There are a lot of unknowns about how this team will perform, many of them related to the puzzling results the team had last year. There are lots of explanations and guesses for why things went bad last season—the punch, Klay coming back out of shape, the youngsters not being ready, Kerr having a short leash for guys, Mike Brown's departure—and it's not yet clear we've assembled the ingredients to do better, but it feels like the possibility is there.
My biggest concern is, as always, injuries. Last year we had pretty good injury luck: Steph, Klay, Draymond, and Looney played a combined 85% of all possible games between them. Wiggins' absence wasn't an injury but may as well have been; still, if you factor in his and Poole's availability, our top 6 players were there 81% of the regular season and essentially the whole playoffs. With the dudes being older and CP3 in place of Poole it's pretty much a guarantee that we'll have less availability of our best players this season.
Another thing that bears consideration is whether the team will be fun again. Winning makes a big difference there of course, but will trading out goofy faces guy Poole for longtime rival and known nut-puncher Paul really improve chemistry? Between him, known face-puncher Green, and rookie Podziemski already having a bit of a reputation for being demanding of his teammates, it feels like we've assembled kind of a volatile mix of dudes who have strong feelings about winning and how to do it. It's good that we know they aren't going to be complacent, but things could be really tense when games are in question or don't go their way. I suppose we could avoid this problem but simply not losing games; I'm hoping they'll try that one.
But, insofar as you can get by looking at a roster, some highlights, and a bunch of statistical profiles, I like the look of this team and wouldn't put them below top 5 championship contenders before the season starts.
It's going to be a crazy season, though, especially in California... IMO all four California teams feel poised to be contenders (maybe excluding the Clippers?? because they're somehow always less than the sum of their parts?) and then you have the defending champ Nuggets who you probably have to consider the favorites again until proven otherwise, the wild-card collection of talent that is Phoenix, and perennial up-and-comers Memphis and New Orleans. Out east, I dunno what's going on but it looks like there are still about 4 contenders and a lot of teams stuck in neutral. Hey, at least we (probably?) don't have to worry about the Texas teams this year.
So we have our team together now, can’t wait for the season to start. Thanks to you all for keeping track of the trades and rumors and the SL. This might help my uninformed European me to know at least something about the new players when the season starts.
New DubsTalk. Monte and Dalton discuss Corey Joseph (will take care of the ball and make smart decisions), as well as Gui, Podz, LQ, and TJD. (Recorded pre-Saric and the summer league game. https://youtu.be/5QtyXa2iMRo
One thing new to me: They were talking about the size he added and that apparently Gui added 3” to his vert by the middle of last season.
I watched some highlights and he makes a lot of Jokic esque 1 handed passes, especially without holding the ball. I could see Kerr starting him at the 5 occasionally depending on the matchup. Short arms but pretty stout. I would like to see us add an athletic 5 on a 2 way, just as an option to throw out there but I think the roster is pretty set now!
> He’s 6-10, so he’ll be the tallest Warrior on this year’s roster.
Until the Mavs release JaVale ...
Seriously, though I would think the W's will hold off on the 14th spot for a while to see who shakes loose. JaVale, Gallinari etc. I suspect JTA or maybe that euro wing Olinde (who I am kinda interested in just due to his length) will be available whenever they want.
Edit: Just watched some more Olinde highlights. He's exactly the kind of risk the Warriors should take with the 14th spot. Lonnng athletic wing with multiple skills. If what he can do in the euro leagues could translate he's a prototypical Warrior wing.
Found this REALLY interesting video from 2 years ago by a Suns podcaster guy talking about Saric’s transformation from PF to passing-genius center. Lots of footage and you can’t help but think what a great fit he’ll be in GSW’s offense. Also spends some time talking about his defense, which isn’t too bad.
Do we know that no one offered him more than a minimum? I wouldn’t assume that. He could very well have had 4 or $5m offers that he turned down for the upside of what he can secure after a year in the GSW guaranteed long term contract program.
He’s better than Jamychal Green. I don’t think there’s much debate or nuance to that. Percentages play out similar but Green got a lot of corner 3’s. Saric can space above the break. Much better scorer and passer.
Median outcome is Bjelly, who was older and coming off a much worse season prior to coming to Warriors. They’re not exact matches because Saric is a better scorer and Bjelly is a little better defender but these are very similar players in ability.
Stretch outcome is a Porter level impact with Bjellys game. He’s a very talented player. He might be able to hang in a playoff series because he’s a more talented scorer then your typical stretch big. His last healthy season he played in a lot of Phoenixs best lineups for a 2 seed that went to finals. Last two seasons Per 36 he’s been 17p/9r/3a with 45/37/84 splits.
If the knee is good I don’t see much reason to not be fully excited about him.
Dario Saric: instant scouting report and DNHQ fan reactions
There are a lot of unknowns about how this team will perform, many of them related to the puzzling results the team had last year. There are lots of explanations and guesses for why things went bad last season—the punch, Klay coming back out of shape, the youngsters not being ready, Kerr having a short leash for guys, Mike Brown's departure—and it's not yet clear we've assembled the ingredients to do better, but it feels like the possibility is there.
My biggest concern is, as always, injuries. Last year we had pretty good injury luck: Steph, Klay, Draymond, and Looney played a combined 85% of all possible games between them. Wiggins' absence wasn't an injury but may as well have been; still, if you factor in his and Poole's availability, our top 6 players were there 81% of the regular season and essentially the whole playoffs. With the dudes being older and CP3 in place of Poole it's pretty much a guarantee that we'll have less availability of our best players this season.
Another thing that bears consideration is whether the team will be fun again. Winning makes a big difference there of course, but will trading out goofy faces guy Poole for longtime rival and known nut-puncher Paul really improve chemistry? Between him, known face-puncher Green, and rookie Podziemski already having a bit of a reputation for being demanding of his teammates, it feels like we've assembled kind of a volatile mix of dudes who have strong feelings about winning and how to do it. It's good that we know they aren't going to be complacent, but things could be really tense when games are in question or don't go their way. I suppose we could avoid this problem but simply not losing games; I'm hoping they'll try that one.
But, insofar as you can get by looking at a roster, some highlights, and a bunch of statistical profiles, I like the look of this team and wouldn't put them below top 5 championship contenders before the season starts.
It's going to be a crazy season, though, especially in California... IMO all four California teams feel poised to be contenders (maybe excluding the Clippers?? because they're somehow always less than the sum of their parts?) and then you have the defending champ Nuggets who you probably have to consider the favorites again until proven otherwise, the wild-card collection of talent that is Phoenix, and perennial up-and-comers Memphis and New Orleans. Out east, I dunno what's going on but it looks like there are still about 4 contenders and a lot of teams stuck in neutral. Hey, at least we (probably?) don't have to worry about the Texas teams this year.
Our Leader has spoken
Stephen Curry talks Warriors trading for Chris Paul + NBA’s in-season tournament | SportsCenter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e46UVEDUUaA
" I'm told Paul was a vocal fan of the Šarić"
So CP3 is already getting pulled into brain trust? I see you MDJ - you are one clever GM.
MDJ grade so far? I think A.
So we have our team together now, can’t wait for the season to start. Thanks to you all for keeping track of the trades and rumors and the SL. This might help my uninformed European me to know at least something about the new players when the season starts.
For all the deviants here who love watching assists more than scoring, here are some Saric passing highlights: https://youtu.be/yXtZIL15Fcc
One of my fave all time supporting cast players during the dynasty was David West and his passing. I think we’re in for a fun season!
New DubsTalk. Monte and Dalton discuss Corey Joseph (will take care of the ball and make smart decisions), as well as Gui, Podz, LQ, and TJD. (Recorded pre-Saric and the summer league game. https://youtu.be/5QtyXa2iMRo
One thing new to me: They were talking about the size he added and that apparently Gui added 3” to his vert by the middle of last season.
I watched some highlights and he makes a lot of Jokic esque 1 handed passes, especially without holding the ball. I could see Kerr starting him at the 5 occasionally depending on the matchup. Short arms but pretty stout. I would like to see us add an athletic 5 on a 2 way, just as an option to throw out there but I think the roster is pretty set now!
So if Jokic is 'the Joker', does that make Saric 'the Sharer'?
I love the comments in the article and this comment section. Golden.
> He’s 6-10, so he’ll be the tallest Warrior on this year’s roster.
Until the Mavs release JaVale ...
Seriously, though I would think the W's will hold off on the 14th spot for a while to see who shakes loose. JaVale, Gallinari etc. I suspect JTA or maybe that euro wing Olinde (who I am kinda interested in just due to his length) will be available whenever they want.
Edit: Just watched some more Olinde highlights. He's exactly the kind of risk the Warriors should take with the 14th spot. Lonnng athletic wing with multiple skills. If what he can do in the euro leagues could translate he's a prototypical Warrior wing.
I heart you, Lester, I want you on my team.
Yo Apricot why ya gotta call out Kuminga as a non-shooter out there? What 3pm % do you need to see? Same career 3pm% as Saric.
Found this REALLY interesting video from 2 years ago by a Suns podcaster guy talking about Saric’s transformation from PF to passing-genius center. Lots of footage and you can’t help but think what a great fit he’ll be in GSW’s offense. Also spends some time talking about his defense, which isn’t too bad.
All in all a great scouting report https://youtu.be/rvOFZQN_9Ro
Gold Cup (US men's soccer):
Panama is eviscerating Qatar. 4-0 and 25 minutes plus to go.
Quick personal rebuttal on the reality check.
Do we know that no one offered him more than a minimum? I wouldn’t assume that. He could very well have had 4 or $5m offers that he turned down for the upside of what he can secure after a year in the GSW guaranteed long term contract program.
He’s better than Jamychal Green. I don’t think there’s much debate or nuance to that. Percentages play out similar but Green got a lot of corner 3’s. Saric can space above the break. Much better scorer and passer.
Median outcome is Bjelly, who was older and coming off a much worse season prior to coming to Warriors. They’re not exact matches because Saric is a better scorer and Bjelly is a little better defender but these are very similar players in ability.
Stretch outcome is a Porter level impact with Bjellys game. He’s a very talented player. He might be able to hang in a playoff series because he’s a more talented scorer then your typical stretch big. His last healthy season he played in a lot of Phoenixs best lineups for a 2 seed that went to finals. Last two seasons Per 36 he’s been 17p/9r/3a with 45/37/84 splits.
If the knee is good I don’t see much reason to not be fully excited about him.
FYI that in-season tournament. I’m all for more things for fans to cheer about. The Ring or Bust culture is horrible.
**
NBA In-season tournament groups Western Conference groups:
Group A: Memphis, PHX, Lakers, Utah, Portland
Group B: Denver, LAC, Pelicans, Mavs, Houston
Group C: Kings, Warriors, Thunder, Wolves, Spurs
https://twitter.com/_Andrew_Lopez/status/1677826941540515841