Is he the real reason why our team has crumbled?

I don't get why everyone is so high on he's about to be the winningest coach in history. I mean does it make sense to put a coach among the greatest, especially one who hasn't won a championship or made it out of the conference semifinals once? Now I'm not saying he isnt a great coach cause' the fact is that he is one of the better coaches in the NBA, but only on the offensive side of the game. He's the best at creating offensive mismatches against teams with great defensive players, but has often left the defensive facet of his players go astray. I don't know if you WATCH when the Warriors play defense, but they don't. They get themselves into one-on-one situations in which the opposing team's coach can use Nellie's own mismatches against him.

Any one want some "Bellie"?

Alright all things aside, let's talk about "smallball".

Its fun and exciting and makes you buying a ticket to a game worth it and that is specifically where it ends.

You don't pay to see winning or team defense or any of the quality parts that don't include facial dunks or open court passing. It's all flash and no finish. In fact it's what makes being a season ticket holder a waste. You become a season ticket holder to watch your team win, to watch them contend. Sadly, we can no longer do either.

I gotta admit I LOVE smallball, but when you step back and take a look at the bigger picture it's caused us to decline asa team every single year since our "we believe" playoff run. Everyone's caught on to Nellie's gameplan and though we may have a team with faster 4's and 5's that can handle the ball, we simply don't have defenders. You know your team sucks on defense when Jax is your best defender, he's like a 3rd option on a championship team.

"Guys look! I'm always praying I don't have to defend Kobe"

Anyways, I was bored at work writing this.

Here's a poll for fun!

Poll

Do you still pertain to Nellie's smallball tactics?

29%

Yes

20 votes

70%

No

47 votes

67 votes | Poll has closed

I KNOW people have been making plenty of comments/posts on trades. I thought another one wouldn't hurt since it is the off-season and much can happen.

 

One of the trades I would LOVE to see happen(however unlikely it may be), is a trade for Detriot's Tayshaun Prince.

Through ESPN's Trade Machine, I've concocted a positive outcome for both teams however it may come across on the trade machine's +/- wins column. I'll show you why.

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=m2adhh

Going to the Pistons are the contracts of Wright (1 year, $2.1 mil.), Maggette (4 years, $8.9 mil), Belinelli (1 year, $1.5 mil), and Turiaf (2 years,$4.1 mil). Opposite coming here would be the concracts of Prince (2 years, $10.3 mil.) and Brown (1 year, $ 4 mil.) .

Next will be the pros and cons for both teams regarding the trades.

WARRIORS-

Pros: Just the fact that we get a player of Tayshaun's calibur, a package consisting of length(7 ft. 3 wingspan), defensive ability (NBA all-defensive second team 2004-2008), height (6 ft. 9), shooting ability (39% from 3 last year/ career: 37%) clutch factor (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1ob8mNDcNk), not to mention playoff experience. At 6-9 he can play ANY position from the 2 - 5 spots within Nellie's system on both offense and defense. Kwame is a dud factor and more of a roster balancer than an aquistion. He could find time at the 5 possibly but won't fare well in the up and down game especially with his offensive repertoire (or lack thereof.). This trade also opens up rotation spots pretty much from the 2 guard on up. Playing time for Randolph, Buike, and Morrow will open up drastically. The log jam at the 2 and 3 will be less of a wall with two rotation tweeners gone (Maggette & Belinelli) allowing Monta to stay put at the 2 and Jackson alloting time as a point-foward. Overall, it would help our backcourt the most (the guard logjam is killing our chemistry). It would also chop about $3 mil. off the blocks this year and even more in the future. Money we need especially with us being almost $9 mil. above the cap.

Cons: We're giving one of BEST weak-side shot blockers/ energy man/ back up centers in the league. That ladies and gentlemen, yes, is none other than my main man Ronny Turiaf. I love the guy, his positive outlook even last year during a bum season kept our hopes up (well, mine anyways) and his defensive tenacity was amazing (something we need more of Defense). He's got a great heart and humbleness about him. I didn't hear him complaining about his former Lakers winning a ring AFTER he left. Wright is going to have a stable career at least and his per is better than anyone involved in the trade. He blocks shots and is an offensive rebounding freak, has got a nose for the ball and is young enough to improve. He also has that baby sky hook ala Kareem that I love in his low post game. He just needs some of Ronny's fire. Maggs and Beli are expendable in my eyes, though I like them both as individual players, I just don't think they fit best with our guard jammed team. They're the guards/fowards I would feel inclined to start a trade with first. 

PISTONS:

Pros: First off they're getting Ronny Turiaf who was 3rd in blocks last year with 2.1 bpg. Not the greatest of rebounders, but he's definitely not a defensive liabilty. He has the ability to play either the 4 or the 5 and he gives them frontcourt depth something they're now lacking with Sheed' going "green". He has a decent face-up shot and doesn't force the issue on offense. His passion for the game will help replace that which they lost with Sheed' (with less Technicals, lol) and seems like a great teammate. They also get Brandan Wright (who I think has a chance at MIP this coming year) to help fortify the 4 slot and would be decent and surely effective starter for the team. His PER comparitively is almost 4 full points better than Tayshaun's (Wright-18.8, Prince-15.1). He shoots a high percentage both fg wise and ft wise (Wright 53% fg 74%ft, Maxiell 57%fg 53%ft) so you can keep him in during the 4th. He has ideal length and height for a 4 (6ft 10, 7 ft 4 wingspan) and will pack on pounds with age and weight training. The additions of Maggette and Belinelli with provide backcourt depth and scoring off the bench. Unlike A.I., Corey has proved willingness and the ability to come off the bench and be efficient. Also, think of how much Marco can learn under Rip's wing. He has the ability to become a great off-the-ball scorer with his stroke and distrubutor off fakes and drives. Trading Prince will open up PT for rookie Austin Daye a 6ft 11 lanky point-foward with Tayshaunesque playing style and appearance. Really though check it out...

Prince's Apprentice/ Replacement anyone? I would definitely say so..

Lastly, they get rid of Kwame who's been more of a lackluster starter and playing time eater than an NBA player. 

 

Cons: Losing Tayshaun will be a big blow to Detriot signifying pretty much a COMPLETE roster change since their glory days back in 04'..

They're defense won't be the same, though we saw that last year and they're losing they're "now" most clutch player IMO.

Now, as to WHY they would do it..

WARRIORS: They need to get rid of some guards and bring in better defensive players. Prince won't answer ALL our prayers, but he will damn sure answer some of them. He won't be our 3rd or 4th scoring option, but who says we need that with Monta "Moped" Ellis, Stephen "Action" Jackson, and Stephen "Draino Max" Curry jacking up shots and blowing by defenders every game. We can put him on a Kobe or a Lebron and trust that he'll make life hard for them. Length+Height+Quickness+Tenacity= Badass D

PISTIONS: Defense hasn't been much of a problem, without taking last year's playoff changing moves into account. The Pistons need more scorers, which is why the Villanueva and Gordon moves were important. With this they get Maggette to use either as a trade tool or a 6th man and Wright presumably as the back up 4 behind Charlie V.  It also allows Rip to move to the 3 to play alongside B.G.(Ben Gordon) whom at 6-7 can play the 3. They get a much better 5 in Turiaf and add passion and fire to a dimming Auburn Hills Palace along with him. Turiaf will play the Kendric Perkins role to a stud team much like the Celtics have by providing defensive intangibles and elite shot-blocking ability. They will definitely be a playoff contender following the trade with a STACKED roster, no doubt.

 

I think it would work though I'm not an expert on salary caps and trade limitations ( I suppose one of the resident stats/numbers freaks could jump in on that one, Jae?) 

Any thoughts or opinions? Here's the always enjoyable POLL by the way-

Poll

IF this could happen would you approve of it following through?

28%

Yes, damn right I would want Tayshaun in a Dub's Jersey.

53 votes

48%

No, I'm too conservative for change.

90 votes

23%

Daye and Prince could pass as cousins.

44 votes

187 votes | Poll has closed

So the Kings trade John Salmons & Brad Miller to the Chicago Bulls for Andres Nocioni & Drew Gooden.

Personally, I like the trade for the Kings a little better and it works out for the players being shipped out of Chicago better.

 

For the Bulls-

John Salmons has developed over the past year, the ability to score. He's a well rounded player that can cover the 2 and 3 positions. He played arguably the best D on the Kings and never loses intensity. He can do a little bit of everything, rebound,score, pass and picks up where other players slack off.

I don't see how this works out well for Salmons, being that the Bulls have a ridiculously crowded backcourt (remind you of any other teams?). He's going to have a hard time breaking into Chicago's Rotation at anywhere other than the 3 spot. Good luck John.

Brad Miller, is on the wrong side of 30, but is still showing he can play. He's had a couple of monster games this season against "decent" teams including a 25 and 15 double-double against the Detroit Pistions and a 30 and 22 performance against none other than our beloved Warriors. He can put up the 3, shooting a career high 47% from the arch and is a decent low post defender. He could be a valuable trade tool come off-season.

This is a positive move for Brad in that he no longer has Spencer Hawes pushing him out of his starting position. He's a  favorite (of mine) to take the starting 5 position and as a vet is invaluable to the young players as a mentor. He may even come off the bench giving the Bulls a deeper bench, than they already have.

 

For the Kings-

Andres Nocioni is a proven role player and a great piece to a team looking for scoring and energy off the bench. He may get the nod at the starting 3 position, giving the Kings a bigger lineup. A decent rebounder for his height and size, he can fill up the scoreboard in quick fashion. Also a great 3pt shooter at 39% this year. We'll see if he can provide consistency, alonside Kevin Martin.

This is a good move for Nocioni, he can move to a starting position and prove what level he's cabable of achieving as a starting player.

 

Drew Gooden is an above average offensive rebounder and proved it while playing alongside Lebron and Big Z. The Cavalier team that led the Nba in Offensive rpg. He's decent in the paint on both offense and defense and is also an above average passer out of the post. He has a decent midrange jumper.

It looks as though he might take over the 4 spot and move either Jason Thompson or Spencer Hawes to the 5. He gives the Kings a double-double threat night in and night out. He also provides them with a monster on the offensive boards giving them more looks on offense. 

 

 

Poll

Who got the better end of this trade, basketball wise?

32%

The Kings

61 votes

30%

The Bulls

58 votes

25%

Both got even ends of the deal

48 votes

11%

Neither

22 votes

189 votes | Poll has closed

So heres a proposed trade that I made through ESPN's trade machine. 

The deal works out financially, at least according to the trade machine & team-wise it works out as well.

 

The bobcats are in need of a 20 ppg scorer since they've traded J-Rich away to the suns. They also get unproven Marcus Williams and a shooter in Belinelli. Maggs can provide rebounding at the 3 spot with Raja taking the 2 and Augustin the 1. It opens up their rookie pg's PT. They've been trying to move Wallace out ever since J Rich was traded, might as well round out their scoring tandem.

 

We get in return, an athletic 3-4 swingman that can play superb defense & a proven distibutor in Felton. We would be running Ellis at the 2 which is his natural position anyways & Jackson at the 3. Crawford & Wallace could become trade tools over the off-season especially for a PF to run next to Biedrins.

 

What do you guys think?

 

 

 

 

Projected: W-0 L-82 
After trade: W-0 L-82

Gerald Wallace

$9,500,000
Years Remaining: 4
PPG: 15 RPG: 7
APG: 2 PER: 16.657

• R. Felton
• G. Wallace

Outgoing Players: Marcus Williams, Marco Belinelli, Corey Maggette

Charlotte Bobcats
You have not effected the winning percentage

Projected: W-0 L-82 
After trade: W-0 L-82

Corey Maggette

$8,275,862
Years Remaining: 5
PPG: 19 RPG: 5
APG: 1 PER: 15.709

• M. Williams
• M. Belinelli
• C. Maggette

Outgoing Players: Raymond Felton, Gerald Wallace

Poll

Would you go through with this trade?

61%

All for it! Let's go front office!

131 votes

38%

Not going to work or happen.

81 votes

212 votes | Poll has closed

Is there such a thing as too many guards in Don Nelson's playing system?

 

I think so.

 

Currently we have 9 Guards overall on our roster (10 if you count Maggette as a swing-foward), about 5 of them are currently in the actual rotation.

I think we are going to have to trade one of them at least, to create a better balance of Fowards and Guards.

Personally, I would probably give up Maggette before any of the other players. I like Maggs, but the guy just doesn't bring the goods to the table for us and he's a viable trade tool. Sure he's probably THE BEST free-throw shooter on our team, as of now anyways. He isn't however showing us his elite ability to score. 19 ppg is great, but if you consider at the rate he's doing it. He's shooting a career low 41% fgp and 18% on threes. Injury prone galore. Not much of a leader, as Capt. Jack is, but he gets his silent assassin going once it's game time. 

 

Jackson is almost a carbon copy of Maggette statistics wise. He's a plays pretty horrible when forced into the point guard position. HAHA Not as good of a free throw shooter, but can still get to the line. He's actually shooting below his career AVG of 41% at 40% this year from the field. Jacking up almost 6 threes a game, while hitting at a 30% clip. VERY turnover prone, but I suspect that to change when Monta does come back. Career high in APG at 6.3, but again the TO kill that. One thing that puts him above Maggette in my eyes, is his leadership abilities, he sets a good example for the rooks (& we have plenty of them once again) and isn't afraid to take the last shot, even if he's more than likely going to miss. He is also the best starting 5 defender behind Biedrins.

 

Watson is okay at best. He doesn't play great defense average passer for a PG and low court-vision. He hustles and earns his PT though and that's what keeps him in the rotation.

 

Anthony Morrow, shows flashes of brilliance and a sweet stroke. He's among the top in the NBA in 3pt % at 48 and can start a fire when motivated. Nelson doesn't do a very good job encouraging players, but we ARE building for the future, per say. Morrow is a future 2 guard.

 

Buike? C'mon we can't let go of Kelenna. The hardest working of our Guards and the best rebounder outside of Maggette. Chooses better shots than Jackson and out-hustles opposing players. He can be a lockdown defender ... Kobe, anyone? Career high in ppg at 13.4, although his 3pt % has dropped to 33%, good ft shooter, yet lacks the ability of Maggette to draw fouls. NASTY dunker, ask Chris Kaman. Arguably the best of the guards on the defensive end.

 

Jamal Crawford, newest kid on the payground. I like him. He's a killer on the court and has a mindset to win. Does anyone recall his game winners like last year/year before?Exceptional ball handling ability, crossover please? He can pass like a 1 when need be, minus the turnovers AHEM* Mr. Jackson. Not much of a rebounder on an already horrible rebounding squad of ours. Low fg% at 41% ala' Stephen Jackson. Decent court vision. SCORER. Great ft% at 89% taking 6 per game with our squad.

 

Marco Belinelli. Great shooter and decent passer, as seen in the summer league. He can definitely shoot the lights out when he gets it going, problem is that he never does. Chokes in the game & doesn't deliver. I rooted for him in the summer league, but I just don't think he's ready for it yet.

 

The OTHERS

DeMarcus Nelson & Marcus Williams seem to have fallen out of Nellie's favor. I still want Marcus to play AT LEAST one game. DeMarcus on the other hand, had his moments early in the season, but drifted to the bench as time went on. 

 

So in your opinion which guard would you put up for adoption? We need a REAL 4, real fast. I know NONE of you will choose MONTA ELLIS, so I didn't bother putting him there. Hell, I wouldn't let him leave either.

Poll

So, which one should go?

0%

Jamal Crawford

1 votes

5%

Stephen Jackson

12 votes

51%

Corey Maggette

122 votes

1%

C.J. Watson

4 votes

26%

Marcus Williams

62 votes

2%

Kelenna Azubuike

5 votes

8%

Marco Belinelli

20 votes

0%

Anthony Morrow

0 votes

5%

DeMarcus Nelson

12 votes

238 votes | Poll has closed

I decided to put out a poll, so we could all see each other's opinions. It will also probably seperate the fans from people who actually understand basketball. Note: I am not saying that I'm a pro at understanding the game in any way, shape, or form.

 

With that said it would be also nice if you gave your reason for your pick & as much supporting information as possible or to your knowledge.

I was also wondering on everyone's personal opinions on the nba 2k9 and nba live 09' releases. Which do you think is the better basketball simulator & why?

 

I am a fan of the 2k franchise, particularly because of the improved player designs, smooth transitions in the in-game graphics and the physics are pretty phenomonal. The gameplay, I think anyways, is also better than EA sports' Live version of the NBA.

& yes I have played both 2k8 and Live 08'.

Poll

Of all the Warriors players, who do you think has the best all-around game? Remember to take all of the following in to consideration: fg%, 3pt%, passing ability, athleticism, rebounding ability, defensive ability, and effectiveness while on the court.

27%

Monta Ellis

84 votes

48%

Stephen Jackson

151 votes

6%

Anthony Randolph

19 votes

14%

Kelenna Azubuike

44 votes

3%

Al Harrington

12 votes

310 votes | Poll has closed