SBNation.com User Blog: justinleagueheroes

Bogut Or No Bogut

justinleagueheroes — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 06:02:40 -0000

Alright everyone, this poll or story may have appeared before this post. However, I haven't posted a fan post to any of my favorite sbnation blogs for quite some time. So with that, I'm a just do a little quick post to keep your minds busy or somehow at least entertain you in such way.

Anyways, my title of the post is pretty straight forward. What do you all think of the team going forward with Bogut? It's obvious that Andrew is not 100% healthy and in shape. If you disagree with me, please tell me why has he missed the 43 games of the 55 games played this season? Thank you.

There's no question about that the Aussie is an elite Center in the league when HEALTHY (please note the word HEALTHY, however you want to perceive healthy is up to you). This man is and/or was considered as one of the top defensive center-man in the league just before the many injuries he's suffered.

He's played in a total of 12 games this 2012-2013 campaign averaging 7.1 points and 6.5 rebounds with 2.3 assists under 23 minutes of playing time.

The Dubs are 6-6 when Bogut is on the roster. Even in the recent horrific six-game losing skid, Bogut struggled to find his groove. Though he flashed some of his defensive dominance in the paint and on the boards.

It's apparent that team chemistry is an issue with this team with Bogut is on the court. That's why I'm a bit too confused what the Warriors should do.

They'll definitely need a big man in the middle. I mean with all due respect to Festus and Andris but come people, let's be real, IF the Dubs face off the Grizzlies, would you really want either them two to defend Marc Gasol? I mean come onnnn!

In my honest and humble opinion, there's no doubt Andrew Bogut is among the elite centers in the league when healthy. I believe he'll be a HUGE asset to the Warriors organization.

Question is; Will he ever get back to his elite form when back to 110% healthy? If not, what do you think the Dubs should do?

He's played in a total of 12 games this 2012-2013 campaign averaging 7.1 points and 6.5 rebounds with 2.3 assists under 23 minutes of playing time.

It's apparent that team chemistry is an issue with this team with Bogut is on the court. That's why I'm a bit too confused what the Warriors should do.

In my honest and humble opinion, there's no doubt Andrew Bogut is among the elite centers in the league when healthy. I believe he'll be a HUGE asset to the Warriors organization.

Question is; Will he ever get back to his elite form when back to 110% healthy? If not, what do you think the Dubs should do?

The Tank

justinleagueheroes — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 05:10:43 -0000

So normally, we would post about players and how they play or the rumors surrounding the organization. Well, to be honest, I want to talk about the FANS. I have not seen a post regarding Sharks fans. So how about we give ourselves a pat on the back. Recently, I got a gig as a writer for a Bay Area sports company to cover pro sports and recently one of our regular Sharks writer got injured so I had the great opportunity to step up and cover for this person since I live down the street from HP. The first Sharks game I attended as a writer was when Marleau was honored for playing his 1000th game against the Phoenix Coyotes when they won that dramatic game coming back from a 3-0 deficit and winning 5-3. Remember the game? That was one hell of a game.

I've attended Sharks games in the past but it has been such a long time that I forgot how great the atmosphere was. Hearing the fans that night from the press box which is WAY up in the ceiling, pretty sure everyone knows where it is, but my skin literally had goosebumps when the first goal was scored by the Sharks that game.

When the go ahead goal was scored by Marleau, I cannot express the noise inside the tank that night. I mean, it's literally something. I've attended and covered Warriors games and Raiders games, no disrespect to the fans but to be honest, the Sharks fans and atmosphere of the tank is like no OTHER.

They say only the reason why it's loud is because of the acoustics in the building. Sure that helps the noise, but it's the fans that helps the acoustics sound amazing. I left the press box during the 2nd intermission to go ahead and experience what it was like being a fan. So I decided to walk the concourse of the arena and let me tell ya, I have never seen a sea of teal jersey's in one area. I can say that 90% of the fans I saw had a jersey on. Both retro and new ones.

A young writer myself trying to pursue the career I love to do which is write about sports, I can honestly say and I am not sucking up to anyone or what not, this is MY personal experience and MY personal opinion. But, nothing or no organization compares to the Sharks fans. People say that the Warriors fans are better since they go to games even though their record does not really impress anyone out there, but I can say the best fans in the whole BAY AREA are the Sharks Fans.

The Fan base is out of this world. Dedicated and passionate about their team and representing like no other. Let's continue to support the Sharks organization like we have in the past. Let's pass the experience to our children and grandchildren and great grandchildren and even our friends/loved ones because it's worth every dollar we buy for the tickets.

"Win, Lose, or Tie, A Sharks Fan till I die..."

Puzzles

justinleagueheroes — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 05:20:58 -0000

Is it just me or does the Warriors have the tools and pieces to reach the playoffs? A minor tweak here and there in the coaching position and some MAJOR tweaks in the roster to give it more of an edge, I think this team can head to a positive direction. Lately, I've been staring at stats and what stands out the most are the pieces they have already to carry them over "the hump".

Their starting lineup has the main pieces of the puzzle. With Monta & Steph in the back court, they both averaged to be the highest scoring back court tandem in the league. That basically adds 2 options whether to run the offense through Curry or Ellis. To add another dimension, remember when David Lee was still with the Knicks, they ran their offense through him. And, what kinds of numbers did he possess. We do remember the triple double game he had against the Dubs where he had I believe 40 points grabbing 20 rebounds and 10 assist. I mean, wow, 3 options to run the offense through.

You can't forget the perfect role player in Dorell Wright. A player with defense and can score from beyond the arch? I'd take him.

Now, this is where we go upside down and figure out the possibilities what the Warriors SHOULD or could do to change the culture of the team.

Let's face it, the "Nellie Ball" system won't work in winning a championship especially when you do not possess a decent hard-knock DEFENSE. Sure it may give us the edge in reaching the playoffs, but imagine if we face the Lakers or Spurs in the first round, then what? It's surely entertaining for the fans but hey, let's be real, Dubs fans do want to see this team succeed.

No disrespect to Keith Smart, great person and coach, but he has to go. I would hire Mike Brown. Remember him? Me neither. Well just a little background info; He coached the man name LeBron James in Cleveland Cavaliers, He did win Coach of the Year in 2009, helped the San Antonio Spurs win a championship in 2003 as an assistant to Gregg Popovich. Hope that covers everything. But hey, let's grab this guy since he had a history with winning and coaching. His style of coaching is no different from Coach Smart; a "Players-Coach". Brown LeBron did lead the Cavs to the Finals in 2009

Sad to say, the Beans era has to end in the Bay. Either that or we just dock him down to the bench as a good role player off the bench for defensive and rebounding purposes, then yes, let's keep him. But come on, David Lee needs another big man that compliments his style of play and I think if we sign a player such as Nene over the summer from FA, that would be the best transaction the Warriors can make as a organization. I would love to see Nene in a Dubs uni and come out of the game to rest and have Biedrins come off the bench.

Mr. "Sixth Man of the Year" (should've, could've, would've) if he came out of the season red hot as he his right now, he should win the honor. But unfortunately, early season struggles were in effect. Reggie Williams, is just another CJ Watson story. A great player coming out of the D-League that was a great role player for the Warriors and then will open some eyes of other teams in the league and will shine even brighter in that team. This guy deserves a bonus or a trip to Disney World because he's probably a huge reason why the Warriors are "somewhat" on the road to .500.

Then see Udoh develop into the player that we all hope to see. He possesses already defense and rebounding but if he works on it a little bit more including his offense, I see this guy starting ahead of anyone in the roster. Don't get me wrong, this is a young team, but I think the players on it won't help them succeed. If Ellis & Curry both come out the game, then who takes point? Acie Law? He reminds me of a player that's a loose canon and seems like he doesn't know where he's going; Anthony Randolph. Would like to see more of Jeremy Lin. He has the quickness and I can see a steady defense but still, can he handle the ball while Ellis and Curry are resting?

Let's just say, a new coach and releasing some players from the current roster to add quality players over the summer would really help this organization.

(No time for me to proofread, all my posts comes directly out of my head. Sorry for all the grammatical errors, but hey, who cares? just kidding)

You can't forget the perfect role player in Dorell Wright. A player with defense and can score from beyond the arch? I'd take him.

Now, this is where we go upside down and figure out the possibilities what the Warriors SHOULD or could do to change the culture of the team.

Let's just say, a new coach and releasing some players from the current roster to add quality players over the summer would really help this organization.

(No time for me to proofread, all my posts comes directly out of my head. Sorry for all the grammatical errors, but hey, who cares? just kidding)

Murph Back in the Bay

justinleagueheroes — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 04:36:38 -0000

Let's not get ahead of ourselves and assume that Troy Murphy will not produce for the Warriors. IF the Warriors do decide to buy out his contract, that would be pretty dumb. One reason is because I believe he still has some "umpf" in the tank. Let's remember what he contributed to the Warriors when he was here.

He was one of the top Power Forwards and was considered a snub for the All-Star team in the04-05 season. He did average 15 points a game including the fact he averaged out to grab 11 rebounds per game. And let's remember, this guy can shoot! His signature step back jumper and his range from beyond the arch would be perfect in the "Nellie-System".

He would be pretty good for being a role player just in case David Lee needs a sub, Murph is right there to fill in that roll. Having Murph sub in for Lee would be like Lee never left the court. They both have decent perimeter shooting, I give the edge to Murphy since he can shoot it from beyond the arch, they both can rebound and be physical in the paint.

He is still young. His years in the Pacers organization didn't disappoint since he still kept producing the same averages out there till he signed with the New Jersey Nets. Unfortunately he caught them at the rebuilding stage and they drafted Brook Lopez and Derrick Favors. His career lows were this year as he averaged only 3 points a game.

So what do you guys think? A good role player or even more interesting, have him start with Lee? Oh man, the playoff hunt just got interesting too with the latest trade deals having the Jazz and Nuggets deal their superstars.

Do I hear a "We Believe Part 2" run for the Playoffs?

Trade Deadline

justinleagueheroes — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 03:15:54 -0000

It's been such a long time since the last time I have posted any type of post on this site but since it's a new year, time for me to actually keep writing and keep up with the sports world most especially with this site.

With that and putting that aside, an interesting topic really caught my eye the past couple of weeks. As most of us all know about the "dramatic" trade with Carmelo Anthony going to the Knicks and all that uninteresting stuff. Since this is the Warriors' page, let's talk about trades and possibilities that can carry this organization over the so called "hump" to reach the playoffs.

Putting Stephen Curry on the trade block publicly by the two-headed monster owners was possibly the worst/best thing they could do since taking over the organization. The worst part of it is that they don't see the potential that Curry possess as being one of the top Point Guards in the LEAGUE. Yes, the LEAGUE. No one does not need to explain his offensive side of the ball and brag about his shooting because we all know it's probably the prettiest shot in the whole league excluding Ray Allen's perfect jump shot according to Sports Science. Defense can be iffy depending who he's guarding. Let's not get into weak-side baseline screens for Curry since that is his weak point during USA Basketball's run in the World Championships this past summer. Another thing about making this public is it puts fans in a pool of doubts about the owners in why trading Curry.

The good thing about it is that it gives Curry so much motivation to play much better. Lately, he has been putting really good numbers on the court averaging All-Star numbers. Such as averaging 18.3 points per game grabbing 4.0 rebounds and tallying up 7.3 assists. Impressive numbers for a young player especially a second-year player.

Stephen Curry should not be traded. PERIOD. But, a possibility that may open some of your eyes is trading Biedrins and probably another big man with a pick? How about getting trade between the Warriors-Nuggets. No no, I know it's too late trying to get Melo but how about a Biedrins-Nene trade? That would really be interesting. Let's face it, Biedrins has no offense period. You can't rely on his free throws. And most especially his minutes are limited since the only thing he does is draw fouls and grab boards. David Lee really needs a complimentary big man in the paint with him. Having Nene by his side would absolutely give Warriors a big boost.

This deal would include Andris Biedrins, Brandan Wright, cash for Nene and a future draft pick. I mean that's a reasonable trade unless the salaries for any of the players would mess it up. Anyways, having Nene would most definitely push the Warriors over that hump.

Well here's a thought just in case if the Warriors can't push for the trade, how about start Udoh instead of Biedrins. Warriors shouldn't be wasting their #86draft pick while he's on the bench. I mean look at the guy who we ALL thought we were supposed to get; Greg Monroe in Detroit. ever since he was put in the starting lineup, he has had a tremendous impact averaging 10 points and 9 rebounds.

This is where I'm trying to get at. Let's get an offensive guy and trade Biedrins and Wright since both have MANY years left in their career to develop as great role players or even starts in the league. We all know the Warriors can't make the playoffs with the teams in the West since all good TEAMS are in the west. Yes, West are still better than the East. The talent is in the east but only a few teams consist of a TEAM. As of right now, the Warriors stand in the 11th spot in Conference Standings. Come on, they have to pass Phoenix which the past 2 games they played against seems IMPOSSIBLE to beat. After that they have to compete with Memphis which in fact has pieces in the starting lineup but no bench. Utah may falter since the resign of Jerry Sloan and Denver may still contend even though they dealt Melo. They do still have a deep lineup adding Felton, Galinari, Chandler and Mosgov to the lineup.

So let your voice be heard and think about another possibility the Warriors can do since the trade deadline is less than 48 hours.

Don't forget to catch the Warriors tonight as they face the Boston Celtics @ 7:30pm, which is NOW!

So let your voice be heard and think about another possibility the Warriors can do since the trade deadline is less than 48 hours.

Don't forget to catch the Warriors tonight as they face the Boston Celtics @ 7:30pm, which is NOW!

With Jackson gone, Ellis & Nellie should as well

justinleagueheroes — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:01:17 -0000

Now I've thought about this trade and still, the front office gave us fans a bittersweet feeling about the trade. Even though we traded Jackson, what does that leave us? Bell & Radmanovic? Bell, as a decent 3-point shooter & a great defender, may do "something" on the team. On the other hand, Radmanovic, a big man shooting three's, but can't rebound nor defend. (Another Nellie player) So that leaves me saying, How about another trade? How about trading Monta Ellis? Or firing Don Nelson and signing Avery Johnson as head coach.

Now the trade of Ellis may seem stupid, but let's face it. Ellis can NEVER be a point guard or develop a nice relationship with Don Nelson or gain trust from the ownership. EVER. Give Curry another year or 2, & I believe in my opinion, Curry will be a better player OVERALL then Ellis. That may be a strong opinion, but how about trading Ellis & Biedrins & they're 2nd round or 1st round pick for Chris Bosh? I mean the Warriors don't really need a pick. All their players are young, either from college or from the D-LEAGUE! If possible, we should throw this season away, since this season will surely be a long one. Release some un-quality players such as, Speedy Claxton, Mikki Moore, Devean George, CJ Watson & Radmonovic. Fire Don Nelson, hire Avery Johnson, sign GOOD QUALITY Free Agents. Probably Trade Corey Maggete to another team & that team is pretty set.

Now when I say, sign some Quality Free Agents. Obviously, we won't be able to sign Lebron James or D. Wade to a contract like that, I don't know if the front office is really up to signing a big time player. But how about signing Joe Johnson from the Hawks? Or Josh Howard? If they want a big man, sign Marcus Camby or Tyson Chandler. At least they'll compete with the rebounding area. How can A. Randolph develop into a great player if Nellie doesn't want to start him?I hate to say it, but we have ANOTHER long season ahead of us fans. Probably a LONGER season compared to last years....

Iverson to Clippers?

justinleagueheroes — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 20:36:41 -0000

Just a short post, Can anyone imagine seeing Allen Iverson in a Clippers uni? Just from an outside look. You don't have to be a Clippers fan or what not, but just your own opinion. Do you think Iverson would be a good fit for the Clippers?

It was reported this morning that a close source to Allen Iverson that the LA Clippers are very serious about signing FA Allen Iverson. In my opinion, Iverson would not be a good fit in the Clippers Organization, perioid. They already have their starting backcourt which is Davis and Gordon. They drafted an exciting PF/SF Blake Griffin to their starting lineup. While you have Camby or Kaman and Al Thornton to be in their front court. The Clippers is building a team for the future, why would they sign a player who had multiple conteroversies in the past about playing time? But the problem is, IF the Clippers do decide to sign him, who will they start. Iverson has made it clear last season playing in Detroit that he doesn't like playing off the bench.

Poll

IF the Clippers do sign Iverson, Who do you think should be their backcourt tandem?

Baron Davis & Eric Gordon

65 votes

Allen Iverson & Baron Davis

126 votes

Eric Gordon & Allen Iverson

16 votes

207 votes | Poll has closed

QB Conteroversy in Oakland

justinleagueheroes — Sat, 23 May 2009 00:07:50 -0000

It seems like the ongoing problem in Oakland is "Who should be the #1 starter for the QB spot?" Raiders signing FA Jeff Garcia has started and kept as a big stir in Oakland. Actually, it's a good problem. But the question is, who should start? The QB that they drafted 1st overall 3 years ago? Or should they start the veteran QB who's age is catching up to him?

We all know that Garcia's intention is not to be the backup for the Raiders. We all know that. We all know that he wants that starting job also, but I hope that should be a motivational push for Russell, who is also competing for that spot. I believe that starting job should belong to Russell even if he's struggling throughout the year. He needs more experience. He didn't play for his rookie season when technically last season was his rookie season. But we all know again that he has great potential. He has the arm, the size, and "maybe" the athleticism to escape from the pocket when the line collapses, which happens mostly all the time last season. But that starting spot should belong to Russell. Plain and simple, it's not hard to figure out, if Davis wants to see the future of the Raiders, He should just keep him at that spot instead of taking control of the team and telling the coach to start an aging QB who has a couple of years left in him.

But that decision lays in Coach Cable's hand. In my opinion, I just hope that Russell should be the starting QB by the start of the season, throughout the whole season, unless he gets injured, and at the end of the season.

Poll

Who do you think should start in the beginning of the 09-10 season campaign?

JaMarcus Russell

0 votes

Jeff Garcia

0 votes

0 votes | Poll has closed

The TB Rays of 2009

justinleagueheroes — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 04:08:32 -0000

Well as much of us Giants fans know, this season has been a complete success so far. I surely am surprise with the record they currently have. 2nd best record in the NL. Correct me if I'm wrong but they have the 5th best record in the Bigs. I mean, that's a big improvement compared to last year where at this time they were 15 games below .500. The Giants are basically the so called the Tampa Bay Rays of 2009.

If we remember, the Rays were one of the worst teams in 2007. That goes for the Giants who was basically one of the worst in 2008. But what happened to the Rays in 2008? ended the season becoming division championsin the AL East, yes, DIVISION Champions in the AL East. The Yanks nor the Sox wasn't the winner, it was the Rays. Ending their season 2nd best last year. But we don't know what will happen this year with the Giants. We have a WHOLE half of season to play. Hopefully they can keep this pitching consistency up and hopefully keep the winning attitude up including improving the offense.

Probably they just might end up in the W.S. and actually WIN one for their FIRST W.S. championship since they moved to the west. Right now, all we can ask ourselves is, "what if"....

Poll

Where do you think the Giants season will end?

NL Division Series

28 votes

NL Championship Series

33 votes

World Series

35 votes

Won't reach postseason for the 5th straight year

40 votes

136 votes | Poll has closed

A Season to Forget

justinleagueheroes — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 05:33:46 -0000

The 2008-2009 season campaign for the Golden State Warriors was a season to forget. A year filled with injuries, players not having that "winning" attitude, roster consistency (not good), bad decisions by the GM's this past off season. Or may I say the past two seasons.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to hate on the Warriors, I'm just expressing the frustration that has been going on with the whole organization. It's just that the front office has made ridiculous decisions. Trading off Jason Richardson to the Bobcats for Bredan Wright who has not made ANY progress, even Anthony Randolph has made more progress than he did. The, not re-signing Baron Davis? but re-signing an aging coach who basically makes the most unpredictable moves? Baron Davis WAS the reason why the Warriors made the playoffs in 2007 and the reason why they had a fantastic year the year after.

The Warriors had a terrible game on Monday night against the Spurs. After a convincing win in Uta

I really don't know what's happening, but I just hope that this off season they get there act together. Unfortunately, there is some players that will be playing there last games as a Warrior. For example, Jamal Crawford will surely not be in a Warriors uni next yera. Kelenna Azubuike won't be there for sure, he said it him self in the media.

"We need more of a winning attitude from top to bottom," Kelenna Azubuike said. "It's tough to say (what changes) we need because I'm not the G.M. On paper, we're pretty good. But we've got a lot of guards. That's plain to see. ... Maybe we should go a different direction. But either way, we need to get a winning attitude. We need everybody on the same page. We need consistency. We need to get a swagger about us, and maybe add a few pieces to the mix."

I agree with Azu. If you can only imagined if they kept that 2007 group together until now. Probably just tweaking a few parts in the roster would be fine, but not meaning trading away J-Rich and what not. Just get quality role players. If only, I just bet you that the words "Should've, Could've, Would've" is going through the minds of the front office and the coaches.