NBA analytics maestro on why Lamelo Ball/Anthony Edwards fits Warriors draft needs best
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NBA analytics maestro on why Lamelo Ball/Anthony Edwards fits Warriors draft needs best
Evan "Evanz" Zamir joins the LGW Vidcast to break down GSW maximizing the #2 pick to overthrow LeBron's Lakers and regain the throne.
With the NBA season all wrapped up, Dub Nation’s fervor over offseason possibilities is exploding. Who do we draft? Should we trade the pick? Who can we add from the free agent pool? Can a core of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Andrew Wiggins already be considered a title contender?
In the search for these answers, we’ve brought in an advanced stats pioneer and longtime Warriors fan Evan “Evanz” Zamir. You may be familiar with him from his time at Golden State of Mind where he was early on the “Draymond Green is going to be hella good” and “Monta Ellis isn’t the future of this franchise” predictions. He even built his own online basketball data resource NBAWOWY.
In the latest episode of the LGW Vidcast he joins Duby Dub Dubs and myself to explore the pros and cons of drafting for need vs best player available, and the harsh realities of building a team to win now.
Timestamps:
1:32 how advanced stats changed Evan’s perspective on Monta Ellis’ role with the Warriors
4:26 Evan’s thoughts on the whole NBA bubble experience and the Lakers’ dominance
7:57 The Bron vs MJ debate reveals Evan hasn’t seen Space Jam
11:05 Evan exposes concerns about the Obi Toppin pick
19:32 Evan explains why Lamelo Ball or Anthony Edwards is the smart pick at #2
24:06 Daniel almost walks off the set after Evan’s first MLE suggestion
28:55 Do the Warriors have enough in their core already to compete regardless?
32:25 Outlook for GSW’s current crop of youngsters
35:45 Do the Warriors have severe problems at the wings? (This was recorded pre-Daryl Morey stepping down in Houston)
39:20 Can Draymond Green still be the defensive stopper for the elite bigs in the NBA?
41:50 How much of a defensive impact will Andrew Wiggins provide in a small lineup?
52:00 Lightning round of quick fire questions
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NBA analytics maestro on why Lamelo Ball/Anthony Edwards fits Warriors draft needs best
I just caught the podcast this morning. Always fun to see other viewpoints.
I just happened across this from CBS Sports earlier. Some interesting ideas for several teams / players - especially the ones that are Warriors-related.
Golden State Warriors acquire Aaron Gordon
Yes, the Warriors will likely seek out a big man to throw at Davis in a potential matchup with the Lakers, but that's more than doable on the Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception. Their real chip, the No. 2 overall pick, needs to go to a two-way force that will benefit from their offensive infrastructure. That is Gordon, who will fit right into Golden State's switch-heavy defense, has flashed a league-average shot on an Orlando team with no spacing whatsoever, and has at least enough on-ball chops to make defenses sweat as a fourth option. Such versatile forwards are rare. Gordon may not be the star Golden State is hoping for, but he's the player that makes the most sense on the trade market given what they have to offer. The deal will be agreed to in advance but held officially until after the Warriors sign the No. 2 overall pick so that his salary can count in the trade. That allows them to keep both Andrew Wiggins and the hefty trade exception they acquired for Andre Iguodala, which they could then use in a separate deal.
[I can imagine Klay and Gordon and whoever from the bench doing major damage against 2nd teams league-wide.]
Orlando Magic trade Aaron Gordon to Golden State
The Magic would have obviously preferred to have a healthy Jonathan Isaac next season, but his torn ACL presents an opportunity. It is an exit ramp off of the highway of mediocrity they've been driving on for the past several seasons. They now have an excuse to trade off veterans. Dealing Gordon to Golden State not only gets them a valuable piece at No. 2 overall, but with Isaac out, it hurts their 2020-21 prospects. That improves their 2021 draft pick, potentially creating two valuable young players for the price of one.
Toronto Raptors trade Norman Powell
This is something of a hedge on the VanVleet prediction. If he stays, the Raptors may look to move Powell (a legitimate Sixth Man of the Year candidate) in the name of opening up more 2021 cap space. Even if he goes, that flexibility is valuable, and if the Raptors can get off of his contract and maybe get an asset back, it's something they'd consider. Golden State stands out as a trade partner. The Warriors can fit him neatly into the Iguodala trade exception, and would love his combination of shooting and defense.
I had never thought of the possibility of adding Powell, who is a very good player.
Here is the link to the entire article:
https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/bold-nba-offseason-predictions-for-all-30-teams-lakers-add-third-scorer-76ers-trade-for-chris-paul/
Do not want Lamelo, the dad baggage isn't worth it. The Warriors are a culture driven team, and he could disrupt that.