Dub Nation HQ Comments of Week, plus open thread
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Dub Nation HQ Comments of Week, plus open thread
Free Agency Edition
Summer League 2. More of the Gui Santos Show…
Also Kuminga and Congo v Egypt today
ForeverFoyled (10 ♡):
Financials of Otto deal released as 12.4m over 2 years, with second being player option. That is a nice deal for him and a lot better than the 2.4 over 1 year offers by the dubs. Also I've seen some further clarification that dubs offer to GP2 was about $13m for 2 years. That is clearly a huge gap with the $28m for 3 years from Portland. So I guess just furthering the thought that these guys were totally wise to take the other offers. And with the tax implications it also makes sense that ownership wasn't comfortable with paying $100m a year to keep those two.
Also random thing about Otto deal I saw posted on a raptors site -- apparently Otto has never been married and his gf is from Arizona. So where the heck did "Otto's wife is from Toronto" come from. Someone confused Otto with Curry??
GhostRidingTheInjuryCart (7 ♡):
My completely uninformed take:
- Every team, including Golden State, is going to ask about Durant. Doesn't mean it's going to happen. Doesn't mean I want it to happen. Doesn't mean the Warriors want it to happen.
- The Warriors can easily do the trade money-wise and still have the same starting lineup as 2018.
- Trading for Durant would actually save the Warriors money in the long-term.
- Driving up the price for Phoenix, Miami, or Toronto is definintely in GSW's interest, no matter what the Warriors' true intentions are.
- Winning another title with a young core + Wiggins would be so, so, satisfying.
TwoRingTest (6 ♡):
Nice move by the Samba Mamba.
Summer League 1. 4:30pm. GSW v SAC. Plus Free…
Kuminga NOT in Congo v Senegal today due to visa issues
Eric Apricot (21 ♡):
Slater on getting DDV
- SAC gave DDV a qualifying offer but took it back once they got Monk & Huerter.
- Nobody expected DDV to be available so there weren’t great offers.
- DDV prob had higher offers but the player option and GSW record of boosting value was huge
- feisty defender on smalls
- can cut off ball and spot up for 3s
Trogdor (19 ♡):
Bob Myers warned of an eventual salary limit, an undefined financial threshold where Joe Lacob would finally say no. That red light came on the first night of free agency. The Golden State Warriors let Gary Payton II walk. They offered him the taxpayer mid-level, which sits at $6.4 million. He received north of $8 million from Portland, plus an extra year on an incentivized deal. The difference in the tax penalty — somewhere around $15 million extra in the immediate, a whole lot more throughout a longer-term deal — caused Lacob and the Warriors to balk. It stung several in the organization, per sources. They’d found Payton and grown to not only love the person but also understand the value of his unique skill set. It translated to winning. For the first time, they’d failed to retain one of their own due to an unwillingness to meet a financial demand. – via Anthony Slater @ The Athletic
Goofus (16 ♡):
If he’s healthy, it’s not hard to imagine DDV not being a rough equivalent to GP2.
✅ on-ball defensive specialist
✅ lightning in his legs
✅ great cutter and can bury an open 3
He also brings better handles and playmaking, so even if he gives back some of GP2’s disruptiveness on defense, he can make up for that with more tools on offense.
And this doesn’t even take into account the emergence of Moody
Eric Apricot (15 ♡):
I'll be traveling tomorrow for Summer League Game 2, so I'm counting on you all to overreact for me, okay? Thank you. Now excuse me while I get Gui tattooed on my ankle
GhostRidingTheInjuryCart (15 ♡):
[On taking more midrange Js] "Your comment has been reported by user DarylMorey23"
TwoRingTest (13 ♡):
You live by the Baba, Yudai by the Baba.
invo.k.shen (12 ♡):
Finally had a chance to watch Donte's highlights on the Bucks. Maybe doesn't jump as high/not as athletic as GPII, but he definitely has that relentless energy and plays explosively, with better passing. And he was a starter for the Bucks?
I am cautiously optimistic!
belilaugh (12 ♡):
Just remembered that we're never going to see the GP2/Wiggins/Draymond defensive combo again...that shit sucks.
UneasySquirrel (11 ♡):
Santos needs to get in a little lower stance defensively, rotate a little more actively, and keep his hands up more off-ball, but I liked how his feet and hands were active when guarding the ball, and while he floated occasionally when playing off-ball D, he also fought very hard and well over a lot of screens (except one in the 4th, where the guy dead-legged him from the looks of it).
One play in (I think?) the second half stuck out, where his guy sprinted from one corner to the other along the baseline and curled around a screen in the corner, and Gui was sprinting right there with him, came around the screen about as fast as his man did.
Really like the kid. And he was chatting and smiling with the officials, he’s got the kind of charisma you want in a young player that’s trying to convince them to develop him here (plus, there’s a lovely Brazilian brunch place in Santa Cruz that I dearly hope hasn’t closed its doors, he should try it).
PGBreaker (11 ♡):
From The Athletic:
"Lillard is close with Payton’s father, Gary, the Hall of Fame point guard and fellow Oakland, Calif., native who has helped mentor him for years now. What’s more, Payton II, his father and Lillard have all been repped by the same agent"
And he made a boatload more money by going to Portland. But damn; I will miss him.
Captain Jack (10 ♡):
Lakers preferring Seth Curry over Joe Harris in the Westbrook/Irving deal is such a damn joke. If the Nets cave and throw either of them in they are officially the softest franchise ever. Douchebag divas like Kyrie and KD are ruining the league with the way they jump ship so often. I understand leaving bad situations and doing what's best for you but when you find yourself leaving more than once YOU might be the problem
Alex (10 ♡):
"setting screens with the intent of actually freeing up your guy instead of doing it just to “run the play”.. like we’ve seen from many players even stars"
Suddenly KD checks Twitter, sensing a disturbance in the force.
TwoRingTest (10 ♡):
It may be a day or two early for this post, but:
There's some chance our bench may be better next year, even with our vets going away.
OPJ and GPII are big losses ... but DDV and some growth from Kuminga, Moody, Poole, may end up offsetting that.
Very good chance Wiseman comes off the bench ... at least offensively, that should be a plus.
DLee, JTA, and Bjelica are lesser losses ... I'm assuming that whoever we sign to the 13th and 14th spots makes this pretty close to a wash.
So, while it's sad to see these guys go, I can't say I'm discouraged by the departures. We'll be pretty deep, regardless.
Trogdor (9 ♡):
A few contending teams expressed interest in signing DiVincenzo with the full taxpayer mid-level exception, and one team with cap space offered more money than Golden State, league sources told HoopsHype. In the end, DiVincenzo believed the Warriors were his best opportunity to play on a contender and the team’s willingness to give him a player option made the decision for him. – via Michael Scotto @ HoopsHype
Freddie (8 ♡):
1) everything depends on his health
2) one year ago no one believed GP II was this awesome kind of player
3) two years ago a lot of us were enthusiastic about Oubre jr (me too)
I've learnt the lesson: summer is for relax
Five Alarm Freddy (8 ♡):
Unless someone has beat me to it... I am formally announcing my formation of the “Gui Squad”.
Donte DiVincenzo joins; Looney re-signs…
Farewell, it was lots of fun pulling for you
Alex (21 ♡):
As a resident of Sacramento (sigh), I did get to watch a couple dozen Kings games, and Donte "The Professor" DiVincenzo is a solid player. He reminds me at times of Brandon Roy in that he rarely is off balance, plays under the rim most of the time, but has sneaky good hops off of two feet that allow him to finish with contact in the paint. He even seemed to have a pained expression on his face while playing, but that was probably less about lacking knee cartilage and more about having been moved from a championship team to the Kings... he isn't a GP2, but he is a starting quality guard that will fill the Shaun Livingston role with the added bonus of legitimate 3 point range. Great pickup, Bob! Enjoy the ~6 hours of continued trust that you have earned from the blogosphere!
Death to Homers (17 ♡):
Article discussing DiVincenzo's treatment by the Kangz, suggesting that he's recovering just fine from the injury, and that the Kangz were trying to bench him to keep suitors at bay in free agency.
I predict a Donte...INFERNO.
DFiB (12 ♡):
At least we’re going to get a BUNCH of ring ceremonies… in front of CP3, Dame, LeBron, Westbrook, AD, and a bunch of future potential ring chasers watching our fans go nuts for a role player. It could be worse.
hammystyle (11 ♡):
Ooooooooh, baby! This is move with huge potential upsie. I do not believe that Donte approaches GP2's pure man to man skills on D. Think he's more solid there vs elite, but that he is on the elite side as it pertains to team D.
But what makes this pretty huge upside is that he can handle, and function as a backup PG. Not to the size level that Shaun Livingston once brought, but still being the closest to a big backup PG that we've had. He probably wouldn't be able to do that for every team, but with the amount of other ballhandlers and structure of our offense I think he could be really good. I believe he's considered to be a very good decision maker
Stefano Gelati (10 ♡):
What is Moody's main focus right now?
The entirety of basketball. Literally.
"I'm working on everything," Moody said. "Everything needs work. I'm working on my jumpshot -- spot-up shooting, shooting off the catch, shooting off the dribble. Defense -- on-ball defense, off-ball defense. Transition -- pushing the ball, playing with pace, making quick decisions. Finishing in transition, finishing around the rim.
Good. Good! Very good!!
Goofus (9 ♡):
A year ago, I think most of us would’ve preferred DDV over GP2.
Hashemite Kingdom (9 ♡):
Duby, is the front office at B+ yet?
belilaugh (9 ♡):
I do not know if DiVincenzo is still having issues with his ankle that tanked his play last season but it is probably nothing a little Celebrini Celebration cannot fix.
Being (9 ♡):
Alright, so $9.3M for 2 years. Assuming they front load to $5/$4.3M, the Dubs are at
$190M 15-man salary and $133.4M tax for a total of $325.4M in obligations this year, significantly less than the $400M people were looking at.
If DDV opts in next year, that would put next years salary @ $218.4M ($120/4 for Poole, $130/4 for Wiggs). Luxury tax @ $270 for a total of $488.4M 15-man payroll next year.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1JKTDRR_YbjX8S_xebph8qIEDd6b1-dBvlbeUHc1lD04/edit?usp=sharing
belilaugh (9 ♡):
Defense is his [DDV] calling card
https://www.nba.com/kings/blog/donte-divincenzo-committed-defense-first
Sleepy Freud (8 ♡):
Get Serge!!
dinohealth (8 ♡):
GP2 was IRREPLACEABLE. Not just his stick-em defense; y'all remember all those bigger-than-life rebounds, put backs, blocks, and dunks....played like a 7 foot 5...worth 60 mil and a ship, which is what he impactfully delivered...Otto hurts too; fit like glove, but GP2 was worth every dime...
void (7 ♡):
I guess the warriors were bummed they couldn't get Christian Braun in the draft so they signed his doppelganger.
Both 3 year college players, both shot 37.8% on 3s on medium volume, both with ~6'6" wingspan with sub-par standing reach (8'1.5" for DiVincenzo, 8'3.5" for Braun), both with elite athleticism (34.5"/42" standing/max vert for DDV, 33.5"/40" for Braun), mediocre FT% (70.5 for DDV, 74.9 for Braun). Mid-to-late first round picks, both are hustle defenders... and of course least interestingly: they're both white.
Sleepy Freud (7 ♡):
To copy-paste my comment from a few hours ago…
I like the DDV concept, if somehow he’s available for the min. Brings some of what we lost with GP / Andre / JTA — toughness. high hoops IQ, rebounding, defense, secondary playmaking — while being a better shooter than all of them.
TheseGuysAreF’ingGIANTS! (5 ♡):
Dear 2021-22 Warriors,
You were an amazing collection of players and people. You lit up the room when speaking, and you lit up the NBA when playing. It was a very special season for a very special team! You will be remembered fondly!
2022 Summer League Viewing Guide; plus Free…
Update: Looney stays. Gone are Otto Porter, Nemanja Bjelica, plus Gary Payton II and Juan Toscano-Anderson, beloved role players
Duby Dub Dubs (33 ♡):
I love it. Warriors come back from being the worst team in the league to win another chip, and it causes immediate chaos all across the NBA
ServantOfLuna (26 ♡):
Kevon Looney stays with the Warriors! Deal is 3 years/$25.5 million.
stopnpop (25 ♡):
So instead of being upset at what the team could/should have paid to keep GP2, can we be upset that we're being penalized so heavily for finding and developing talent while ACTUAL cheap owners and incompetent front offices leach off our tax donations?
Captain Jack (22 ♡):
Twitter hating on GP2 for taking a couple million more even after what he's been through. Lol. I understand these athletes makes way more annually than the average person but if it's your first contract you don't leave a damn dollar behind. I wouldn't have been mad at him if he left us for 100k more. Get your money Young Glove.
belilaugh (22 ♡):
Beverley on an expiring contract, any chance he gets bought out? You know you kinda want to see Dray and Bev together, admit it.
OGG Gurl (21 ♡):
Thank the lord for Loon! I was a bit distraught last night with GPII leaving and kept looking for more stories about it when my husband said, "Go to bed, staring at your phone is not going to bring him back" LOL
g8tgod (18 ♡):
Glad for Loon's return, for OPJ and GPII to get paid, for JTA to have another chance in the league, and for Bjeli to return to Europe a champion, ready to star again.
I hate that we lost the guys we lost. I'm sorry we won't get to see them run it back to try to defend the title together. But having lived with the shock and sadness of it for just a few hours, I think things may be better this way.
We're betting an awful lot of the youngsters, but that's as it should be. We have three lottery talents on the bench, in need of game time to grow and take their next steps. Yes, they'll keep being tutored and watching film, but they need to start doing it live and on the court. It is time.
I trust Bob to pull together the supporting pieces. But Moody, Kuminga, and even Wiseman will have to take a step. They have to.
Hashemite Kingdom (17 ♡):
All six of Chicago's championship teams were led by Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and coach Phil Jackson.
They kept that core intact, but all the other players around them were there for three seasons or less. Every single one.
It's the nature of an 8 year long dynasty that a team will lose players, including many beloved pieces and all the assistant coaches.
Chin up, folks. The core - Steph, Klay, Dray, and Coach Kerr - remains intact. Lots of help is on the way in the form of Poole, Kuminga, Moody, and (with any luck) Wiseman.
TwoRingTest (16 ♡):
Do you have a target in mind, or is it just all of us. :)
GovernorStephCurry (16 ♡):
I'll pass on the Morris brothers, even though they're pretty good players
Bel (15 ♡):
I have to say, on an emotional level, I share his sentiments…
jose@KlayForTrey
Warriors losing GP2 hurts more than losing KD in 2019
Death to Homers (14 ♡):
Adrian Wojnarowski
@wojespn
Free agent Donte DiVincenzo has agreed to a two-year, $9.3M deal with the Golden State Warriors, sources tell ESPN.
Trogdor (14 ♡):
I would just like to take this moment to remind everyone that since 2015 the Warriors have won more championships than all but four other franchises have individually won in total. Only five other teams have even appeared in more total Finals than we have in that time period.
So... that doesn't have anything to do with current free agency, but just a friendly reminder that life as a Warriors fan is good!
Sabrina420-"Holy Cannoli." (14 ♡):
Mass on doggo's leg is benign; I've coned her so she stops ripping out her stitches from her incision. Time to go back on read only status until the next crisis.
Richard (13 ♡):
There was a time not too long ago where fans like us would have happily said yes to ‘mortgage the future to win a ring now’ or ‘pick up some short term pieces to win a ring now’ or ‘it’s not my money, go ahead into the luxury tax for a couple years to win a ring now.’
We just won a ring. I’m going to soak in the glow of that for a bit longer and say ‘as long as you field a respectable team next year I’ll be pretty damn satisfied.’ The Warriors are going to have the highest payroll for the next few years and be contenders barring injuries. I’m pretty unworried about this free agent period.
ndubs (13 ♡):
I still feel that we must sign Looney, and my tenor may change if we don't.
But right now, I'm kind of putting myself in the shoes of Moody / Kuminga / Wiseman (and maybe PBJ and Rollins too?), and it's kind of exciting. Basically, by letting OPJ and GP2 walk, their number just got called. They will need to deliver real value this season, including in the playoffs. There's nobody they can hide behind now. I hope by the end of the week Kerr has a sit-down with just those guys and lays it out for them.
If I was Moody or Kuminga right now in particular (the two guys that are healthy), I just a lot of butterflies.
Perks on 2022 Warriors Potential Free Agent…
Specific names for specific needs
rcknfn (19 ♡):
Chef sends heartfelt goodbye to OGJTA:
Chasing Rings... (17 ♡):
Well, to go from video coordinator applicant to $28m/3yrs?! YOU GOT THE BAG Little G!! 🙌🏽 As someone below said, no one can ever be bigger or better fans of yours than we are. We got to see you out hustle your way from the G league to the 15th roster spot to playing time on the floor to then become an integral part of our lineup and even Playoff starter!! You gave us your blood and bones and left everything out on the court to help us win an odds defying Championship. You might have been the best steal of last year, or the best stealer in the game, but just know you stole our hearts with your amazing energy on and off the court and we will always love ya, even when you affectionately give us one of your cheeky patented head scratches next season...
Asher B. (16 ♡):
BREAKING Golden State retains Steph Curry Draymond Green Klay Thompson Andrew Wiggins Poole Kuminga Moody Wiseman -- y'all other teams can just enjoy your game of musical chairs, we're good. Really good.
klaybot37 (15 ♡):
success comes with the cost. we can't pay him that much money for that many years especially considering the wiggins and poole's upcoming contracts. Good for Gp2 man, finally he gets paid his worth.
DFiB (15 ♡):
Just want to give a big SO to SOL, our twitter aggregator!
funleavyfotofun93 (15 ♡):
KD leaving curry again. Some people never learn
ServantOfLuna (14 ♡):
It's sad to see both JTA and GP2 leave, but at least we gave both of them a ring before they left for their respective teams.
The Sword Of The Morning (14 ♡):
At the start of the next season, we'll have #30 on the roster so we've already won.
Sleepy Freud (14 ♡):
I’ve been thinking lot about this game…
https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/202012220BRK.html
Ws were coming back from their lost 19-20 season with a healthy Curry and a bit of hope … and the new Nets Superteam (KD, Kyrie, Joe Harris, Dinwiddie, DJ, LeVert, Jarrett Allen, Shamet, etc.) just completely outclassed them and kicked sand in their faces, with Durant making Wiggs look like a G-leaguer, and Kyrie making every Curry hater say “lol toldja.”
I gotta say, while I never bought the Curry slander, I was pretty demoralized. The new Nets juggernaut felt *multiple levels* above us.
Just one season later … wow.
Totembot (13 ♡):
Goodbye Gary. You are truly a real one. Get that bag man. See you at your well deserved ring ceremony.
crusty quips (13 ♡):
I love GP2 and wanted to keep him more than any other FA we have except for Loon. I get why the team didn't want to pay him $70m for 3 years though, even if I still wish they had done it because GP2 is a special and unique player. He is a very easy guy to root for and I'll miss him greatly. Glad that he is getting paid and also glad that he's not going to somewhere like LA. I don't mind the Blazers as far as western conference opponents go and it's cool that GP2 is going to play somewhere he has roots and connections. If he wants to come back at some point, I would welcome him with open arms. Best of luck, champ.
void (13 ♡):
Sorry Richard, Steph's married
Five Alarm Freddy (12 ♡):
Listen, Gary, I know you will read this. Look man, we love you here. This is your home. We will always treat you well, we will respect your talents. We want you here for a very long time.
Listen, I get it, I want you to get your money, and I will never blame you if that’s the main focus of your decision. But just know that you are now family, and we will love you like no other fans will love you. Go on and explore your options but just remember to come home for dinner. We got a ring ceremony to celebrate and a championship to defend.
Sabrina420-"Holy Cannoli." (12 ♡):
This was under a different tweet saying the Grizzlies roster in shambles. 👀
GSWdelivery
@GSWdelivery
·
1h
Woj really said that the Warriors winning the championship which led to KD criticism contributed to him requesting a trade out of Brooklyn…👀
DFiB (12 ♡):
KD: I want a trade, prefer the Suns so I can play with CP3 & DBook... oh, and let me bring Kyrie too. Also, I would like a unicorn and a rocket ship.
Trogdor (12 ♡):
Every time the Warriors win a title the rest of the NBA loses its mind!
ServantOfLuna (12 ♡):
Warriors: (wins a championship)
Everyone else: (starts to make a bunch of wild trades and free agency signings to make their team better)
Free Agency Day 1. Moratorium begins 3pm.
In theory, bargaining starts. But usually news comes right away.
Sleepy Freud (12 ♡):
The only reason I won’t be totally despondent if we fail to re-sign Otto is that I think Moses and Jon are both gonna be freaking awesome next season. BUT: I still really want them to re-sign Otto.
Stefano Gelati (11 ♡):
Un mensaje para JTA: lo siento mucho, compañero, así son los negocios. Pero tu quedaras siempre en nuestros corazones. Hasta siempre, comandante JTA.
Being (8 ♡):
Just listened to +/- wit TK, MT2, and AS.
https://theathletic.com/podcast/11-warriors-plus-minus/?episode=197
This was their consensus:
(1) Looney top priority, most likely contract the Zubac: $33M/3 yrs, because best market offer is at most full MLE. There's a small possibility they ask him to check on the market for 24h before offering, just to see if he only gets $6M/yr, they can offer $9M/yr, and all parties happy.
(2) GP2 @ just over TPMLE. has to be second priority, as inability to sign Looney makes GP2 much more urgent, or saved money on Loon can go to GP2. So, total combined for these two:$17M.
(3) OPJ not going to be signed if Loon and GP2 get signed.
(4) 15th roster spot is most likely vacant, waiting on Andre. This allows them to have a camp competition like last year's AB vs. GP2. This allows them to promise it to their 2-ways during the season as incentive. And gives them flexibility in case of injury or unexpected need.
(5) MM, Kuminga, Wise will all see increased minutes, and play A LOT. They become the effective 8,9,10 rotation spots.
(6) That leaves two roster spots open for 3rd stringers. Most likely: stretch 4/5 (probably Bjeli), and wing/perimeter ballandler (backup PG, Gary Harris?). True backup C very unlikely (minutes to Wise + stretch 4 + Kuminga). Backup PG minutes will go to Poole + Rollins(so wing who can handle if needed like Andre preferred over straight backup PG).
(7) Names bandied about. Gary Harris (a lot). Noel if bought out (for Bjeli spot). Gallinari (for either spot), Delon Wright. McAdoo.
(8) QW most likely fit for second 2-way, and the Dubs really like him, and may give decent minutes throughout the season, giving him the Wiggs defensive assignments.
(9) Wiggs/Poole extension talks have not yet begun. No numbers exchanged yet. Wiggs might get extended for some savings under max. Very possible that Poole and Dubs both decide to not extend and see what Poole can get on the market, then decide whether to match.
(10) MT2 thinks Wiggs could make a big jump next year.
(11) AS thinks JP will have a big year. TK thinks they can't pay Poole the max. This may be the year JP plays himself off the roster. Slater/MT2 think Poole's money may come from Klay, asking him to take a big cut or letting him walk.
Perks on the Important Warriors Off-Season…
Perks from GSW Reddit
BeerGuy (20 ♡):
It's funny. Like I know who they drafted (really like PBJ and Rollins) and that they're probably going to brush up against $400 million in payroll to bring back Loon and GP2 and extend Poole and Wiggs and I hope that James Wiseman can come back and give positive minutes and all that but at the same time I don't really care about ANY of it.
I'm still in full petty season over this Championship y'all. Just soaking in it. Oh, Ja "we don't have a rival in this league" Morant is still talking? Shut up, Ja. You aren't rivals with the Dubs because you're not on their level. 2-1 with you, 2-1 without you. Prove you're not early round fodder led by an undersized, one-way guard before you talk to the Champs. You're midwest Trae Young until further notice.
Watching everyone begrudgingly admit that Steph's amazing has been a hoot. Like, nothing's changed, guys. He's been this good for a minute now. One of the weird and stupid things that happened was the conversation of "he's never won a Finals MVP" became code for "he's never played well in the Finals" which was, you know, wrong. Durant was phenomenal shooting the rock and generally being his twitchy 6'11" self in 2017 and no doubt deserved the MVP but why should that take away from the fact that Steph was SUBLIME that series? In complete control on offense, out rebounded Tristan Thompson, quick hands everywhere on D. There's a reason KD joining up made this shit a lock. If Steph's the SECOND best player on the floor? Don't bother lacing 'em up.
And that's the crux of it all, isn't it? The double standards. The goalpost moving. The constant dismissal of the first title. This doesn't stop it, but it renders it largely irrelevant. Easy to tell who knows what they're talking about and who doesn't at this point.
But back to my original point, while I'm here simmering on all this, still basking in the glory that is gold-blooded victory, many are wringing their hands over passing on EJ Liddell, who the 15th roster spot and 2-ways go to, how deep into the tax Lacob is willing to spend. Maybe in a way it's part of the DNA of a Warriors fan, since for so long the offseason was the best and most hopeful part of the year. Regardless, you're deranged lunatics, and I love you for it.
Trogdor (18 ♡):
James Wiseman says today’s practice “felt great.”
“I’m just speechless. I feel good just playing the game.”
pooryorick (17 ♡):
and in other Summer hoops news…..my 11 yr old grandson is now regularly crossing me over during our after dusk 1:1 face offs and is developing a sweet finger roll on his layups. I’ve always emphasized handles over shooting and it seems to have paid off. Hasn’t broken my ankles yet but if he doesn’t do it osteoporosis probably will.
stopnpop (16 ♡):
*Atkinson doing a matrix dodge*
E2148 (15 ♡):
Wiseman Island emerging from the ocean alongside Wiggins Island to start the Archipelago of Reciepts…count me in for a plot of land
DFiB (13 ♡):
OPJ was a vet min player who was starting in The Finals, plays great team basketball, and is a versatile big.
belilaugh (12 ♡):
If Curry doesn't care, neither do I
DFiB (12 ♡):
Wiseman sounds so much more positive and confident in this clip than I remember from his prior press conferences. Is it a sign that he knew he wasn't quite ready earlier, and now he is? I really hope so...
Captain Jack (12 ♡):
In honor of FA tomorrow I threw together a little mix to celebrate our season...
Obviously I didn't have access to every clip I wanted to so I know some of it is pretty dragged out or has horrible quality. Anyway, enjoy it! WGBC again!
Trogdor (11 ♡):
Some people say this is why he should stay off the mic. I think things like this are exactly why he needs to keep talking.
This is one of the most thorough, genuine, and least corporate of an apology I've seen by the many celebrities and politicians who have said stupid things.
He is thorough, direct, and didn't try to skirt blame. He explained without trying to excuse and took full blame on himself.
Young men (and women) have so many examples of bravado without humility. Draymond just showed you can be strong but still humble and teachable.
This is amazingly mature and hopefully he can influence some kids in a very positive way like this.
Which Warriors are returning next season? The…
All things must pass, especially in Kerr's egalitarian offense
belilaugh (22 ♡):
"Loon is by far, next to Moses Moody by the way, the most professional guys I've ever seen. Incredible, don't miss a beat, not late, no issues, they'll never piss Steve Kerr off."
-Draymond
Duby Dub Dubs (14 ♡):
a minor detail, but still welcome news
> @KeithSmithNBA
The Golden State Warriors have tendered a Two-Way qualifying offer to make Quinndary Weatherspoon a restricted free agent on July 1, a league source tells
@spotrac
.
bloophero (13 ♡):
If loving JTA on the roster is wrong, I don't want to be right.
belilaugh (12 ♡):
DM; WC
Doesn't Matter; Won Championship
Johan (12 ♡):
I want JTA back and don’t want to know why this is wrong.
belilaugh (11 ♡):
It appears Baldwin's vet on the team is...Moses Moody?
Alas Phood Fight (11 ♡):
I can't wait for Moody and Looney to do their own podcast:
The "I'm not really that Old Man" and the Three.
Sleepy Freud (10 ♡):
Given no medical details (as is the case here), your default assumption should be that the med staff is doing the right thing.
Sabrina420-"Holy Cannoli." (10 ♡):
So far he's only out of the California Classic...not SL in Vegas.
Sleepy Freud (10 ♡):
Just a year older than Chris Duarte.
Eric Apricot (10 ♡):
I think Dray overspoke, like “We wouldn’t have beat the Cavs”, but I take his analysis of the situation seriously. I would say, GSW would have been a contender, but they would have needed 2016 OKC series level historic awesomeness to win in 2017, 2018. Which they proved they could do, but it’s no shoe-in.
The league had “solved” the Warriors with the formula “switch all screens” + “grab and beat the crap out of Steph”.
PhysiaPete (10 ♡):
I think continuity matters and personality/fit matters.
Exhibit A is Oubre’s year with the Warriors. On paper, he had the size, length, physical attributes and defensive reputation to be successful in Kerr’s system. But who knew he was going to be such an unwilling passer, clueless cutter, and ineffective screener. As Draymond said in a recent podcast with Andre Iguodala and Evan Turner, it’s unfathomable how “dumb” so many NBA players are.
But in fairness to Oubre, Kerr’s system IS hard to learn. Most players have a hard time picking it up in just one year. Examples include Casspi and Jerebko. Wiseman struggled in his first year to play within the system, so did Kuminga (the dunks were amazing though). Even KD, a genius level player, took awhile to learn and some may even say he never did quite get it right. Even GP2 hasn’t fully grasped everything yet.
When players do pick it up quickly, it looks like a magical fit and they thrive. OPJ and Bjeli assimilated quickly. Others include David West, Matt Barnes.
All that to say, guys like Lee and JTA have been here multiple years and we already know they are good fits personality-wise. They can go multiple games without seeing the floor, won’t complain, yet when they are needed to fill minutes at the 2-3 (Lee) or 3-4 (JTA) for load management, they slide in seamlessly. Of course they are not as good as our regulars in those positions, but they both understand the system well. For rosters spots 14-15, these players will not be significantly affecting the number of team wins on the season, and there will be NO one else the Warriors could sign that would know both the offensive & defensive systems as well, not get disgruntled with limited minutes, cost the same or less, won’t have surprise personality clashes, and have established roots in the Bay Area.
Sleepy Freud (9 ♡):
Everything has doubt. But given (1) they’re medical professionals and we’re not; (2) they’re privy to details about his health and we’re not; and (3) they have no incentive to do anything other than what they feel is best for James, the benefit of the doubt is in order.
Arash (9 ♡):
Draymond was on the Daily Show!!
void (8 ♡):
Sorry KD
stopnpop (8 ♡):
Interesting interview with Mujtaba Elgoodah, Manager of Team Development with the Dubs. Gives some insight into how the team takes chances on and trusts their young staff. Touched a little bit on the start-up approach of putting people into new positions and seeing them grow year after year. Allowing people to fail.
Lots of really good little tidbits on things he's worked on with the young guys. Eg. Looney doing yoga and eating clean because he wanted to play every game.
The Great Stephen Curry vs Kevin Durant…
I’m sure this nuanced, evidence-driven take will settle the never-ending debate.
Alas Phood Fight (27 ♡):
Steve Kerr coached to the last few seconds. It's a special thing to be one of the 5 players on the court when the buzzer sounds and the Championship is sealed. Of course, the core of Steph-Klay-Dray was there. And just before the game ended Kerr subbed in Andre as the 4th Musketeer. That was a nice touch, and drew everyone's attention. But what was talked about less and may have been far more important was who that 5th player was and Kerr's reason for it. It could have been Looney, the 5th Beatle. He certainly earned it. But Looney is cool. He doesn't need a cherry on his whipped cream. It could have been Wiggins, arguably the 2nd best player throughout the playoffs. But the Chip wasn't the biggest thing to him that night. He won his respect back, league-wide, now and forever. So getting the chance to come out, get those high 5s and congratulations from the players and staff was all good for him.
The 5th guy remaining on the court was our very own Jordan Poole. Poole played a major role from Day 1 to the final game. Poole is the poster child of internal development. Poole carries the torch for all our rookies, he has the fire to show the others the way: "This is how you work for what you want. This is how I did it." He is also young and if any current player is in a position to look over the fence and check out the grass in the neighbor's yard, it's Poole. He got National recognition, people threw a lot of big numbers around, he could be a starting point guard on many teams. Or he can be Steph Curry's understudy for the next 4 years.
Thus, I thought Steve Kerr putting/leaving him in to be on the court when the buzzer rang in our 4th title was Coaching at its best, the highest form of diplomacy, a masterful stroke of calculation on Bob Meyer's behalf. Kerr made Poole a "Made Man." (Except he's not gonna be killed by 2 goons in the next scene like Joe Pesci.) Poole worked for it. He earned it. And Kerr rewarded him with the experience of a career: a moment on the court with 4 Hall of Famers winning their 4th Title. While Wiggins was embracing his self respect on the bench, while Looney was probably picking up empty water bottles and towels, 'cuz Loon is just that kind of guy, Kerr was giving Poole a quiet message hidden in the pandemonium: "you don't ever want to play for anyone else."
Your best year as a coach and that final move was the cherry on top.
#chessnotcheckers
Alas Phood Fight (19 ♡):
That was a nice piece. Tx for the re-post. This is off that topic, but I think many folks were a little tipsy coming out of the parade thinking Looney and GP2 were both in line for huge paydays next year. We forget that are all wearing our Blue glasses and view these players through the Golden Lens. Looney has been a very good role player for years and just had his best season and played a key role on a Championship team. But a glance at Hoop Hype's FA rankings for centers has him listed at 13th. As an outside observer he is still 6'9" with a long history of injury and no offensive game. And even though he gets the occasional block, he isn't really thought of as a rim protector based on his 3" vert. There is still a lot of old DNA in the front offices of the NBA and Loon doesn't check off the traditional boxes. We see the high IQ, great screener & postional rebounder, center that is excellent at defending in space. We are able to mask his limitations by the unique system the Warriors run. And let's not forget, I know he started all year, but he is really more of a defensive back-up. Having two non-scorers (Dray & Loon) was an issue all year, leading to many underwhelming 1st quarters.
I love Looney. I have been a fan from Day 1 and he plays a crucial, CRUCIAL, role on our team. But Looney has evolved into a special role and I am pretty sure that it is the general consensus around the league that if he was moved to a new team, he wouldn't be the same guy. If there is an exception I would say another Championship level team, a Milwaukee or Miami, would make good use of him. But who is dropping 10m a year on a reserve center these days? Not many. One year for 8m? Three years for 19m? Loon will be back, but he's not going to break the proverbial bank.
GP2 is a little different. Everyone in the league sees the defensive player he is. But he is listed as the 7th best FA Point Guard. And this is the problem. GP2 is a 6'3" Power Forward. He didn't even average 1 assist per year last year. He has always been miscast which is why it took so long for him to get a foothold in the league. Like Looney, he has found a way to be very productive in our unique system. Across the league, he is a point guard with limited scoring potential, shaky ball handling, who doesn't create points for others. On the Dubs, he's a deadly on-ball defender, excellent cutter, a vertical threat who can shoot the corner 3. Again, our system allows for Payton to flourish because we don't ask him to be something he's not. But because of his height, it's almost impossible for anyone else in the NBA to see him as anything other than a point guard, and a limited one at that. Like Looney, he is and will always be a better player on the Dubs than on any other team. And for this reason, he is due some money, but I doubt the kind that will cause us to lose him. Like Loon, I see a one year 6-7m, maybe use the TPMLE on him or a 3 year in the 5 mil range. At 29, that's still a life changing payday, he gets to stay in the place he loves, and there will be more opportunity for money to be had off the court than he would get with any other team. A significant amount.
So, my morning take is simple. Both Loon and GP2 will be back, but they won't break the bank.
John Butler (13 ♡):
This is such a profound article and I appreciate the humble way you re posted it on this site.
I am grateful for your modesty and lack of bombastic SA Smith style, it is refreshing and I know takes great discipline to engage in snark now and then. This post, and your writing, stands the test of time
PGBreaker (13 ♡):
To sum up my thoughts on Kevin Durant joining the Warriors. When I first heard the rumors I started salivating. When it came true I almost passed out. Holy shit. To have suffered through 40 years of purgatory to finally enter the gates of heaven? HOLY SHIT!
The seasons were all a fan could have hoped. Almost. Winning was awesome, but the games themselves were just a smidge off in the enjoyment factor. The team was too good, the games lacked drama? Not at all. I was kinda upset that they didn't win each by 30 instead of 15 cuz Kerr would call off the dogs.
Took me a while to figure it out. Durant hitting standard jumpers and dunks at a high rate didn't compare to Curry thrilling with his magic. And Curry was throttling back from his play in non-KD years for the good of the team. So when KD left, I was ready for him to go, cuz I wanted the thrill of Curry-magic again. And we just got another title, delivered by said magic. Awesome.
One last note. Those said commenters grasping at the lack of a Finals MVP, some little pissant media-created award elevated by said commenters into something way more important than it actually is. Having Curry focus on that and getting the award reminds me of the criticism Wilt Chamberlain got for not have his assists numbers being all that high, so he went out and led the league in assists. Both guys went the "What are they going to say now?" route. All time greats.
tempprofile (13 ♡):
It's unfortunate that the Warriors couldn't keep one of the great all time teams together but it is more satisfying to replace a future hall of fame player with "the player with the worst contract in the NBA" and still go on to win.
GhostRidingTheInjuryCart (12 ♡):
Not celebrating yet, but looks good?
"There is growing pessimism, league sources say, among teams interested in pursuing Kevon Looney about the ability to pry Looney away from the newly minted champions in Golden State. Looney is increasingly expected to re-sign with the Warriors on a multiyear deal after playing a vital role in their fourth title run in a span of eight seasons."
https://hoopshype.com/2022/06/27/kevon-looney-re-signing-with-warriors/
edit: source is Stein
Eric Apricot (12 ♡):
:)
The beauty of this site’s author group is that we offer plenty of emotion too, but always connected to reality.
And occasionally one just wants to know the actual facts, so that’s what this article is.
Eric Apricot (11 ♡):
Catching up on Andre’s ramble podcast with Steph
I really enjoyed this story starting at 19:00 about (I’m pretty sure) Steph’s 2016 “I’m Back” game against POR. Basically Steph was shooting terribly at the start and Draymond was yelling at him about his bad shots, and Andre was defending Steph, and then Steph went alpha on Dray saying “yeah and I’m about to take the next one too!” and Andre was so pumped up… and then Steph scored a bunch of points and ended the game.
Eric Apricot (10 ♡):
I’ve done an E1P (not yet released) on some PBJ high school film and he was a beautiful playmaker and player. If he could get back to that, he would be a massive steal.
Canela (10 ♡):
It's almost scary to have an analytical grownup in the room balancing the evidence and being fair to everyone. I'm not saying I don't like it; it's just that it's new and I have to get used to it, as someone who saves logic for work and does bball on the basis of emotional response.
Totembot (9 ♡):
Thank you so much for this. I missed this the first time around and I now have a better understanding of this important sporting event. This is the best type of sports analysis there is. Cheers.
belilaugh (9 ♡):
> Going out the door, KD did the team a gigantic favor by agreeing to the sign-and-trades that resulted in GSW getting Russell and eventually Wiggins and Kuminga. In fact, that was against KD’s self-interest, so it was a real goodwill gift.
Pushing back on this one. It was not a goodwill gift, it was in KD's own self-interest. The tweet is a screenshot of an article or else I would post the text.
fotd (9 ♡):
Thank you, Eric. This is the place to come for the best analysis. Your archives belong here.
Dub Nation HQ Comments of Week, plus open…
mostly about the Draft
Eric Apricot (17 ♡):
Dray released part of his podcast
Some parade talk, then…
Talking about being in an exhausted fog right after winning that he missed most of the champagne celebration, trophy photos and postgame party…
Then talked about Game 5 and 6. They felt they had the series after Game 3. The biggest shot of the series was Poole’s 3 at the end of Q3 Game 5 because BOS had taken the lead than then lost it again.
Chasing Rings... (7 ♡):
Also the HUGE difference from winning 3 Chips to winning a 4th (which I think we all felt as a collective unconscious)
Arash (15 ♡):
Guys, Poole averaged 23.4 points, 5.2 assists and 4.1 rebounds in 23 games after the All-Star Game this season. We have a straight up All Star coming off the bench and he's incredibly fun to watch as well.
How are we Warriors fans so lucky!
ServantOfLuna (13 ♡):
GP2 is known as "handcuffs" in China.
GlueAndBold (12 ♡):
I imagine this means a lot to him so I'm super happy for him.
Sabrina420-"Holy Cannoli." (10 ♡):
Summer League starts July 7th.
AfroBallers
@afroballers
Kuminga has been authorised to play for D.R Congo for the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers taking place from July 1st to 3rd in Egypt.
BadlyBrowned (10 ♡):
Obviously having a Top 10 guy All-Time helps tremendously.
But you don't have to be Top 10 all time great to be a superstar in the league, and it does seem like having a star is as close to a requirement you can get for a chip.
Hopefully at least one of Poole, Kuminga, Wiseman, Moody et al can bud into the next star, and once you find that star, you can focus your team build around them and match the talent around them.
I'm meantime, you just got to enjoy it. We are never gonna see another Curry, Klay, Dray team again, appreciate while it's here.
DFiB (9 ♡):
Winning championships is hard, and it's supposed to be hard. We should enjoy it while it lasts, it may not. The Warriors have now won the 3rd most NBA championships out of all the NBA teams, behind on the the Celtics & Lakers, and are one of only 11 NBA teams to even win 1.
I will enjoy this team with Steph, and be extremely happy that they're putting themselves in position to be successful going forward. Will they? Probably not, it's hard and a lot has to go right, including having a few superstars on the team.
Chasing Rings... (7 ♡):
I died 🤣
Underaged Jonathan Kuminga sneaking inside the Warriors party
Bonus
Never forget Jonathan Kuminga dunking on Chet Holmgren 👀
Dub Nation HQ Comments of Week, plus open thread
This whole "Kevin Durant wants to be traded to another team" drama is making me lose respect towards Durant. The Nets did everything to make him happy, but his team fell apart in the 2nd half of the season and got swept against the Celtics in the 1st round of the playoffs. And now he wants to be traded to a better team, preferably a team that went #1 in their respective conference last season (Suns and Heat). It feels like he wants to win the easy way.
Were the two rings and the two Finals MVPs during his stint with the Warriors not enough for him? Does he not know about what it takes to win a championship and how it requires more than just a bunch of talented players? It seems to me that Durant's got a lot of soul-searching to do.
I like Durant, but I don't want him around. He's a super-talented, super-troubled soul who will never be happy anywhere. He may contribute to a W but not to a team W, which is the ultimate Warriors bliss. I think it very unlikely that the Warriors may acquire him, but I check periodically just to make sure it hasn't happened. When can I stop worrying?