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Golden State Warriors: Moving Monta Ellis for a bigger player

Concerns that Ellis and Stephen Curry could not share the basketball have proven unfounded. With Curry serving more as a traditional point guard but Ellis sharing ballhandling duties, the Warriors have been solid offensively the last two seasons.

So why should Golden State break up the duo? Because the backcourt can't stop anyone, and Ellis' stature is a big reason why. Ideally, Ellis would be paired with a bigger guard who could take on some of the more difficult defensive assignments. Instead, playing with Curry forces Ellis to be the team's defensive stopper at guard, a task to which he is not equal.

Given their options on offense, the Warriors have the opportunity to deal Ellis for a more traditional shooting guard with a more balanced game to complement Curry. A better rebounder at the position could also help the league's worst team on the defensive glass. Finding a partner that values Ellis' scoring punch may be difficult, but it's the most likely way for Golden State to take the next step and contend for the playoffs.

Golden State has hired Darren Erman as an assistant coach, league sources say. He spent four years on Doc Rivers' staff in Boston.

Alright so whats the scoop on Erman??

Hmm not the best news. I hope he can contribute more off the bench this coming season

edit: I suppose I devalued Amundson just a tad. We didnt get to see much of him with his injury to start the season. For 2.4mil he probably is a valuable player off the bench. Bring that energy off the bench!

Denver Nuggets' Nene to opt out of contract, become an unrestricted free agent

Amundson do not take your player option so we have a better chance of signing Nene!

8. Stephen Curry, Warriors
Drafted in June 2009; 7th overall pick

Guess how many point guards in the NBA have a true shooting percentage of 59 or better, have a rebound rate better than 10 and show an assist rate of 23 or better? Steve Nash is a given, and Chris Paul qualifies if we round up his 58.6 TS%. Besides those two superstars, the only other lead guard to meet those standards is Curry. That's it. Pretty special company.

The scariest part is that I see Curry improving a lot in the next few seasons -- he's just been an average passer this season, and he's a bit turnover-prone. Still, his ability as a shooter is special. He's a contender for "best shooter under 25" in the NBA.

(1) Dorell Wright, SF, Golden State Warriors

Many expected Wright to cool off or hit a wall after his hot start to the season. But the 25-year-old has only gotten better as the season has progressed. His true shooting percentage swelled from 50 percent in November to 53 percent in December and a scorching 61 percent in January, according to Hoopdata.com. His 16.6 points per game this season more than doubles his 7.1 mark from 2009-10, and he's been the Warriors' third-leading scorer, ahead of David Lee, the team's headline signing of the offseason.

No one in the NBA has nailed more 3-pointers than Wright this season, which is a remarkable achievement considering he tallied just 12 made 3s during his first five seasons in the NBA. But he's not just a deadly 3-point shooter. He's an able defender, can put the ball on the floor in isolation situations and uses his athleticism to finish at the rim at a high rate (67.6 percent, according to Hoopdata).

Like Nick Young, Wright needed a little time to blossom as a scorer, and he's making the most of his big chance with Golden State. He'll receive plenty of votes for Most Improved Player and deservedly so.