Dub Nation HQ Comments of Week, plus open thread

Bill Russell and JaMychal Green edition

Open thread

Use your powers for good not for ill

• Goofus (17 ♡):

  Warriors posted a short video of Moody returning to Little Rock with the trophy for a youth camp where kids had to read a certain number of books to attend. He seems like such a great kid and kind of Looney-esque; rapidly becoming one of my favorite personalities on the team.

• Nom De Sab (15 ♡):

  That's what you call...dominance.

  ᴊᴏꜱᴇ ☔️

  @KlayForTrey

  ·

  4h

  Active players with the most championships:

  1. Stephen Curry (4)

  2. Draymond Green (4)

  3. Klay Thompson (4)

  4. Andre Iguodala (4)

  5. LeBron James (4)

  6. Kevon Looney (3)

• kinbote (10 ♡):

  A post in solidarity with Brittney Griner. Shit, man.

• crusty quips (8 ♡):

  For anyone interested in getting to know one of our newest players Ryan Rollins a little better, there's a halfway decent interview that the new DubsTalk guy did with him that got released today. Talks about a number of topics such as how he chose to go to Toledo, getting drafted, the parts of his game he wants to improve on the most, favorite basketball movies, and the story behind some of his tattoos. Seems like a very nice young man who is all about basketball and who will get along well with our existing core. You can find the interview between 2:30 and 10:25 of this video:

Warriors Dynasty Drafting: Jacob Evans…

not great, Bob

• BadlyBrowned (11 ♡):

  Jacob Evans feels like the reason the Warriors don't buy into older high floor/low-ceiling types that can "contribute now" in the draft.

• Alas Phood Fight (10 ♡):

  On vaca, so this rough from memory. From 2013-2019, a 7 year window, if you added up all of the Warriors picks (not including Bell/McCaw beacause those picks were purchase) and got an average number, the Warriors ended up with the 37th pick for 7 years straight. Now, this was done assigning pick values using Tankathons pick value system, which is comparable to most pick value systems out there. Thus, it is a weighted system. Now mind you, this isn't 2 picks each draft. Over 7 years, using 'pick value', the Warriors averaged out getting a single player only each year at pick 37.

  And out of that 7 years, we got a starting Center who played 104 games last year and who was instrumental in a Championship (let's face it, Looney saved our bacon on multiple occasions) and a young up-and-comer who is everyone's 2023 favorite to win 6th man of the year award (who is a two-way player, by that I mean, regular season AND playoffs).

  For Bob Meyers, this is like being on Iron Chef, and instead of a well stocked pantry, you have to dumpster dive a 7/11 for the rest of your ingredients.

  Did we miss out on some players. Yeah. Just like 29 others teams missed out on Loon and Poole, both of whom are top 6 rotation guys on a dynastic championship team.

  There are certainly some swing-and-misses in this 7 years, and let's not forget Nemanja Nedovic. But Bob has 2 Panda like dingers, home runs hit on balls way out of the strike zone, in this window of time.

  For comparison (again from memory) in this same 7 year window, the PHI 76ers averaged out on pick value to the tune of drafting 3rd AND 27th EVERY YEAR for 7 straight years (they had 35 picks in that time frame). Their 2nd player average 10 spots higher than the Warriors single average pick.

  Just wanted to point this out, because when we look at the misses, we fail to appreciate the larger view, ie, the pitches we had to swing out vs the other teams in the league.

  But awesome article and detail on that pick history. Just did Monterey Bay Aquarium with kids yesterday. Incredible stuff. Wahoo. Have a great Wednesday everyone.

• ForeverFoyled (7 ♡):

  I agree with the assessment as well, they were all nice picks given the drafting position, other than Jacobs.

  For McCaw, it seems like a case where Iguodala's mentorship backfired. As you mentioned, he quickly proclaimed McCaw was going to be his successor. Knowing Andre, he probably hyped up to McCaw how much money he was going to get, and that he should strive to get what he deserves. I remember in an interview McCaw said he wanted to be the best basketball player in the world. Now, most NBA players may need to initially have that mentality to get where they are, I would expect at some point the goal becomes more realistic depending on your trajectory, like become an Iguodala or Klay.

  In the end McCaw took a kind of unprecedented risk that didn't work out well for either him or the team, so I think it's ok to be irritated still, though at this point of course there isn't the feeling like "wow I wish we still had McCaw"

• Goldarn Staid Worrier (5 ♡):

  Looking at the lists of players below our picks, the conclusion I draw is that picking late in the first/or in the second round is worse than a crap shoot. It’s a miracle that we ever got a decent player with these draws. To expect, nay demand, better outcomes is to ignore the reality that the quality difference drop off from the top picks to the middle picks to the later picks is a fall off a huge cliff, a bounce off the edge ala Homer Simpson, and then a vastly longer plunge into a rocky swirling tidal surge crowded with starving sharks. In other words: blood everywhere.

• John Butler (5 ♡):

  I think that Bell was overly cocky and self assured compared to his actual talent level. Esp. in his rookie year. I would guess that his player development process was hindered by his arrogance and lack of self awareness. Thus, IMO, only some, but not most of the reason he did not develop falls on the coaching staff.

• Chasing Rings... (4 ♡):

  [SteveKerr’sdoghouse] would make a mean username

• TwoRingTest (4 ♡):

  I think Jordan Bell was just immature. He did a lot of stuff (the Mike Brown hotel incident, throwing money around the room when he was drafted) that made him seem very much like a young teenager.

  That said, he seems like a decent enough guy. I remember him doing a Warrior community service event at a school. As I recall (I couldn't find the story) someone had stolen a piece of equipment from the school. He was so moved by it, he replaced the equipment out of his own pocket. And, he wasn't making all that much money.

  So, in my book, a good guy.

• ForeverFoyled (4 ♡):

  For your last point, that is kind of the silver-lining on the Evans mishap. Although it shouldn't factor into an analysis on how well they drafted, imagine if they had taken Brunson instead of Evans. Then later they probably either they don't take Poole, or they still take Poole but his development suffers because Brunson takes more of his minutes. And then Brunson leaves anyway because we can't afford him. So in a butterfly-effect way it all worked out.

  This also helps me accept the possibility of Wiseman being a bust (though still of course hoping that isn't the case!). Like, what if they had taken LaMelo... maybe then Poole or GP2 or whoever gets less playing time in the playoffs, and LaMelo does worse than they did do and the dubs don't end up winning it all. Of course, maybe they still win it all, but I guess it's just the whole "championship cures all" idea. Now that it's happened, you don't want to re-write the past and risk the butterfly burning it all down!

• kinbote (4 ♡):

  "The Panda Rule": Any analogy that brings up Pablo Sandoval increases the quality of a post by 50%.

• g8tgod (3 ♡):

  The McCaw situation was a huge lose-lose. What a waste. I'm surprised that the Cavs didn't get investigated/disciplined for their role in that one, as it seems like they were just in it to hurt the Ws.

  Bell is a waste of a different kind -- a promising young athlete who didn't seem to have the head/character for the game. Actually, maybe they're not so dissimilar. It's too bad; I still think he could play and contribute under different circumstances.

  Jones was what he was: a project who didn't really pan out for the Ws but eventually made himself into an NBA player. Good for him.

  In retrospect, the Warriors FO has drafted pretty well. It's almost like Bob Myers knows what he's doing.

JaMychal Green officially signs, has…

Promises to be a dog, and presumably not a cuddly pug type

• Trogdor (16 ♡):

  It still gets me every time I hear about a player who had options elsewhere but chose to come to the Warriors instead. I know we have a whole generation of Warriors fans growing up now who are just going to take it for granted that this is a destination team for FAs, but sometimes it's still hard for me to really process.

  This is why we should never forget the contributions of David Lee and Andre Iguodala; the first two *big named players to actually WANT to play for the Warriors.

  *Sure, neither were exactly superstars, but certainly bigger named players than we'd gotten previously.

• Dilly (14 ♡):

  I like this guy. Always impressed with him when he played for the Clips & Nuggets. Glad he's on the Dubs' side now. Also cool that's he has known Draymond since they were in the 8th grade - kind of amazing since Dray was in Michigan and JMG is from Alabama.

  I think JMG & DDV will fit in seamlessly in the scheme of things. Definitely an A for Bob & the FO's off-season grade.

• Goofus (12 ♡):

  DDV + JMG + Wiseman > GP2 + OPJ + Beli

  I think my math is right, and this doesn’t include anticipated progress from Poole, Moody and Kuminga, nor does it include the anticipated fewer games missed by Steph, Klay and Dray. Warriors are in great shape. If everyone can stay healthy, I’d pick them over the field were I a betting man.

• Five Alarm Freddy (12 ♡):

  I think the additions of DDV and JMG could be a plus if they can match the basketball IQ of OPJ and Beli. My only concern is can JW replace the size of GP2. We’ll have to wait and see…

• Sleepy Freud (12 ♡):

  OT:

Max @lissmx14

NBA 2021-22 Overall Defensive Leaders in Points per Possession (Regular Season + Playoffs, minimum 500 possessions defended)

• Check out #3. o_O

• Being (10 ♡):

  I'm more worried about not getting whistled for having only 4 players on the floor during the minutes to replace those where both Otto and Beli played.

• Eric Apricot (10 ♡):

  Ah good times.

  David Lee was a big breakthrough, though there was always the feeling that GSW overpaid a bit to get him. Andre was the big free agent who seemed to come entirely for the team (and Steph).

  As I remember, that summer all the talk was about GSW pursuing Dwight Howard (what a bullet dodged) and then suddenly Andre was announced

• DrumRollGyro (9 ♡):

  Always liked JMG. I’ve named him as a FA target for like the past three years lol, so it’s awesome to finally get to see him as a Dub. Makes my heart mend a bit from the pain of losing Wilt - I mean OPJ.

• Captain Jack (9 ♡):

  I'm feeling pretty confident about this roster's chances of defending the title. We'll see what our youngins bring but it feels good to know we're legit 8 deep without including any kids that can't drink yet.

  By the way, did DDV ever get a legit introduction press conference? I just remember the phone clips of him standing in front of some wall.

• Abaddon (8 ♡):

  Warriors @ Spurs 2016 2nd to last game of the season popped up on my youtube feed:

• . A little overshadowed by win #73 and then the Finals loss, and by the Spurs flaming out against the Thunder, but this was a win over a Spurs team that:

  - was 39-0 at home (finished 40-1)

  - had the best point differential in the league (neck and neck with the Warriors)

  - ended up winning 67 games

  - featured prime Kawhi Leonard

  And it was on the back end of a back to back in Memphis that the Warriors squeaked out by only a point.

  A lot of memories here, Steph with some ridiculous shots; my favorite being near the end of the game starting at 20:23 that leaves the (Spurs) announcers in awe.

• Sleepy Freud (8 ♡):

  D Green, Wiggins, Looney, Kuminga, J Green, Wiseman.

  Zero complaints with that big man corps.

• Kenny Nonymous (7 ♡):

  I have always felt strongly JMG has dug-in deep in the NBA trenches for years, fighting and hustling and always working hard for rebounds, steals, blocks, and doing all manner of determinately-doggish deeds, indeeds, if needs be. He has always seemed a consummate professional on the teams for which he's played, no matter his role. I see him working as a veteran w Ron Adams et al. on footwork, having rebound competitions in games with Draymond, and him, Steph, Klay, Poole, and ? having 3-pt shooting contests after practice! I'm trying/failing real hard not walking around with a sheepish grin, thinking of JK, JW, or PBJ flying in for a ferocious dunk fed by a brilliant no-look pass from, say, Ryan Rollins, or McClung??? #thechamps #warriorsinvitational #dnhqrulesok?

Dub Nation HQ Comments of Week, plus open…

navigating clickbait edition

• Nom De Sab (17 ♡):

  95.7 The Game

  @957thegame

  JaMychal Green on his role with the Warriors: “Be a dog. Do the dirty work. Help Draymond out with the dirty work.” 💯

• GlueAndBold (14 ♡):

  Fuck racists!

• ThankyouDubs (13 ♡):

  I admire Bill Russell more for what he did off the court than on. Pre-civil rights bill, when states deemed segregation legal, he walked fearlessly with MLK Jr to help end it. He supported Muhammed Ali when the public pilloried him for conscientiously objecting his draft. Would Curry or any superstar, besides Kaepernick, have the courage to do the same? None have demonstrated THAT level of courage or cultural consciousness. Rest in peace Mr Russell. Your championships off the court were more spectacular than on.

• FromMunichWithLove (13 ♡):

  I‘m on holiday in Rhodes, Greece and whose jersey are they selling in the small shops in the old town center?? Messi, Ronaldo … and Steph! (For 15 € so not quite NBA approved 😆)

• Run_TMC (13 ♡):

  Just came here to post this. Not a Celtics fan, and especially not a fan of them boasting about all their early championships when there were only 8 (or whatever) teams and players had to work jobs in the offseason, BUT ...

  Russell was the man! A leader and a winner on and off the court. Q quality person all the days of his life (major understatement but I don't have the words for a proper statement) and he has earned my respect and, hopefully, the rest of the world's as well!

• Nom De Sab (12 ♡):

  Link TW: Extreme cruelty and racism 💔.

  RIP Bill Russell.

austin walker @austin_walker

What was Bill Russell's life like while he was racking up 11 rings? His daughter writes:

• /photo/1

• tempprofile (12 ♡):

  It not only still happens, there is a major political party that caters to racists seeing an opportunity when the opposing party decided to stop catering to them. Racism and religious bigotry, they never get old.

• GlueAndBold (11 ♡):

  The story of how MLK convinced her to stay in the role is amazing. From Wikipedia:

  ---

  On Star Trek, Nichols was one of the first Black women featured in a major television series. Her prominent supporting role as a bridge officer was unprecedented.[2] Nichols was once tempted to leave the series; however, a conversation with Martin Luther King Jr. changed her mind. Towards the end of the first season, Nichols was given the opportunity to take a role on Broadway. She preferred the stage to the television studio, so she decided to take the role. Nichols went to Roddenberry's office, told him that she planned to leave, and handed him her resignation letter. Roddenberry tried to convince Nichols to stay but to no avail, so he told her to take the weekend off and if she still felt that she should leave then he would give her his blessing. That weekend, Nichols attended a banquet that was being run by the NAACP, where she was informed that a fan really wanted to meet her.[19]

  "I thought it was a Trekkie, and so I said, 'Sure.' I looked across the room and whoever the fan was had to wait because there was Dr. Martin Luther King walking towards me with this big grin on his face. He reached out to me and said, 'Yes, Ms. Nichols, I am your greatest fan.' He said that Star Trek was the only show that he, and his wife Coretta, would allow their three little children to stay up and watch. [She told King about her plans to leave the series because she wanted to take a role that was tied to Broadway.] I never got to tell him why, because he said, 'you cannot, you cannot...for the first time on television, we will be seen as we should be seen every day, as intelligent, quality, beautiful, people who can sing dance, and can go to space, who are professors, lawyers." Dr. King Jr went further stating "If you leave, that door can be closed because your role is not a black role, and is not a female role; he can fill it with anybody even an alien.""

  King personally encouraged her to stay on the series, saying she "could not give up" because she was playing a vital role model for Black children and young women across the country, as well as for other children who would see Black people appearing as equals, going so far as to favorably compare her work on the series to the marches of the ongoing civil rights movement.[2][20][21][22] This response by King left Nichols speechless, allowing her to realize how important to the civil rights movement her role was, and the next day she went back to Roddenberry's office to tell him that she would stay. When she told Roddenberry what King had said, tears came to his eyes. Nichols asked Roddenberry for her role back and Roddenberry took out her resignation letter, which he had already torn up.

• Alas Phood Fight (10 ♡):

  Bill Russel And Nichelle Nichols (aka the one and only original Uhura of Star Trek fame).

  Two trail blazers in their own right. They were both champions in life. They broke down barriers as daunting and oppressive as the Tholian Web. They were beacons for generation and even Next Generations. They went up against Klingons and Wilt Chamberlain and prevailed against all odds. They both boldly went where no one had gone before. Bill will be remembered forever, his name evoked each time a Championship is won, a trophy raised in triumph by the MVP of the series. Nichelle will be remembered for kissing another Bill, our Rocket Man William Shatner, a cinematic backboard shattering slam dunk if there ever was one.

  Godspeed. I am honored to have lived in their time and to have been a witness to their honor, truth and value. They will be missed.