SB Nation User Blog: Fantasy Junkie

GSOM Night 5: Unveiling the T-shirt

Fantasy Junkie — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 18:49:17 -0000

As you may know, GSOM Night 5 happens on opening night this year against the New Orleans Hornets. I've already given you the basic info and 5 Reasons to Attend, now I'm dropping the t-shirt that Tony.psd designed.

There are still tickets left but to guarantee that you receive a t-shirt, you have to order by October 19. Chris Murphy and the Warriors have made it super easy to order your tickets - just order them online.

I'm pumped for opening night despite my reservations of the team. It'll be my first chance to see Corey Maggette on the court not tearing up the Warriors, Ronny Turiaf annoying the other team's fans, Stephen Jackson in his new role, and all the young guys step up their game in the absence of Monta and Baron. There's really no night like Opening Night. Hopefully the Warriors organization blows it out and does something great for the fans.

Order your tickets today to guarantee you'll get the t-shirt above.

As always, since me and the rest of the crew will be handing out the t-shirts, I'm looking forward to meeting as many of you at opening night as I can.

Warriors vs Bucks in China

Fantasy Junkie — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 04:18:14 -0000

Update by Fantasy Junkie: I am an idiot. Yi was traded to the Nets this offseason and yet I still think he's on the Bucks. Oh well. I'll leave it up. Just pretend that it's Richard Jefferson in the photo and it's a homecoming for him because he's really Chinese. I guess it's still the preseason for my preview skills.

Warriors (W-L): 2-1
Bucks (W-L): 0-4
Time: 5:00am PST
TV: ESPN Classic, ESPN 360 webcast
Radio: None

The Warriors kick off their two game road trip to Guangzhou, China to face the Milwaukee Bucks. Hopefully players from both teams take advantage of this trip and take some time to learn about a different culture. Given the time constraints though, it'll be hard to take in a whole lot. At the very least, Monta should learn how to ride a moped from the people in Guangzhou.

Anyways, It's a homecoming for the Bucks' Yi Jianlian. He should be excited to once again be playing in front of his home crowd. I wonder how many people are wearing his Nike Hyperdunks.

If you want to watch the game, you'll have to get up early. Game starts at 5am and will be broadcast on ESPN 360 webcast. For those who prefer to not watch the game, enjoy those ZZZZZ's.

Predictions

Warriors win by 16
Yi Jianlian wishes Mullin and Nelson traded up to get him instead of BWright. Yi makes Mullin and Nelson wish they had too.
Bucks regret hiring Scott Skiles.

Warriors vs Sonics: We Want Our Mascot Back

Fantasy Junkie — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 03:38:24 -0000

Warriors (W-L): 1-1
Sonics (W-L): 1-1
Time: 7:30pm PST
TV: None
Radio: KTCT 1050

The Warriors first home game this year comes against the mighty Seattle Supersonics. Even though it's just a preseason game I'm sure fans at the arena will be excited to see how the new guys, the young guys, and the old guy look. But many fans will be angry as 12 guys with Thunder on their jerseys trot out yet none of them will be doing flips, throwing out free t-shirts or walking on their hands the length of the court. Something is wrong with that. Like someone said in the comments awhile back, we should take the Sonics mascot now that ours has been stolen. It's not like Seattle needs him. Well at least lets borrow him for this game. Or maybe Thunder will make a guest appearance and show the Thunder how to be Thunder and bring the thunder.

Predictions

Warriors win by 12
Jax and Maggette combine for a whopping 35 minutes
Anthony Randolph plays well except for his 3 turnovers
The 3 headed PG of Dickau, Williams, and Watson remains a mystery

Brandan Wright is Behind Anthony Randolph on the Depth Chart

Fantasy Junkie — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 20:06:15 -0000

Wright Fighting to Stand Out in Second Season
Marcus Thompson II, Mercury News

Based on how training camp has gone, doing so will require an ongoing effort. Wright is competing with rookie Anthony Randolph for minutes in the backup power forward spot. Though Warriors coach Don Nelson still deemed it an "interesting competition," he said Tuesday that Wright is behind in the race.

"It hasn't been close," Nelson said. "Brandan's got a bad toe right now, and that's held him back. But it hasn't been close so far."

Don Nelson Says Anthony Randolph is Ahead of Brandan Wright in the Warriors Rotation
Matt Steinmetz, Golden State Warriors Examiner

It hasn't been a stellar training camp for Warriors forward Brandan Wright, and it didn't get any better for him on Tuesday.

One look out onto the court at the Warriors' practice facility and it was clear: Rookie Anthony Randolph was scrimmaging with the first unit and Wright, now in his second season, was playing with the second team.

Not good. For Wright, that is.

Hopefully Wright's performance yesterday against the Blazers is a sign of things to come. He's had a full year in the system plus an entire offseason to prepare himself for serious playing time on a team that needs athletic big men. This will be his big chance to show he can play in this league and put up numbers on a consistent basis. Last year, in his spotty PT, sometimes he looked like he'd be a nice piece in the youth movement, other times he looked like a bust. This year he needs to bring it consistently or Nellie will bench him because there's this other guy, the new hype, Anthony Randolph. When he steps on the court expect Warriors fans to have the same sort of excitement and anticipation as they did last year when Brandan stepped on the court. When Brandan steps on the court, he's old news, and the buzz of being the rookie is gone. This year, he'll have to create that buzz with his play.

Randolph is vying for the same minutes as Wright. This should be good for both of them. Each guy pushes the other to get better. Randolph has gotten all the buzz this offseason as the better of the two with his performances in the summer leagues. Perhaps when Nellie said he'd be playing the young guys more, he was referring more to Randolph.

Thoughts?

Player Recaps and Predictions: Monta Ellis

Fantasy Junkie — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 05:50:47 -0000

Before we roll into the upcoming regular season, let's take a look back at this current roster with a recap of their previous season (except for the rookies) and a prediction of what's coming up. We'll do this alphabetically starting with Azubuike and ending with Wright.

6 years, $66 million, 1 stupid decision, 1 big lie, 1 more season down the drain.

I'm still mad at Monta so I'm not going to let up on Monta as a liar, Monta as Pinocchio and Nellie as Geppetto? He should be punished not only for lying, but for doing something that was illegal in his contract. If the Warriors don't make the playoffs this year, one big reason will be that moped.

Before he even had a chance to step on the court to show that he could be The Man, Monta reminded us all that he's still not ready to be the #1 guy, he's still way too immature and needs to grow up.

Hit the jump for the recap and prediction. Leave your thoughts, grades, and predictions in the comments.

2007-2008 Season Recap
Grade: A-

He had a great year, no doubt about it. He broke out. He went from sitting on the bench behind Kelenna Azubuike at the start of the season to playing 40+ minutes a night and being virtually unguardable. He conjured up all kinds of nicknames, Mississippi Bullet, Montazing, and my favorite, One Man Fast Break. Check out the February stat lines: 40mpg, 26ppg, 4.7 rpg, 4.8 apg, 1.3 spg, and get this 60% FG. All in all, he finished the year averaging a shade over 20 point per game on 53% shooting from the field and 77% free throw shooting.

Early on, he was able to score because defenses were not paying attention to him as much as they should have. They concentrated their efforts on stopping Baron Davis. Monta certainly took advantage. Then defenses realized how dangerous Monta was and shifted to give help towards that side. It really didn't matter, Monta always hurt them.

The reason I can't give him a A is his defense. Nobody would ever confuse Monta with being a good defender. There were no guards in the league that had any hesitation going right at him. And it's really going to be a problem in the future unless he learns how to move his feet quicker. He's such a small guard that unless he really does learn how to play point the Warriors will have to pair him with a taller, bulkier guard to make up for his deficiencies. I'm really not sure why he doesn't play man to man defense better, he's got some of the quickest feet in the league. Move them, young man. Slide!

2008-2009 Prediction
Monta Ellis will not be the Monta Ellis that we expect him to be. I don't think he gets to 100% until March of this season or perhaps next season. It's tough to recover 100% from major surgery in under a year. There have been plenty of players who take a year to fully recover from major surgery. Unless Monta is the quick healer that people think he is, don't expect Monta to play at Monta speed. As much as it pains me to say it, I think he'll be half a step slower due to the injury.

Maybe the lack of speed will help him develop his game. He won't be able to rely on blowing by guys to get his shot off. He'll have to learn more ball fakes, use screens more effectively, and learn those veteran savvy moves. Those moves that usually take years of experience to get to know. It's the subtleties of the jab step, pump fake, step back, and hesitation that he'll probably need to learn. If he's half a step slower, it'll be much harder to get off that pretty layup or that smooth mid-range jumper. He's grown every year he's been in the league, this might be the year he has to learn it's not all about his speed. If he does, it'll prolong his career.

In addition to learning how to still score without the ridiculous speed he has, he's also got the added responsibility of playing the point - something he's never done before. Nellie had him bring the ball up occasionally but there were never prolonged stretches where Monta played the point and the Warriors played well. Many times when Baron was off the floor, the offense stumbled and things just looked completely disorganized. Thus the reason Baron was playing 40+ minutes on a set of bad knees and a bad back. There's simply no way Nellie plays Baron all those minutes if he had a suitable backup option at point. Monta was not that answer last year. I really don't think he'll ever be that option in his career. He's not that kind of player. His game is getting to the hoop, hitting a jumper, but not setting people up. The assists he gets are on drives and when people converge on him he dumps the ball off. That does qualify him to run an offense. He's certainly got all the tools capable to be a point guard, but given his lack of experience at the position and style of play, I just don't see him even being a top point guard to initiate an offense.

Look, I'm extremely happy the Warriors have a talent like Monta, I'm just worried that we have an undersized 2 guard trying to play point. I now question whether he can make smart decisions on the court as a full time point and off the court as a young kid with tons of money. For better or worse, he is the face of the franchise.

Maybe I'm overly critical, but in order for him to now live up to the expectations and the money he's getting paid, he's going to have to step up his game as the full time point, be a leader on and off the court, and rehab his ass off and get back before the new year. He's no longer that 2nd round bargain getting paid under a $1 million. He's the face of the franchise and if we don't go deep into the playoffs during the next 6 years, it'll have been a huge waste of money.

Poll

Before his contract runs out, how many All-Star appearances will Monta see? Consider that 5 guards are usually chosen and who Monta will have to beat out for that spot.

Warriors on the Web, Oct 4-5, 2008

Fantasy Junkie — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 18:01:19 -0000

It's Clear Team President Robert Rowell is Making Some of Warriors' Basketball Decisions
Matt Steinmetz, Golden State Warriors Examiner

Some may try to soft-pedal the importance of Rowell vetoing a three-year, $39 million extension for Baron Davis this offseason, _ leading to Davis’ opt out _ but it is significant.

What it means is that Rowell is no longer just assessing the monetary aspect of deals and instructing accordingly. He’s assessing the player aspect of deals and instructing accordingly.

Confident Warriors' Rookie Randolph is Turning Heads
Marcus Thompson II, Mercury News

"I want to be one of the best to ever play the game," he said with the straightest face and the most matter-of-fact tone he could manage.

"I love the rookie," said Warriors forward Al Harrington, who can often be seen working with Randolph after practice. "He's got a lot of heart. He's got attitude, which is great. "... He's going to be a great player. He's just got to stick to it. The thing I like about him is he's got a chip on his shoulder."

Longshot Nelson Tries to Defend His Way onto Nellie's Team
Janny Hu, SF Chronicle

A certain tranquility exists when DeMarcus Nelson talks about his evolution as a basketball player. The former Bay Area prep standout, staring at an empty practice court and seated in a chair vacated moments ago by Warriors coach Don Nelson, feels he has come full circle.

"This is where it started for me," DeMarcus Nelson said. "This has always been the organization and the team I've wanted to play for. To be given the opportunity to help this team win in any way I can is a blessing."

Biedrins, Turiaf Happy to Share
Marcus Thompson II, Contra Costa Times

Biedrins, the incumbent starting center, and Turiaf, whom the Warriors signed away from the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason, will share the minutes at center. But these two aren't battling. The Warriors can use both of their respective attributes, but it would be a stretch to call it a competition between them. Though Biedrins is Latvian and Turiaf is French, perhaps the best way to describe these two is as brothers.

"I'm really happy that Ronny is here," Biedrins said, "because he always plays with so much energy and is so active always when he's on the court. He's a really great help down there."

Turiaf said: "For me, (competition) kind of has some kind of negative connotations to it. I feel like we're definitely trying to improve each other's level. By doing that, it's going to allow us to raise our level of play and be better for the basketball club."

Warriors Rookie Kurz Has Caught Nelson's Eye
Curtis Pashelka, Bay Area News Group

As a training camp invitee, rookie Rob Kurz is a long shot to make the Warriors' 15-man roster before the regular season begins early next month. But with the way the first week of training camp has gone, Coach Don Nelson hasn't completely ruled it out.

Nelson said Saturday that Kurz, an undrafted forward out of Notre Dame, has been the Warriors' best rookie since camp opened last Saturday.

Warriors on the Web (10/03/08)

Fantasy Junkie — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 05:13:44 -0000

Gotta love these interviews the Warriors put up on YouTube. It's like being part of the media without having to be in Oakland.

A New Day, A New Nelson Answer
Adam Lauridsen, Fast Break

Only a few months away from Nelson’s mind games, yet we’re so easily sucked back in. With a week of training camp in the books, Nelson has suggested that half the roster might have a shot at the starting point guard spot, given every conflicting signal possible on his intentions for the youngsters, and managed to find new and creative ways not to answer the lingering questions about Monta Ellis. The first exhibition game on Sunday should give us a much-needed dose of reality. Until then, a few facts to kick around:

Plenty of more articles after the jump

Warriors Previews

Hollinger's Team Forecast: Golden State Warriors
John Hollinger, ESPN

Before Ellis mangled his leg, I was very much on the Warriors' bandwagon and thought they might win 50 games. Effectively trading Davis for Maggette is much less of a drop-off than people might think, while a potential breakout by Wright -- who played extremely well in his few chances last year -- could offer a big upgrade at the power forward spot.

Throw in the type of year-to-year improvement one might expect from such a young roster -- only three players are older than 25 -- and the fact that you should never, ever bet against Don Nelson when he's an underdog, and it seemed possible the Warriors could match or exceed their record of a year earlier even without Davis.

Warriors Team Report

With Baron Davis gone, Monta Ellis out as long as two months, the Warriors unable to transfer into the Eastern Conference and Don Nelson in the final year of his contract, there’s really just one question left unanswered about Golden State’s 2008-09 season: Who will be the team’s coach in 2009-10?

The early favorite is current Nelson assistant Keith Smart. In fact, he’s such an obvious choice, you have to wonder: Why haven’t the Warriors made it official yet?

The Rook: Anthony Randolph Shining Bright

Confident Randolph Giving Warriors a Good First Impression
Janny Hu, SF Chronicle

As Stephen Jackson caught his breath during 1-on-1 drills this week, Anthony Randolph showed off the benefits of youth. Left alone in the open court, Randolph threw a pass to himself off the backboard and finished with a two-handed dunk.

So what if it was just conditioning work. Randolph was still going to get his.

"He's definitely raw, but I like his attitude," Jackson said. "He doesn't back down. He feels like he's an All-Star right now, not in a cocky sense, but he's confident."

Not since Monta Ellis has there been a Warriors' rookie who exudes such swagger. As one team official put it, Randolph steps onto the court acting as if he not only belongs in the NBA, but is the best player out there.

Randolph's Got a Little Something to His Game
Matt Steinmetz, Golden State Warriors Examiner

I don’t know how good Anthony Randolph is going to be, but he sure has a chance. It’s obvious watching him on the court that he’s different from all the other players.

He’s got a first-rate skill level and a presence that suggests anything but first-year.

More PG News and Analysis

Our Starting PG is...
Marcus Thompson II, Inside the Warriors

C.J. Watson!
You know I like C.J’s game. But if he is the starting PG, the Warriors are done. Nonetheless, Nellie said it’s his job to lose at this point. Watson has the advantage of knowing the offense and being quicker than Williams. Of course, we’ve heard Nellie’s early prognostications before. Remember Belinelli was looking like the starting off guard two summers ago?

Warriors Notes: Jackson Could Move to Point Guard

"He'll have to play a little differently than a normal point guard, but I think he can do it," Nelson said of Jackson, who already handles the ball regularly.

"Jack's confident about everything in life, so that's not a problem. It's up to me to judge physically if he can do it on the floor and if it's a positive for our team."

Warriors New Big Man Turiaf is All Heart
Mark Emmons, Mercury News

The original, which cardiovascular specialist Dr. Craig Miller at Stanford Medical Center implanted to repair an enlarged aortic root three years ago, did more than save Turiaf's basketball career.

It probably saved his life.

There is irony, of course, that a man who shows so much heart on the basketball court was in danger of having his real one fail. Turiaf, 25, is a player of relentless hustle and passion whose importance to a team cannot be measured by statistics alone. And if the Warriors are to overcome the absence of Monta Ellis for at least the first part of the season, Turiaf will need to make a big contribution.

Refs Report Only Donaghy Committed Crimes
Brian Mahoney, AP

"We will be up there with the very best. No one will have a better system than we do," Stern said on a conference call. "But all of that said, to the idea that, you know, criminal activity will exist every place else in the world except in sports is just something that we can't guarantee. But we're going to have the most effective possible system that's ever been devised."

Last but not least, had to give a shameless plug to the Matt Steinmetz ranking of Warrior blogs. Guess who was #1? Us. GSOM. Just as Ball Don't Lie did a few days ago, they ranked us #1. Couldn't have done it without all of you and those who read the site and helped us out from the beginning. It's been fun.

The 10 Best Golden State Warriors Blogs and Websites 1-5, 6-10
Matt Steinmetz, Golden State Warriors Examiner

Probably the most known of the Warriors’ blogs, Golden State of Mind is now part of SB Nation, which appears to be part of a larger blog conglomerate. We’re not sure if that corrupts the true definition of "blog," but we don’t really care.

And, of course, sites that link to my stuff here at Examiner.com have a subtle edge on this list.

But that edge is nullified when a site hasn’t changed the link from a now-defunct "reporter’s notebook" site to the current one at this URL.

In 2007-08, GSOM was the "go-to guy of Warriors blogs." We'll see how it handles the pressure of that label this season.

Player comparison: Kevin Garnett

And I just changed that link Matt.

Warriors Fire Thunder

Fantasy Junkie — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 04:38:46 -0000

Perhaps this really is the end of the We Believe era

Warriors Give Thunder His Walking Papers
Ray Ratto, SF Chronicle

The Warriors learned that, because of the staggering lack of originality displayed by the Oklahoma City franchise (formerly Seattle), they no longer can bring us the mute acrobatic stylings of Thunder. He's had to be let go, and on behalf of the entire sentient planet, let us offer our heartiest congratulations to the Warriors on this, the day of their deliverance from their least inspired moment since the Wilt Chamberlain trade.

Warriors Contemplate Mascot Switch
Janie McCauley, AP Sports Writer

Thunder has been part of this franchise for some 12 years and his likeness is featured on the team's primary logo, though the team doesn't use that image much anymore.

Warriors team president Robert Rowell is willing to make the switch for the benefit of the other Thunder, formerly the Seattle SuperSonics. When the timing's right, that is.

...

He just might have one — leave Thunder in China during the team's upcoming trip to Asia.

"He might get lost in the crowd over in China," Rowell said. "There are 1.3 billion people there."

I guess he'll have to go back to his previous job, kindergarten teacher.

So long Thunder. You never said anything to me, but you seemed like a cool mascot. Of all the mascots I've met, you're definitely the coolest.

We'll need a new mascot. Hardcore had started a fan post awhile ago on it, "Nominations for New GSW Mascot"

Can we get a real warrior now?

OPEN THREAD: VP Debate - Biden vs Palin

Fantasy Junkie — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 00:17:09 -0000

Debate begins at 6p

I know this is a Warriors blog but I also know a ton of us will be tuning into the debate tonight. Judging by the two Fan Posts that got tons of comments (the latest being GSOM Political Thread II), I thought you might like a place to discuss amongst each other and leave any comments about the debate. Many people are saying this is one of the most important elections ever, so I'm sure the community has an interest in it given that we're more than just Warrior fans. We are a community and we can discuss important topics in an open forum.

I'm just trying this out as a place for people in this community to be able to discuss the debate and the issues. If it's just a bad idea, let me know and we'll continue to let the fan posts keep it alive.

Just as in any open thread for a Warrior game, leave your thoughts in the comments. Follow the GSOM rules - keep it clean, no attacks on each other, and keep it unstoppable, baby!

Poll

Open threads on debates. Good idea? Bad idea?

Warriors on the Web

Fantasy Junkie — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 07:13:55 -0000

[FJ Updated: 1:30] Added in the interviews from after practice. After the jump.

Your Newest Warrior

Point Guard Challenged Warriors Bring in Dickau
Matt Steinetz, Golden State Warriors Examiner

If you’re looking for a sign the Warriors’ point guard position is anything but settled, proof was walking around the practice facility with a ball under his arm on Wednesday.

Dan Dickau was in the house.

Dickau has played for six NBA teams and was just released on Monday by Air Avellino, an Italian team that plays in the Euroleague.

More Warriors articles after the jump...

Fewer Pounds, More Minutes
Janny Hu, San Francisco Chronicle

"It was a challenge," Harrington said. "It's something I don't want to have to go through this year. I just want to be on the court and play more consistent minutes, and I think I did everything I was supposed to (do) to make sure that happens."

Harrington, whose unhappiness has led to plenty of trade speculation over the past year, said summer talks with vice president Chris Mullin have renewed his optimism for being an effective and key player for the Warriors this season.

It's Watson at Point Guard...For Now
Marcus Thompson II, Contra Costa Times

If the season started today, Warriors coach Don Nelson said it would be C.J. Watson — not Marcus Williams — facing off against New Orleans Hornets All-Star point guard Chris Paul.

"It's C.J.'s job right now to lose," Nelson said after Wednesday's practice. "From what I've seen in this camp so far, he's done the best job. I see all three of the point guards playing this year."

That third point guard Nelson is referring to is not Monta Ellis, who is out until at least December after left ankle surgery, but Dan Dickau. The Warriors signed the journeyman point guard to a contract on Wednesday.

Warriors to Meet with Ellis' Representatives
AP via ESPN

The Golden State Warriors plan to meet with the representative for point guard Monta Ellis next week to discuss any potential disciplinary action or fine because of his mo-ped-related ankle injury.

...

Will he be fined?

"I can't tell you," Rowell said.

To give themselves some insurance in the backcourt, Golden State signed Dan Dickau on Wednesday and coach Don Nelson plans to carry three point guards on his roster -- at least until Ellis returns to take one of those roster places.

"Once he gets off his scooter," Nelson said half-jokingly of Ellis after practice Wednesday. "Funny thing is, he's probably faster than any of the other point guards I have out here on his scooter. ... It's good to have [Dickau] in camp. I'm going to keep three point guards. Veteran point guards are hard to find."

Mullin May Not Be Long for the Warriors

Let me set the scene for you: The Warriors lost half their team and staked their future on a guy who hurt himself on a scooter. On media day, Stephen Jackson -- arguably that team's second-most important player -- said he's discussed an extension with the team president Robert Rowell and "them."

You'd assume that "them" would've included Chris Mullin, the general manager. But after Mullin refused comment, Jackson said that the GM hadn't been around.

Interviews