is more then likely Nelsons last season as a Coach. So seeing these two to make up for the falling out would be fun.


Here are some links to get you all excited
Believe it or not Nellie and C-Webb talking reunion
So it wasn't just Ribs
Warriors have interest in Webber
This is insanity Warriors and Webber getting close to agreement
Warriors and Nellie look to reunite with C-Webb
Reunited and it feels so good
Chris Webber Don Nelson reunion with Golden State Warriors no joke


Check out 0.33 in this vid Montana would be proud of that pass

Warriors wave DJ Mbenga and interested in the glove?

A piece of old news I should have stuck in the Game summary post but good news arrives in the form of DJ Mbenga being waived to make room for a future NBDL player. As Jenny Hu of the SF Gate reports

Mbenga appeared in 16 games for the Warriors, averaging 1.2 points and 1.9 rebounds in 8.9 minutes per contest

Even though his lack of any offensive skills made the odd fan wonder how he's lasted this long in the NBA his willingness to hustle plus his size made his slightly stand out. From a move stand point I've always wondered why Lasme wasn't considered a better option because his shotblocking skills something we desperately need on Defense . I wish him the best of luck however on whatever team he lands on and hope the next Warrior Killer doesn't suddenly become him.

The SF Gate also reports about an interest in Gary Payton seemingly bringing back the hoops legend from the bay about possibly finishing his career in Oaktown.

The Warriors are looking to improve their team's passing and all-around savvy, and one option is signing Oakland native Gary Payton out of retirement to play for his hometown team.

Though questions surround Payton, 39, who hasn't played since last season, sources say there has been enough mutual interest on both sides to merit recent conservations, and Mullin didn't exactly dismiss the possibility.

"I mean, again, there's a lot of different scenarios we're going to look at, probably more guards than bigs and swings," Mullin said when asked directly about Payton.

Payton's agent, Aaron Goodwin, declined to comment.

Though the negotiations will obviously be delayed because of the CJ Watson 10 day contract it looks like a strong possibility the Glove could finish his career here. A few links to reminisce about the east Bay Baller
Payton or Kidd
Retirement plans
No love
Video doesn't lie
Payton tribute clip

If the glove don't fit don't wear it

Despite the audulation he's received as I said previously the idea of a 39 year old PG trying to run in a system of Nellieball would be hard to digest. I would honestly see what more this CJ kid has to offer rather then take a chance on a 39 year old who hasn't played since Miami's 2006 Championship win. Naturally with Paytons declining ability why not take a shot at a more compeptive price then what Payton wants. Carlos Arroyo, Kenyon Dooling, Jason Williams, and Smush Parker would easily be a better option. Watson has much more upside and is a decade younger. Besides any person that can't beat out Chris Quinn, Jason Williams, or Smush Parker or Daquan Cook for the starting PG spot in Miami probably can't do it in a more uptempo system

Air France to leave Oakland?

Once the clock reaches 2008 Pietrus could be gone. The longest serving Warrior could become tradeable according to Geoff Leper of the Contra Costa Times.

Could Pietrus be jetting off to Miami?

After signing Pietrus to a one-year qualifying offer worth $3.47 million, the Warriors have been prohibited from dealing him for three months -- a limitation that ends Tuesday.

While both sides said they're not actively seeking a divorce, there is no doubt that Pietrus would still like to wind up with a team where he'll get more consistent playing time. And it's equally clear that the Warriors are open to the idea of dealing their longest-tenured player.

"If a trade is offered, I'll go," said Pietrus, who has the right to veto any deal because he would have to relinquish his "Larry Bird rights," potentially costing himself money on the free agent market next summer. "I'll give up my 'Bird rights' for 35 minutes (per game)."

If Pietrus does actually want to be traded the question is where?. No team in their right mind would want to look at a guy who's numbers are way way down from last season. His PPG are down from 11. 1 to 6 and even his Rebounding is down. If GM's wanted to take him at his best value 2006 was the best option because even though he stepped out of bounds more then any normal player would. His request that he plays 35 minutes per game is extremely laughable. In all honesty if he went to Miami even in the struggling state the're in does he honestly think he'll play that much He's a nice 8th 9th option off the bench but thats it. His career has peaked but he is a solid backup who can knock the 3-ball from the corners, hustle for some boards. All in all if the rumours prove true Pietrus could become a member of the Miami Heat.

Links

Miami Herald Warriors and Heat talking about Smush

Contra Costa Pietrus becomes tradeable tommorow You have to register

Golden State of Mind Pietrus Wants to play in Miami

Chicago Tribune Miami are interested in Pietrus

Latest Rumour

The latest rumour coming out of Warrior nation is that the Dubs would be prpared to exchange Patrick O Bryant to Hakeem warrick from the Memphis Grizzlies. According to ESPN Magazine.

To get Andris Biedrins help inside, the Warriors have looked into stealing Hakim Warrick from Memphis for struggling center Patrick O'Bryant. Good luck with that

I still feel to this day Warricks roots should have started in Oakland come the 2005 NBA Draft but the scouts felt Ike Diagou was a better option despite being a bust for both Montgomery and Nelson. I'm all for this trade the amount of options Warrick gives us on D because of his shotblocking talent is numerous. Yes if you google his stats it will show you to date it's only been 0.3 BPG. However in a Fastbreak Offense perhaps there could be more opportunites. He's also apparantly had a fallout with their Headcoach Marc Ivaroni according to this article

BaskDunk

So would Warrick be a good fit for the Dubs?. What do you think

Mullin becoming the new Knicks GM?

Me the new Knicks GM no way

It could be typical New York Tabloids rumour but is there any sort of validity in what the new York post claimed today about Mullin ready to become the Knicks GM as soon as Isiah Thomas leaves.

November 23, 2007 -- Golden State GM Chris Mullin is expected to emerge as a top candidate for the Knicks GM job if Isiah Thomas eventually is fired from his dual role as coach and president, The Post has learned.

Now while this is the same sort of paper that started all the A-Rod rumours but anyway first off even the most diehard Mullin fan cannot deny the ineptness he has displayed as Warriors GM. Bust Picks such as Ike diagou, Chris Taft, Stephane Lasme, Zarko Caparkapa (spelling) would be frowned upon harshly by the New York media never mind Knicks fans. Added to the fact he signed DunMuprhy and Foyle to ridiculous contract extension and say if thid happenned in New York the media would go wild never mind the Knicks fans. The spotlight on this team compared to the bay Area where we're a little more relaxed about our sports means I seriously can't Mullin taking this job.The contrast of pressures would be too much.

And seriously the Knicks themselves wouldn't be interested. Mullin has one year left on his contract and despite Cohan and his tax difficulties i can't imagine the worst owner in Sports suddenly wanting an GM to suddenly bolt away to the big apple. Then again the Knicks owner Jim Dolan isn't the sharpest tool in the box so maybe this rumour does have truth to it.

Check out the Irish Warriors Archive on Chris Mullin both as a GM and player
Irish Warriors Hall of Fame: Chris Mullin
The Mullin era