SB Nation User Blog: RonG

Great article on the speed of the game

RonG — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 16:11:28 -0000

Check out this article from MSNBC: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19026497/

Some points I found really interesting:

The league is encouraging a faster game for entertainment reasons.

A controlling coach could be the main reason we get a snooze-fest finals this year.

Highlight reels are inspiring kids to work on the dunks and threes instead of the low post game.

Too bad Nellie didn't get more credit in this article for being one of the innovative coaches to lead this movement.

Trade Baron?

RonG — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 16:48:40 -0000

I was listening to KNBR in the car last night and one of the hosts was asked if he thought we should trade BD.

He had an interesting point, which was that even though Baron has played really well this year, we shouldn't be paying him $16 million to go out and play for around 48 games. Unfortunately and through no fault of his own, partial seasons have been the story his whole career.

Since no player ever comes back for less money, the only way to deal with the situation is to package him up and trade him in the offseason.

Does anybody think Baron will play a full season next year? I've lost faith myself.

Is Monta ready for the starting job? At 17 points and 1.6 steals a night, I think so. Yeah, the turnovers are a problem and the assists are low. He has a ways to go, but a trial by fire will make him grow quicker.

What kind of a player could we get for Baron? I'm thinking on the level of Gasol or Garnett, if the other team is desperate and we can package him with a little youthful talent, such as Pietrus.

I want to know what the Warriors faithful think about this. I've heard a lot of complaints about the thought of trading JRich, for many emotional (not rational?) reasons like him being the "heart" of this team or because he's a nice guy. Do we feel the same about Baron?

Love the bench!

RonG — Sat, 10 Feb 2007 17:05:57 -0000

Where would last night have gone if the bench wasn't cleared for that rally? I was surprised Nellie let a dog tired Harrington back in, the way he was clanking shots! I was terrified we would lose when the bench squad was replaced with the one that gave up that pathetic third.

While the commentators are quick to say that the balance of the Indy trade rests on the potential of Diogu, nobody has said a peep about Powell. Guess what? He very well could end up better than Ike. He has a great offensive touch, looks as cool as ice out there, and hustles every play. His defensive skills need a bit of work, but I have no doubt we'll be talking about him a lot next year.

I'm also becoming a fan of Azubuike. He plays with hustle but doesn't get reckless. Clearly he has some basketball skills AND smarts. Of course he's no Baron, Monta, or JRich, but he plays refreshingly consistant.

I'm excited about the way the team is coming along. This might end up being a rebuilding year (not a playoff year), but I really like the way the organization is putting this team together.

Fantasy pick and a Peanut

RonG — Sun, 28 Jan 2007 18:13:22 -0000

Wow, and I thought the Charmin Brothers (Dun and Murph) had some funny hair!

(This text is to meet the minimum requirement of words. Don't you know a picture is worth 1000?)

JRich Trade? Not likely.

RonG — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 17:47:50 -0000

In an interview with Tim Kawakami, Chris Mullin emphatically stated that he will not trade Jason Richardson.

My question: A week ago you gave a rejuvenating jolt to the franchise by trading Mike Dunleavy and Troy Murphy to Indiana; could Richardson, another of your old favorites, be next out the door?

"Jason?" Mullin said, bolting up in his seat. "No. I've seen Jason enough to say, `No.'"

No, as in: Richardson's not going anywhere. Right, Chris? Anybody asks about him, you say . . .

"No," Mullin said.

Yeah, but we need another big man, right? And JRich is a sure ticket to a quality player!

Mullin doesn't deny that the Warriors could use another big man. He won't rule out making any move that could bring the playoffs into view.

But he said that Richardson is "absolutely'' on another level than Dunleavy and Murphy. Even though Richardson (due back from his broken hand in a few weeks) hasn't been healthy enough to show much to Nelson yet, Mullin said Richardson has proved his worth.

"Nellie's waiting for him with open arms,'' Mullin said.

Maybe this was just post-trade languor. Maybe Mullin will change his mind if Richardson is the price he has to pay to land a key big man. But it doesn't sound like it.

"We're more athletic, longer, just tougher physically,'' Mullin said. "I think we can match up one-on-one more, offensively and defensively. I think we've seen that. It's been apparent.

Another valid argument, brought up by Al Harringturtle, is that what would we do with a big man? Most beast-like shot blockers are not known for speed.

... Harrington said that he doesn't see the need for more major retooling. You couldn't use one more player, Al?

"I really don't think so,'' Harrington said. "Maybe a `big,' a shot-blocking `big.' But I don't know if he could help us because of the way that we run. For the style that we play, I think this is a great team.

"I like the team we've got right now. I'd rather keep the team just how it is.''

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/basketball/nba/golden_state_warriors/16549900.htm

(By the way, the instructions on creating a quote are messed up and I forgot how it was done before. It shows the final result instead of the code necessary.)

The Nazr Rumors won't die

RonG — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 17:52:58 -0000

It looks like the Warriors front office is indeed talking about getting another big man.

This from the CC Times today:

... Detroit has inquired about Warriors combo guard Monta Ellis, recently acquired point guard Sarunas Jasikevicius, swingman Mickael Pietrus and forward Matt Barnes.

...

The Warriors need inside help now that forwards Troy Murphy and Ike Diogu play for Indiana. Adonal Foyle is the only true big man remaining behind starting center Andris Biedrins.

However, the Warriors might not be willing to absorb Mohammed's contract, which has four years and $25 million remaining after this season, or part with one of their perimeter players just yet. Warriors executive vice president of basketball operations Chris Mullin said Wednesday he wants to use the month or so remaining before the Feb. 22 trade deadline to evaluate his new roster.

It sounds like Mohammed is a dissapointment to the Pistons, can't play small-ball, but he has been known to step up in the clutch. Above all other causes for concern in Warrior-land, he has a heavy contract.

I can't believe that the Warriors would even consider giving up Ellis for this guy. Must be wishful thinking on the part of Detroit.

Poll

What should the Warriors do?

Sell the farm! We want Nazr at any cost!

1 votes

Make the trade, but don't give up Pietrus, Barnes, and/or Ellis.

2 votes

Try and get somebody like him, but without the huge contract.

16 votes

Try to get a faster, long center to back up Beidrins (such as AK47).

10 votes

Don't do anything, use Foyle in the role this guy is supposed to play.

14 votes

43 votes | Poll has closed

Thanks and So Long, POB

RonG — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 00:34:35 -0000

Poor Patrick O'Bryant. Used and thrown away like a tissue. Yep, they are sending him back to the Jam.

http://oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3417445

I guess we should have seen it coming, but you have to feel for the guy. If there is one place worse than Indiana, it's Bakersfield.

With Foyle and POB both appearing as dissapointments to Don Nelson, could the next hole to fill be a back-up center? I'm sure we still need to see how the new guys effect the game over the next few weeks (before Feb 22), but I'm guessing it is being talked about.

Poll

What do you think about POB?

He needs time, but he will eventually be incredible.

10 votes

He is a good center, but not a fit for Nellie-ball.

4 votes

He's a bust.

14 votes

28 votes | Poll has closed

Take the Poll

RonG — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 22:48:42 -0000

All kidding aside, I'll be anxious to see how the team chemistry is after this trade. In my eyes, Mullin has salvaged his GM career with this move. We may be getting supposedly mediocre talent, but at least we have hope again. And cap space!

I have a feeling a low-post presence will take us to the next level. If Al takes it there, our future looks bright!

Poll

What happens now?

Fearing the fists of Indy, booing the home team in the Oracle just became a distant memory.

12 votes

Remember the flowing manes of gold? Get the clippers out, mohawks are where it's at!

6 votes

Stephen Jackson comes to fight for a starting spot with both guns blazing.

6 votes

Beidrins and Ellis get HUGE contracts, only to put up mediocre bench-like numbers the following years.

2 votes

Ike Diogu, now unchained from the dog house, puts up MVP stats and gets his own shoe line in three years.

12 votes

38 votes | Poll has closed

Snoozefest/shootout on TNT

RonG — Fri, 22 Dec 2006 17:42:23 -0000

Did anybody catch the really dull game between Detroit and Cleveland? And this from the cream of the East! Some of the worst shooting and most unimaginative strategy I've ever seen.

The Sacramento and DC game was like watching Terminator after sleeping through On Golden Pond.

And does Washington even practice playing defense? Talk about blown assignments...on every play! I guess if you can put up 44 points in a quarter you don't care. If they tried just a little on D they might be a contender.

The good, bad, and ugly of last night

RonG — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 17:17:44 -0000

Yes, it was not a pretty sight or what we fans deserved. However, there were some bright spots.

Clearly, free throws are too obvious as "the ugly," so lets move on to the bad. While inspiring, JRich was clearly not ready for the minutes he played. He looked fatigued in the first quarter. It is also pretty clear that Dun Dun is not yet the commander Nellie envisioned. TMurph looked mortified that he actually had to work for his double-double. Ike was a liability on defense. He was too slow to adjust and, in my opinion, is a big part of why the Lakers had a stellar scoring night in the second half. Our lack of an outside shooter made it too easy for LA to control the pace and make people pay for trying to score.

However, I liked a lot of what I saw. Baron was dominant and clearly in charge on the floor. If Murphy continues to look awkward and outgunned, don't be surprised if Biedrins takes the starting spot at center. (I've admired his energy and rate of improvement from day one.) Obviously, Monta is a great boost on offense and very well could be the future face of our team. Pietrus brought the D and energy. His shot selection needs to improve before his starting role is cemented, but that is easy enough to fix (I hope). Counter to the popular perception, I think we have the potential to be a good defensive team if people can play with inspiration. Really, our shortcomings on D appear mental. On Tuesday, Chicago proved a zone/help system can shut down opponents, if done correctly.

The scoring and free throws will get better with time, we know that. Roberson's opening night jitters and JRich's lack of conditioning are certain to disappear in a few weeks. POB should have a chance to help out too. From what I've seen and read, he has the fundamentals to become a good, if not great, center.

So what will it take to bring our game to a winning level?
A) Play defense with dedication, intensity, and quickness (the same as the offense).
B) Somebody please get an outside shot going!?
C) Guys on the inside need to be alert for the pass and MAKE THE EASY SHOTS.
D) Murphy and Dunleavy need to earn their money.

Oh, one more thing; give at least five or six games before tolling the bells of doom and gloom. C'mon guys! You call yourselves fans?