Dub Nation HQ Comments of Week, plus open thread
Dub Nation HQ Comments of Week, plus open thread
Helpful hint: Every commenter’s name is a link that leads back to the original comment.
Helpful hint: Every commenter’s name is a link that leads back to the original comment.
Warriors Dynasty Drafting: James Wiseman…
Annoying incomplete
Eric Apricot (9 ♡):
Maybe, but my basic feeling is that it’s a much worse outcome to get nothing from a #2 pick than a #48 pick. (Yes, I am still hopeful that Wiseman will turn out to be a wonderful player.)
Goofus (8 ♡):
I’m giving him an “incomplete” and remain relatively bullish on Wiseman based on his circumstances.
Given his arrival with such a limited college career, followed by no summer league or training camp because of Covid, followed by multiple injuries, I don’t know if David Robinson or Hakeem Olajuwon would have fared any better.
Assuming health this season, I’m looking for improvement from one month to the next. He’s had plenty of time to develop a good understanding of the team’s offense and defense and his role. I’d compare it to learning to drive; he’s done the book-studying, but hasn’t been unable to spend much actual time behind the wheel. The biggest thing will be to see if his decision-making starts to look more organic and less robotic…as well as him just having fun out there. I thought we saw glimpses of that in Summer League, so I was encouraged.
Chasing Rings... (7 ♡):
I like to think PBJ tanked his college career to land with the Warriors
Freddie (7 ♡):
About LaMelo I think the DeAngelo Russell Experience next to Steph showed the limit of having another PG in Golden State offense, different from Jordan Poole.
LaMelo dribbles, dribbles, dribbles. Doesn't play or move without the ball, doesn't set screens for Klay and Steph, is not a reliable shooter (now, in 2022) and is not a good defensive player
Drafting LaMelo, we would have lost Poole one year ago and never seen him becoming a superstar
Being (7 ♡):
This grade is gonna change from an F to an A. Wiseman Island is gonna be as packed as Wiggins Island by the end of the season.
Just you wait.
Trogdor (7 ♡):
DNHQ, unquestionably the online forum with the greatest combination of gold-bloodedness and knowledgeable analysis on the internets gives the Warriors a failing grade for their drafting of James Wiseman.
*Somehow* the article is printed out and slipped under the door of Wiseman's hotel room while the team is in Japan. James reads it, and after weeping uncontrollably for several hours emerges from his room with a fire in his eyes and sense of determination unknown to man. He then proceeds to tear through the league during the regular season and playoffs, helping the team earn back-to-back championships and solidifying himself as a star of the future.
In completely unrelated news, some company named "Aric Epricot LLC" based out of the Cayman Islands has been buying up all of the real estate on Wiseman Island on the cheap. Huh, I wonder what that's all about.
Eric Apricot (7 ♡):
The company is actually called PumpEnDump Ltd and it is a completely legitimate business trading molasses
Asher B. (7 ♡):
I understand the logic as written out, but in no universe can I agree that wiseman could be a worse pick/grade. than Mannion. I think you may be over complicating things. Wiseman is a pretty good basketball player, relative to the NBA average. Nico … isn’t.
Mr.Plow (7 ♡):
Haliburton was absolutely the pick. Absolutely seemless fit as a switchable defender with great passing chops, shooting, high BBIQ and an incredibly low ego. Maybe he didnt have the ceiling of a Lamelo or Wiseman but, as we've seen with guys like Oubre, fit is so much more important for this team than raw ability
Arash (6 ♡):
Y'all taking about buying up real estate on Wiseman island, when I'm already a landlord in Baldwin City!!
AttilaTheHun (6 ♡):
I agree with an Incomplete for Wiseman but if you are giving Jessup a C for never even making the roster and Mannion a C for a few minutes of garbage time, not even sure he could stick in the league, and then gone to Italy, then an F for Wiseman is inappropriate. Stick with the Incomplete.
crusty quips (6 ♡):
As much as I believe in Wiseman's future, I'm fine with this F/Incomplete grade for now. If the world were to end tomorrow, Wiseman's career relative to his draft position would be a bitter disappointment. Thankfully, the world wont end tomorrow, and I expect this grade to skyrocket in the next couple of years as JW continues to grow into his frame and develop his big man skills. He has the organizational support, the athletic gifts, and the mentality to be great. My money is on him putting it together and on those who have prematurely written him off as a bust already having to eat a large humble pie. Not saying that Apricot is one of those people, but they know who they are.
Benvolio (6 ♡):
F-Grade: the classic move of negative PR to tank a stock… only to buy up the shares on the down-low, pennies on the dollar. The resorts lining the crystal blue lagoons of Wiseman Island will be painted Apricot-orange in the end.
jeckyllhouse (5 ♡):
Kuminga highlight reel from international play; he had 18 points on 4/15 FG, 0/7 threes, 10/12 FT; + 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block
(10/12 from the line is nice, but showing the free throw attempts in the highlight reel is nasty stuff)
tempprofile (5 ♡):
It is encouraging as Kuminga was having all sorts of problems with free throws in the summer league. It looks like he has been working on it.
Nom De Sab (5 ♡):
It took Looney a lot of seasons to become the player he is. The difference in the narrative of course is that Looney was drafted 30th overall and Wiseman was drafted second overall. Is there really any reason not to believe that Looney's ceiling will be Wiseman's floor this season? I mean it's a start right?
tempprofile (5 ♡):
That's true, but the grade should be moderated somewhat by the fact that the 2020 draft class has been pretty underwhelming so far. The 2 guys drafted after Wiseman that stick out by VORP are Ball and Haliburton. I was all in on the Warriors trading down and trying to get Haliburton as a Shaun Livingston replacement, and we all suspect the Warriors were as well but apparently there was no deal to be had. Hopefully Wiseman can be healthy this season and prove that it wasn't a mistake.
Open thread: rewatching Grizzlies G1 & G2
wild games
belilaugh (12 ♡):
> In Baldwin’s limited time with the team, he has impressed with his basketball intellect and performances in individual workouts as he continues to recover from an ankle injury that cut his freshman season at Wisconsin-Milwaukee short. “I’ve been shocked by what I’ve seen in an exciting way,” one Warriors staffer said.
> Despite Baldwin’s setbacks, the team is already noticing his high level of confidence and professionalism.
> He has a long way to go, but the Warriors believe he can develop into a special player within their system.
> “He’s an exciting prospect,” one staffer said. “Very exciting.”
There is a world where PBJ is the best prospect on the Warriors. I'm not saying it's the world we live in just yet...but I'm not ruling it out either.
Nom De Sab (10 ♡):
The only team in NBA history...besides the Bulls. Allegedly.
WarriorsMuse
@WarriorsMuse
The Warriors are the only team in NBA History to defeat the MVP, DPOY, and MIP in the same Playoff run.
tempprofile (7 ♡):
Hard to believe, but somehow the Lakers managed to get older.
Chasing Rings... (5 ♡):
I just want to say I love you all
Nom De Sab (5 ♡):
NBACentral
@TheNBACentral
Pat Bev’s arrival makes it more likely that Westbrook will be off the active roster by the start of training camp, per
@jovanbuha
“either through a trade or the team sending him home a la the Rockets with John Wall last season, according to a source close to the situation”😳
g8tgod (5 ♡):
I know it won't happen, but wouldn't it be hilarious if the fanbase went away, and the team had to move... back to Seattle?
GlueAndBold (10 ♡):
You say hilarious, but I read it as awesome
Nom De Sab (5 ♡):
That is a million times better than having to do an expansion draft.
Night Night (4 ♡):
Emerald City represent!!!!
Give us our damn team back!!!
Nom De Sab (4 ♡):
They gave up Caruso for THT and now THT for Beverly. Sounds about Lakers.
belilaugh (4 ♡):
I don't think it makes them worse
Being (3 ♡):
Thoughts...
"Though the Warriors still don’t know what kind of production to expect from the 21-year-old center, or which lineup combinations in which he fits best, they remain confident that he’s on track to reach his potential."
That is a HUGE statement, and if the staff actually said that, it's a huge vote of confidence. Not just on-track, but "on track to reach his potential?" Wow.
"JaMychal Green arrives in San Francisco fully bought in to the culture and system. Because of that, the Warriors believe he’ll be a quick learner and an important contributor."
This bodes well for JMG's fit into the team. Reminds me of Bjeli quotes last pre-season.
'In Baldwin’s limited time with the team, he has impressed with his basketball intellect and performances in individual workouts as he continues to recover from an ankle injury that cut his freshman season at Wisconsin-Milwaukee short. “I’ve been shocked by what I’ve seen in an exciting way,” one Warriors staffer said.'
It looks like PBJ island is starting to surface from below the waves.
On why we hate LA
g8tgod (8 ♡):
Why do I hate the Lakers?
- The Bay Area vs. LA rivalry.
- Laker fans are entitled -- major frontrunners who arrive late and leave early to beat the traffic.
- They were perennial contenders who seemed to have a major edge in free agency, as other players wanted the glitz, the weather, the chance to get a ring.
- In the early days of free agency, they stole Jamaal Wilkes. No, I haven't forgotten.
- I loved watching the Lakers play during the Kareem-Magic era (Showtime), but hated them (except when they played the Celtics, whom I also hated). I also hated them during the Kobe-Shaq era; they were just so dominant, even when they were feuding.
- The LeBron Lakers won that weird, semi-legit bubble championship and had the gall to claim that it should be considered /more/ impressive than a regular championship.
- But it's not just LeBron (though I will admit to not liking him to succeed). It's all of the above and probably other stuff I left out.
Goldarn Staid Worrier (8 ♡):
I live in San Francisco. When I moved here I had to sign a contract guaranteeing that I would always hate Southern California teams. Hating Sacramento teams is purely optional.
crusty quips (6 ♡):
I hate all sports teams from LA with a fiery passion, personally.
alicat (4 ♡):
I started out as a Giants fan (from age eight!) while growing up in L.A. - always hated the Dodgers and Dodger Stadium and their horrible fans. This translated to basketball once I became a Warriors fan in the We Believe era...and since Kobe Bryant was easy to hate (for me! not speaking for anyone else) this was easily sustained for quite a long time. Have LeWhine on the Lakers is just the icing on the cake as far as I'm concerned.
ForeverFoyled (3 ♡):
My perspective as someone who grew up in the bay area but has lived in San Diego for 20ish years
- there is the whole "norcal vs socal" idea that generally creates a rivalry
- in fact it's not really norcal vs socal as much as all cal vs LA. In San Diego a lot of people are very anti-LA. And I don't think anyone in SF really hate the Padres, even though they are also division rivals. Could just be because they Padres are usually terrible. But even from the Padres side they seem to hate the Dodgers way more than the Giants. Of course the Chargers are now in LA, but at least during their SD tenure I never felt like they were a particularly hated team other than just necessary division rivalry with Raiders.
- Lakers in particular, I wasn't really old enough to have an opinion on the showtime Lakers. I remember first hating them in the Shaq/Kobe era. It's hard to say exactly why, I guess because they were doing well, there is a fairly large amount of people throughout CA who are their fans, and not being a fan yourself, that is annoying. It's not like you are going to see Spurs jerseys on a daily basis out and about. But you would see Lakers stuff always. And it's annoying. Kobe was fairly easy to hate and Shaq coming willingly compare to like Webber fleeing as fast as possible didn't really feel fair. It did feel like a one way rivalry though -- like all those people in Lakers gear, I'm not sure if they knew the Warriors were even a team. Which just made it worse.
'22 Season Review: How Andrew Wiggins…
Wiggins Island is officially the home of a champion.
crusty quips (18 ♡):
Couldn't be happier for Wiggins and the success he had this year. I wasn't excited when the Warriors traded for him, primarily due to perceived attitude issues. That lasted about one game, the first game he played for GSW against the Lakers when he had 24 points and 5 steals and guarded LeBron for the majority of the contest. And sure, one could say that he should have been expected to put up decent numbers as the best player on that iteration of the Warriors but he showed a level of effort that I never really saw from him when the Warriors would play with the Wolves. He won me over in his first couple of weeks with the team, when he seemed genuinely excited to be here even during a season where the Warriors were the worst team in the league.
His fit with the team is still underrated, IMO. We talk a lot about how the greatness of the Warriors' championship core is in part due to how seamlessly the big 3 of Steph-Klay-Dray complement each other, in their playing ability as well as their mentality. Andy showed this past season that he also fits just as seamlessly with those guys in both of those categories. He brings the athleticism and secondary scoring they lack at times as well as the low-key and unassuming attitude which allows him to either defer to his superstar teammates or to temporarily take the lead, whatever the situation requires. There's no mystery as to why he has become a favorite of the coaching staff as well as the players when you consider his physical and mental versatility. The dude is solid as a rock and he can flow like water.
I think Trogdor made a thought out and well-reasoned case as to why Andrew would be the odd man out when difficult contract decisions need to be made, but I still have a hard time seeing the Dubs not try very hard to keep Wiggins in the fold. He just fits this team too well. I hope we get to see that megawatt smile on the team photos of several more Warriors titles. He's been a joy to watch.
I also appreciate him getting the vaccine at the beginning of the season and not becoming a sideshow like Kyrie, even though he didn't want to take it. He didn't change his skeptical opinion towards the vaccine and he still wishes he hadn't gotten it according to a recent interview, and some may judge him on that. That's their prerogative but as far as I'm concerned, actions speak louder than words and when it came time to act, he set aside his own personal misgivings for the good of the team and their chances to compete for a title. Now there is a pro's pro.
Five Alarm Freddy (15 ♡):
What a crazy year for him. The All Star selection and "BamBam backlash," the series of lethal poster dunks he sprinkled about (mostly on KAT), his super steady play throughout, and then when it was needed most in the playoffs he turned the Wigg-nition key and the rest is history. So happy for him.
Night Night (12 ♡):
OH MY GOD I JUST REALIZED WHY MINNESOTA TRADED FOR GOBERT.
Just watched the highlights of Wiggins dunking all over KAT. And then everything was so clear: The Timberwolves traded 5 players and 5 picks just to prevent Wiggins from dunking on KAT.
The Timberwolves paid more for Gobert than KD could get for his recent trade request, just to keep Wiggins from dunking all over their entire team.
And by these very precise calculations: Wiggins is more valuable than KD.
...
Wait, does that mean... Does that mean that the Mavericks picked up Christian Wood to prevent Wiggins from dunking all over Luka Dončić??
Is Wiggins changing the game???
EDIT FOR LINKS:
VS MINNIE:
VS MAVS:
stopnpop (12 ♡):
I have to also mention a couple things:
* Wiggs was spending a LOT of time full-court pressing and wearing out his opponent. This is usually something you only see from reserve defensive specialists, not starters playing 35 minutes a game in the playoffs.
* When not counting early offense or late shot clock attempts, he was 9/19 from three in the Finals and 22 of 55 overall in the playoffs. (nba.com tracking stats)
Janet (9 ♡):
What a wonderful article. It is SO much fun to relive Wiggins’ success and his pure joy as a Warrior. OT: The price of a ticket in Chicago for the Warriors-Bulls game on January 15th? $400 to $10,000 for lower level seats. What?????? I don’t know how I’m going to do it but somehow, some way, I vow to be inside the United Center on that Sunday afternoon!!!
Trogdor (8 ♡):
The acquisition of Andrew Wiggins was critical for the Golden State Warriors as they won their fourth championship in eight years.
Sometimes truth really is stranger than fiction.
DFiB (8 ♡):
My empty soul is now overflowing with goldbloodedness… this should hold me over till training camp
Goldarn Staid Worrier (8 ♡):
Awesome summary. Truth!
Wiggins should be Kuminga’s model for contributing on both ends.
TwoRingTest (7 ♡):
Stellar defense, great rebounding, shooting that comes and goes, but works very well within the Warriors offense, no ego, and a million volt smile.
I so hope we can find a way to keep him. He's been my favorite Dub practically since he stepped off of the plane.
GlueAndBold (6 ♡):
So, he's lava.
Backpack23 (5 ♡):
Such a fun discussion. Wiggs deserves all the praise. He really showed up and was a difference maker in the championship run. I’m going to really enjoy cheering for him this season and enjoy every minute he’s in a dubs uniform effortlessly levitating his way to a rebound.
Already praying to the CBA gods. Please let us keep him
Hookshot Holly (5 ♡):
Short take: if we have to choose between he and Poole it's tough. He's a plus defender while guarding the best in the game. His offense is usually good, sometimes great. If his rebounding and general focus stays where it was in the playoffs, and ownership won't keep him and Poole, I think Poole is the odd man out. Wiggins is 27 and has the best 6 years of his career ahead, and he fits great with the old man core. Good thing we have another full season with both of them before we have to worry too much, and a great chance at another big gold trophy!
Stefano Gelati (4 ♡):
Nico Mannion 11 pts 9 ast against Ukraine yesterday.
Klaymatic37 (4 ♡):
Agree for the most part.
What is unquie about Poole is that if the warriors are to keep motion offense alive beyond Steph, he's the key.
Kuminga and Wiseman would have to show tremendous growth to not steer the offense in an iso heavy direction.
Can management just go with the scorched earth approach and pay everyone? Lol, dubs would probably get 2-3 of the next 4 chips if they do so and health permits.
Bel (4 ♡):
Wiggins and the Warriors were truly in a symbiotic relationship this past season where everyone benefitted from each other. Next year, I hope Wiggins and Lacob remember that when his contract is up.
Sleepy Freud (4 ♡):
It’s not just about what Dray wants, tho: it’s also about what kind of a market he’ll even have at 33. Another season where he misses nearly half the season with scary back issues and has no 3 ball to speak of and my sense is — in his mid 30s— he could easily be looking more at MLE-type offers than the max extension he’s reportedly seeking.
The whole “is it Wiggins or Poole or Draymond???” thing is a canard dreamt up by bored off-season pundits, tho. We have no idea if the front office is actually thinking that way; and between potential developments in the CBA and the health/performance of the guys in question (and their potential young replacements), there are way too many variables new between now and next summer to even hazard a guess at what the Ws might or should do.
TLDR: let’s enjoy the present!
Open thread: rewatch some close games to wrap…
Some highlights for your day
Eric Apricot (5 ♡):
Current thing on NBA Twitter is to ask non-fans to name 5 NBA players. Idea is to see who is REALLY a "household name".
After viewing the evidence I can safely say the only current players who qualify are Steph and LeBron, period.
With honorable mention for players like Booker and Tristan Thompson who have dated and optionally cheated on Kardashians.
Eric Apricot (12 ♡):
“Best player in the game” is precisely as vaguely defined as “Honorary Warriors For Life”, so I won’t get into that but the whole “household name” discussion gave me a new perspective.
In my opinion, each NBA era gets defined by its household name players (and there are only really one or two per era), at least since the 80s. Yes, for NBA nerds, we can dice it fine or asterisk this or that, but for most people it’s:
1980s roughly: Bird and Magic era
1990s: Jordan era
2000s: Kobe and Shaq era
And in the future, this time will be remembered as
2010s: LeBron and Steph era (or Steph and LeBron era)
Which is pretty f’ing amazing considering a few years back we were just grateful his ankle was holding up and annoyed that David Lee got the 2013 All-Star appearance over him
Sleepy Freud (8 ♡):
[On Monte not liking Jordan] He just couldn’t handle not being Best Poole.
Goofus (8 ♡):
I’ve always said that if you put Gasol in this coach’s system, it would pack quite a punch: KERR-PAU!
Abaddon (6 ♡):
Trogdor (5 ♡):
Haha, when I was a kid and found out that the "victory" t-shirts for losing Finals/Superb Owl/World Series teams ended up in other countries I thought it was pretty funny.
I've always thought it would be funny to write a book where one of the characters who came across such a trove of t-shirts as a kid, having no other expose to the NFL at the time, became a devout fan of four time Super Bowl champions, the Buffalo Bills.
WGBC (5 ♡):
In the Philippines, 100M NBA fans, it's all about these players in this order; Jordan (mostly because of the jumpman logo), Lebron, Kobe, Curry, Irving, Giannis, Wade, Rose (why Rose?)
These MVPs barely exist; Jokic, Harden, Westbrook, Nowitzki, Nash, Duncan, Iverson, Shaq
The most popular team is wherever Lebron plays, 2nd is the recent title winner, then Lakers, Warriors, Cavs, Bulls, Bucks, Heat. PBA teams aren't location specific, so they are accustomed to constantly switching allegiances.
On Kuminga’s work ethic
Asher B. (9 ♡):
Kuminga says predictable things about everything. He learned sports-interview-speak a long time ago. All he says in most interviews is "Just keep working on my game, try to get better each and every day." Listen for it, he'll say it next time. Similarly, he'll say what he said about Kyrie about every vet. I find it meaningless, in that context.
Sleepy Freud (5 ♡):
Kyrie’s issues — narcissism, general weirdness, pretentiousness, e.g. — are not really things you teach. Kyrie’s elite ball skills and shooting can be taught, at least to some degree.
Not even slightly worried about this “news,” such it is. I actually kinda love the idea of JK working out with Kyrie. If he can hone his shooting and handle to even 70% of Kyrie level, he could be a superstar.
Asher B. (8 ♡):
I think there's focus and discipline, which Kuminga has, and then there's NBA SUPERSTAR LEVEL FOCUS AND DISCIPLINE, which it seems he has not yet shown. I'll buy that. One of my theories is that the challenge has not been appropriate to his abilities. It's like me prepping for a sixth grade math test. Sure, I could review the material, but I have the confidence/arrogance to presume I don't need to bother. I suspect the same is true for Kuminga. A challenge for the coaching staff is to put him in pressure situations where he learns just how important the work is. Because we all, including him, know that hard work pays off. But it's one thing when that's theoretical and another when they say "This series you'll be guarding Giannis and we need you to slow him down and score 25 a game." Now that would wake him up... And we've also seen even with hardworking superstars that they need to learn what true hard work is. Apparently both Steph and Klay learned to commit themselves on defense at the 2014 FIBA. If true, it illustrates the point that we might think we're working hard, but there's a next level. Kuminga needs that moment, is my take.
Trogdor (7 ♡):
I think there's a big difference between being a hard worker and being a professional. I don't think there is any doubt that Kuminga is a hard worker. The kid shaped his game after Kobe from watching Youtube videos. That's impressive. You don't get where he is without having worked really hard.
The next step is becoming a professional. This involves knowing how to carry yourself, how to approach the game and preparation, how to come motivated every day and to every practice, etc.
A lack of professionalism can come across as a lack of work ethic, although the two things are connected but separate. My guess is that Kuminga (a kid still) is still learning how to be a professional. This can be hard when you take a teenager and make them a millionaire with adoring fans.
The good news is that professionalism is much more easily learned than is a good work ethic in the first place. If the Warriors keep the vets around him, give him the support he needs, etc. then I'm not too worried about this aspect.
Sleepy Freud (6 ♡):
A bunch of people in this thread have been saying (or intimating) that he doesn’t work hard.
Whatever — I’m fine with the hate, since (a) it means he’s intriguing and on the national radar enough for guys like Stephen A to hate on him; and (b) to the extent that he needs any more motivation, it should motivate him to shut people up. (See Stephen Curry 2022, e.g.)
stopnpop (6 ♡):
For me, it's something to keep an eye on but not really that worrisome yet. I remember Steph saying something along the lines of "when I was that age, I was just looking for frat parties". I know it feels like sweeping the problem under the rug, especially with an equally young but more mature Moody on the same team, but I really do feel like "he's not even 20" is really all it is... for now.
crusty quips (6 ♡):
I'm not going to claim that SAS doesn't have any sources as he does seem to be plugged in with some players and some team staffers and execs. That being said, I'll believe these rumors when they are reported by someone like Thompson or Slater. The kid is still not of legal drinking age and we see this too often in NBA (and general sports) reporting where youth and inexperience are painted as a lack of focus and discipline.
We get this same thing with Wiseman too with the random reporting that he isn't really into basketball, when all reports from the team and from reporters plugged in with the team seem to indicate the exact opposite. The fact that national guys like SAS don't have to share their sources mean that we don't know if these rumors even come from someone currently with the Warriors or not.
Backpack23 (5 ♡):
Definitely legs to this claim by SAS, but should we be worried about it? I’m thinking no. The guy is young, so he’s going to get things wrong in terms of preparation and commitment. He’s still learning. And he may never learn to be as committed as JP, as reliable as Moody, or in love with the game as Wise is. He is so physically talented, he can probably not be as good as those guys in those aspects and still be an amazing player (see James Harden as an example)
Dub Nation HQ Comments of Week, plus open…
a little bit of everything
Sleepy Freud (8 ♡):
Kerr’s .732 career playoff winning percentage is only the best in NBA history by a mile. Top 5 all-time (min. 100 playoff games coached):
.732 Steve Kerr
.688 Phil Jackson
.639 Billy Cunningham
.606 Pat Riley
.599 Gregg Popovich
Stefano Gelati (8 ♡):
Nico Mannion:
Yesterday: 16 pts (against Jokic)
Today: 22 min, 20 pts, 5 ast, 2 stl (against Czech rep.)
And now World Cup qualif. and European cup
I have here a juicy ‘told you so’ ready…..
Alas Phood Fight (7 ♡):
Durant didn't ask for Kerr to be fired. If that doesn't get you into the Top Ten, what does?
Eric Apricot (6 ♡):
Goes to enjoy a nice family trip and end up getting “night night”d by your own bro playing cards. It’s rough out here 😞😴😞
Aaannnd1 (6 ♡):
Joe Viray on Curry and the inverted screen:
g8tgod (6 ♡):
This is apropos of nothing, but in the recent ESPN predictions about the 22-23 post-season awards, how can Steve Kerr not end up in the top TEN candidates for coach of the year? The guy has coached /the/ dynasty of this era -- a team with six finals appearances and four championships. He coached a record-setting 73-9 season. He coached the bounce-back season after the loss in the finals after leading 3-1. He coached them through the addition and integration of Durant, the discontent in the middle of that super team, and the aftermath of his departure and the injuries that robbed us of Durant, Thompson, and Curry for a time. He coached the two-timelines Warriors to a championship, managing a veteran core late in its prime alongside a group of up-and-coming lottery picks and other talented youngsters.
Yet he's considered less likely than Chris Finch and Darvin Ham? I'm curious how he can be behind Taylor Jenkins. He's supposedly behind Michael Malone, Jason Kidd, and Ime Udoka -- all of whom his team just defeated in the run to another title? How do Ty Lue and Doc Rivers end up ahead of him? What does the guy have to do to get his due?
Goofus (6 ♡):
Rightly or not, there might be a feeling outside WarriorsLand that Kerr has enough awards, rings and recognition to last a lifetime.
Goofus (6 ♡):
I was pretty happy for myself seeing some comments here, then remembered it’s summer, where the stats don’t count and the competition is suspect.
DubPHan (5 ♡):
Baseball and golf would become pointless without satellite ball tracking and jet packs for all players. Come to think of it, that might make both sports go from boring to cool af!
Alas Phood Fight (5 ♡):
Lunar Klay. I can't wait.
DFiB (4 ♡):
Sounds good. I'm readying myself to completely overreact after they all play a game.
Ja made 3 of his first 7 3PA?!??! MVP lock, bro!
Chasing Rings... (4 ♡):
Days until the season starts tracker: 59
TwoRingTest (4 ♡):
But, only 34 till training camp starts (Sept. 24) ... I imagine we'll have stuff to chew on soon after (training camp film, media days, etc.)
Eric Apricot (4 ♡):
Trying to remember when Steph played at Kezar for the Summer Pro-Am in 2014(?)… my memory is that Steph’s playing was an unconfirmed rumor that spread that morning, then you had to line up to get a number (this part is fuzzy in my head) and then come back later. When the game started, there weren’t that many people there and I had my pick of seats on the lower level diagonals. It eventually filled up, and Steph after a slow casual start gave a tremendous performance.
Gary Payton II induction ceremony as Honorary…
Not a head-scratcher
Sleepy Freud (15 ♡):
Word.
2022 playoffs v Boston’s vaunted D:
Giannis 30.5 pts per 36 on .516 TS
Curry 30.0 pts per 36 on .626 TS
In other words, Curry scored **22 points per 100 possessions** more than Giannis, on similar volume. You wanna know why the Celtics kicked Milwaukee’s asses (+7.9 ppg) while getting their asses kicked by GS (-4.0)? Look no further than the fact that the alpha scorer on one team used his possessions wildly efficiently, while the other did so inefficiently.
Reminds me of the 2015 Finals — where the mainstream pundits all washed LeBron’s balls and said (and continue to say) he deserved the freaking FMVP for chucking up a zillion shots at piss-poor efficiency: an atrocious .477 TS to Steph’s .585. Again, it wasn’t just a freaking coincidence that Steph’s team totally rolled LeBron’s that year. Using your offensive possessions efficiently (and preventing the opponent from doing same) is actually how you win ballgames in the NBA.
Fwiw, I love Giannis and am fine with him at #1 or #1a/1b with Steph in the overall ranking. And LeBron is obviously amazing, probably the GOAT when you factor in longevity. I’m just irritated at how people still default to our grandparents’ stats like PPG while totally ignoring efficiency — which ultimately ends up being a big kick in the nuts to Steph, who’s the most efficient regular season and playoff scorer of all-time. I mean how often do mainstream pundits even note that rather key fact about Steph? It’s like all you hear is the bullshit talking point that Steph “saved his legacy” by finally winning the FMVP.
/end rant
achiappanza (13 ♡):
This year the NBA introduced the MVP award for the Conference Finals, and the inaugural winners were Stephen Curry and Jayson Tatum.
The people at Thinking Basketball did a podcast (4 part) deciding who they (and their Discord group) thought would have won those awards if they existed all the way back to 2000.
When they finished the West, they had awarded Curry all five of the MVPs from the 2015-2019 run. Added to the real one this year, he has six and the nearest contender has four (Kobe).
I wish every nutball who claimed that Steph shrinks in big games would listen to this: https://is.gd/Ig7rPi
Nom De Sab (12 ♡):
SplashBrosMuse
@SplashBrosMuse
Jordan Poole working with Steph’s trainer. Way to go Poole 🔥
(via
@CarlPerformance
/IG, 📸
@_JordanJimenez)
Chasing Rings... (8 ♡):
As Alas Phood Fight pointed out, I really REALLY want the JP Heir to the Throne Timeline to unfold. In which case I hereby pre-Dub him... Heir Jordan.
PS, I don't mind if DNHQ puts that on a T-shirt so we get first dibs on any copyrights if it happens!
Sleepy Freud (8 ♡):
Kelenna: “who knew Steph at 34 could get even better?”
Fitz: “I’m retiring, effective immediately. Thanks for the memories!”
Abaddon (7 ♡):
“Shaquille O'Neal says Warriors' Stephen Curry is 'by far' the best player in the world: 'I love that kid'”
Bel (7 ♡):
I really hope Poole stays as a Warrior.
Trogdor (7 ♡):
Congrats to GPII!
I still feel like we tend to be a bit of a prisoner of the moment with players like GPII and Damian Lee.
It will be interesting to see how GPII does when he actually has high expectations going into the season. There were absolutely zero expectations for him coming in as the 15th player this past season. He worked hard, and everything positive he did was a huge bonus!
This season he's being listed as a dark horse DPOY candidate, will likely either start or be the first player off the bench for Portland, and is likely to be expected to play significant minutes. Will his offensive limitations finally catch up with him, or will it not matter so much when playing next to Lillard? Will other teams start to respect him a bit more, and thus neutralize his impact a bit? Will he be able to be as effective when he's playing on a bad defensive team instead of surrounded by other great defenders? It will be very interesting to watch.
As has been discussed on here before, very few if any players have actually done better after leaving the Warriors than they did with the team. Kerr and Co. really seem to know how to get the best out of players. I'm really curious to see how that will play out with GPII. I'm definitely wishing him the best. It would be great for him to help Portland have some real success up there.
Eric Apricot (7 ♡):
California Dreamin’: Is Moses Moody Ready to Step Into a Key Role With the Warriors? by Jackson Frank
Sleepy Freud (7 ♡):
Not really talking about Timpf per se — more just ranting about hoops pundits in general and the remarkable degree to which they still downplay or outright ignore efficiency. (Not talking just the bottom of the barrel pundits like Big Perk, but almost everyone outside of brainy boards like this one).
I haven’t seen Timpf’s Giannis piece yet so can’t opine on that. I thought his piece on Steph was basically smart and fair; though I did bristle at an earlier comment he made about Steph never being the best player in the league at any point. By stats that measure impact on the scoreboard, Steph has quite often been *precisely that.* At the very minimum Steph has been in the “top tier” (say, top 2 or 3) basically every year since 2013-14.
Sleepy Freud (6 ♡):
OT: Joe Viray spotted Steph going “Night Night” to the Nuggets bench … in the midst of dribbling the ball upcourt (he *lets go of the dribble* to do it, lolz) with the play, the game, and the series still very much in doubt. Disrespectful AF 😂
Abaddon (6 ♡):
Nit: it's the Warriors bench. You can see Andre and Kerr urging him to get over half court.
TheseGuysAreF’ingGIANTS! (6 ♡):
Glad to see! This vote went through while I was off-line. Just wanted to put in that GP2 was my favorite Warrior on a team of very likable players who ended up winning the championship. Not only does that put him in the club, but it might even get him into the VIP area.
I started following the team during the Nellie run TMC era, and Mullin somehow never made it to favorite player on the team status for me, Hardaway was my guy. Dray hasn’t gotten there with Steph and Klay soaking up those years. Spellman and co, heck no. But somehow GP2 made it to the top last year.
Abaddon (5 ♡):
Random youtube video I ran across today: Why Donte DiVincenzo Is The Bucks Secret Weapon.
Link:
https://www.si.com/nba/warriors/news/rare-steph-curry-practice-footage-finally-revealed
https://www.y2mate.com/youtube/O2a2T279wtE
This is one hell of a streak of bad drafting…
—
Barrett also becomes the first Knicks first round pick to secure an extension with the franchise since Charlie Ward — who was drafted almost 30 years ago.
https://twitter.com/timbontemps/status/1564451041898274817?s=21&t=nd_TpGz8B7Nw65gWXGhK0Q