I forgot to mention that Kaleb Wesson is now playing on the Clippers Summer League team. In today's loss, Wesson played 15 minutes had 6 boards, 5 assists, 2 steals, and a block. He's a whole lot better than Mawugbe
I don't really get why, he hasn't shown anything that suggests he belongs on a contending NBA team's roster. The Dubs had ample opportunity to bring the guy up as a cheap center depth option at the end of last season and they chose to go with Jordan Bell who's obviously not in the org's long term plans. If there isn't a spot for Chriss on this roster, I don't see one for someone like Wesson or any of our G League bigs.
If we are talking cheap and cheerful, and even being remotely interested in a big which I think they are not, Wesson would have been one of the players they would have considered. Evidently, the Warriors are not interested in him.
True, especially since Chriss isn't eligible for a 2-way spot if they wanted to use the 15th roster spot on a guard like GP2. I would still be surprised to see it happen though.
It seems to me that Sengun, Yurtseven, & Luka Garza are the best big men rookies. 2 Turks that have a relentless front court game will definitely put Turkey on the map for big men, similar to Serbia and the former Yugoslav Balkans. Imagine Bam & Yurtseven starting for Miami. Yikes! The only real knock on Sengun is his mediocre FT%, his achilles heel. Garza was drafted 2nd round #52! Detroit was definitely a big winner in the draft with #1 & #52 picks.
Too many wings and back court players to say who are the stars. We'll need to see further results in the exhibition games.
Phenomenal @NBA Summer League for JaQuori McLaughlin who currently has the 3rd best assist to turnover ratio in the entire Summer League! @Jroc__3 dropping 9.5 PPG, 4.8 APG, 3.3 RPG & 1 SPG through his 2 games in Sacramento & 4 games in Vegas! Shooting 44% from 3-point too 🔥
Chriss for the 15th spot, McLovin (mcLove that!) *or* GP2 for the 2 way. I don't really have a preference at this point, although gun to my head GP2 because high floor is more important right now.
Chriss is likely out of the equation at this point. No team has even sniffed his way
GP2 can take backup PG duties no prob...and do a fine job facilitating the 2nd unit...esp w the rooks now that hes had a lot of playtime w them. Throw in Belly+OPJ...and oh boy
I guess I wonder what the Dubs' reason would be. Unless his injury/recovery is worse than thought, it seems their interest would be based on his basketball qualities, which a) they know well, and b) are clearly available at a low price right now.
JFK was just on Damon, Ratto, and Kolsky on 95.7 the Game. He was fairly brief and generic with most of his comments so I won't reiterate the stuff he has already said in other pressers and interviews. However, when asked by Damon as to whether he is enjoying Vegas in his spare time away from the court, Jonathan said he was just hanging out in his room playing NBA2K in between games and practices and that he was not that interested in going out to any clubs or bars or party spots on the town.
Not necessarily news but just more reinforcement to the idea that this kid eats, breathes, and sleeps basketball.
Yeah, no way I include Kuminga in a package that does not include Beal at this point. Just too much potential upside there. Not giving up on potentially 10 years of an All-star type player for a head case — on top of a solid NBA starter in Wigs.
Not to detract and love that he's 100% focused on basketball (or video game basketball), but he's also 18; what is there to do in Vegas if you are under 21?
Vegas has gotten pretty good at catering to the under-21 crowd over the last 20+ years. Over-18 strip clubs, hookah lounges, and dance clubs are prevalent and popular. I can only imagine that some of the kids at Summer League have been curious enough to partake in some of the fun during their stay out there.
Have over-21 only strip clubs ever been that common? Seems like that would cut out a huge chunk of potential clientele - military personnel and college students come to mind, for example.
I think that’s kind of the point. Kuminga doesn’t seem to be a typical 18-year-old kid who just signed a 4-year $25million deal. I suspect his background has a lot to do with that.
Anecdotally, both in California and in Europe I've yet to be quarantined as a result of sleeping with someone new, and I've yet to meet someone who experienced that scenario either. I don't think many people are self-quarantining or being quarantined just for sleeping with a new partner.
Perhaps not, but the fact that Dray and KD seem to be so comfortable hanging out with each other these days, whether at the Olympics or doing a shared interview like this one, should (won't, but should) put to rest some of this baseless chatter from parts of the fanbase that KD hates Dray or that their relationship has soured. They sure seem pretty friendly with each other otherwise this interview would never have happened.
I agree, but there was probably something to the friction between them based on how what they wanted. KD wanted to join a team and feel like he was part of something special. He joined the team after the big 4 had already bonded, so felt a bit on the outside. Ironically, Draymond seems to want guys who want to be Warriors for life, and it sounds as though he viewed KD’s short term deals as a carpet-bagging lack of commitment.
If he had signed the same deal he just did w BRK, he would have been embraced as one of the established guys here...but signing 1+1 deals only proved that he didnt want to stay long.
I agree that friction between them almost certainly existed during that 18-19 season, my point is only that it doesn't seem to have affected or spilled over into their personal relationship, which appears friendly and solid. I'm not saying KD is about to return to the Dubs or anything like that.
Yep, exactly. And KD doesn't owe anyone a reason for leaving. Clearly he wasn't completely happy here and he's free to work where it makes him happy. It doesn't mean he hates his former teammates/coaches.
I'll go against the grain and say that Kuminga will see "a bunch" of minutes this year, as in 15 per game or so.
The Jaylen Brown comps seem really appropriate, as Brown was flashy in Summer League but struggled mightily with FG %. (For that matter he even got sent to to Summer League in his second year.)
Yet the Celtics, who were 48-34 the previous year and serious playoff contenders, played him right off the bat for 17 minutes or so a night (varying from 4 to 30).
If Wiseman can be thrown 21.4 soft minutes on a team aiming for the playoffs, I don't see why Kuminga can't get 15 as a small-ball center or paired with BJelly (or Wiseman for that matter).
Depending on Moody’s health, I’m betting Moody out minutes both Kuminga and Wiseman in the second half of the season. Both Kuminga and Moody are going to be helpful players at some point this season because they look willing and able to play team D. But Moody’s ability to hit shots is going to get him on the floor when the older guys start missing games.
That would be really stupid, IMO. Moody offers so much more upside and the time investment in him will pay off huge. It’d be different if Mulder was far better now, but he isn’t.
I don't see any reason Kuminga can't get minutes as a 3 or a 4 in some combination with Curry, Thompson, Wiggins, Poole, Lee, Porter Jr, Bjelica and maybe Wiseman. There will always be at least 3 guys that can shoot from outside and Kuminga can set screens and be the roller or be a baseline cutter. The only lineups that would be problematic would be if you had 2 of Green, JTA, Looney, or Iguodala on the floor at the same time with him. I don't think you would want Moody and Kuminga on the floor at the same time either, at least in games where it matters. The Warriors have an embarrassment of riches right now, they only way they could screw it up would be to trade for an established "star" out of impatience.
Hmmm, you're probably right that I'm undervaluing the overall Simmons' package. But he adds even more salary (his price is likely to go up over the next 5 years; Wiggins will go down) and I think that is a relevant concern.
I’ve been saying 5-10 minutes per half of bullyball with at least three shooters to space the floor. He’s essentially be in the Paschall role, but already looks like a more willing passer and a more capable defender.
That said, I want to see how camp and pre-season go before insisting that he be handed non-garbage minutes. There could be some development things they’ll being trying to instill in him and dangling minutes as a carrot might be really tough later in the season if he starts off hot.
Nothing to say to these takes except "we'll see". Still think Moody is the best current prospect on the Warriors, but I don't expect that take to be confirmed/refuted until like 2-3 years from now.
Duarte in SL: 18.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.5 steals and 1.6 blocks per game, +13 in 27 mpg
Moody in SL: 17 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.3 steals, and .3 blocks per game, +9 in 24 mpg
Summer league stats don't mean a whole lot but given that Moody is 5 years younger than Duarte and has more room to grow, I'm feeling pretty dang good about his performance so far. Duarte may end up better in year 1 (not a definite) but give me the over on Moody for anything afterwards.
watching those games Duarte definitely looks good (really smooth shot) and like a ready rotation piece... but he still wasn't blowing by anybody. I'm happy enough with Moody!
The important thing is that we voted for Moody in our tournament and the Warriors went out and got him. That alone should put him at the top of our cheer for this guy list!
I swear the pumping up of Duarte by Indianapolis-area writers who blog/write about the Pacers is starting to really look sad. If they love him so much, why aren't they just happy they got their guy?
The Warriors have said that they almost took Moody at 7 and were very happy to get him at 14. There's not been an inkling of a poffered trade from anyone but Indiana local media. Unless there's some other source, I don't see a good reason to take these rumors as real.
Both can be true. I really believe the Dubs were looking for Duarte at 14... and maybe that leaked out to the Pacers (as the rumors suggest).
What's not clear is whether the Pacers took Duarte solely because they wanted to dangle him for a trade with the Warriors... maybe they did but but didn't realize Moody was so high on the Dubs' list.
I usually just google "____ emoji" and one of the handful of useful emoji sites comes up with something... usually with a convenient "COPY" button so I don't have to highlight anything.
“Some real similarities between Jonathan Kuminga and Jaylen Brown in terms of their footwork as ball handlers. Both players are really good using snatch backs & crossovers. Impressive how comfortable they are playing off of hesitations when you consider their powerful body types.”
“Firm believer that Jonathan Kuminga is much more ready to contribute as a rookie than people think. NBA-ready tools, transition athlete, bully as a straight line slasher, capable spot shooter from the corners and has the size and length to defend multiple positions when engaged.”
Kuminga rocked running the break off of rebounds. I hope that’s his role this season too. He seemed to make the correct pass or attack decision almost every time. His passes just weren’t super accurate. That should improve with practice.
I'm curious what JK's catch-n-shoot 3P% has been in SL. Feels like when he gets clean, stationary catch-n-shoots, they've gone in way more often. Pull-ups and catching into a transition jumper often veer wildly off...
If he can shoot the 3 even a little, he’s shown enough physicality and passing skills on the drive to be considered as a PNR partner for Steph. Kuminga driving in 4-on-3 situation with Klay and OPJ sporting up with Wise in the dunker spot seems promising. Just need to take advantage of training camp to figure out rotations and reads.
Offensively, kuminga with a limited role right away will greatly help his efficiency, he is a good screener when engaged, him setting screens for poole and rolling hard into switch mismatches, pick n roll lobs and pocket passes he is going to be deadly with his finishing ability and court vision.
If we allow him to guard ball with his hall of fame intimidator he can force people into contested jumpers and take off for fast breaks, seal off mismatches in the paint off of secondary fastbreaks and go to work
Aug 16, 2021Liked by Eric Apricot, punk basketball
Hey guys, story time!! I'm on my way to my first day of UC Berkeley Law (which is one of the best law schools in the country) and I'm not going to lie, I was legitimately sweating bricks and feeling faint.
As I was putting away my laptop, I looked up at my quote wall (yes, I am cringey like that) and I saw . . .
"There is no chip coming off of my shoulder because, at the end of the day, you're still going to continue to be doubted."
- Draymond Green
There was something about that quote, but all of my nervousness about not being good enough just dissipated. Replacing it, I've just got this fire within me and dammit this chip ain't going to leave my shoulder!!
I just had to share this with somebody!! Excuse me, lets get back to basektball!!
Congratulations! I work with several Berkeley Law grads and they are all very knowledgeable in their respective fields of practice. Good luck on your new career journey.
Oh wow, congrats on your first day at Berkeley Law! (We used to call it “Boalt” back in the day, but apparently the name has been expunged since it was learned John Boalt, the donor after whom it was named, had espoused some disturbingly racist views, even for the time). Yes, keep that Dray$ chip on your shoulder and kick some ass!
Btw, if you ever need stress relief some Saturday … take the two minute walk up Bancroft to a football game at Memorial Stadium, which has to be one of the loveliest sports venues in the country.
Seems like lumisnga excels in 2 spots on defense being the main help defender to rim protect or guarding on ball, he needs a challenge to be engaged because the game is so damm easy for him (my hypothesis) with draymond and iggy in his ears and guiding him he will become a monster defensively.
On ball hes just too quick with his feet and even if you beat him his strength and physicality is going to bump you off the spots you are looking to get too. Imagine trae young trying to crab dribble him off an initial screen, his little ass will get bounced around.
If he can use his quickness and strength to slide and power through initial screens up top it's a wrap
I never really looked that much into Kira Lewis (or Cole Anthony) last draft because I knew the Warriors absolutely would not take one of those guys, but man did Lewis not stand out last night. He's still young but man, I would be a bit concerned about that if I was a Pels fan. Second year guys are supposed to look like they are too good for Summer League.
JFK 'won' that game twice for us last night. I can really see him popping on some backup-to-Wiggins/Draymond moments upcoming. Just impressive. Moody looks just as good but in a different way. GP2 is a stud. Jaquori looks pretty polished as a floor general though sometimes dribbles into trouble. Jessup has surprised, and I like Alston. I don't envy the org having to make a decision on that 15th roster spot, but I think our Dubs are in a solid spot, more than ready to contend in the West!
I forgot to mention that Kaleb Wesson is now playing on the Clippers Summer League team. In today's loss, Wesson played 15 minutes had 6 boards, 5 assists, 2 steals, and a block. He's a whole lot better than Mawugbe
He has a little bit of a fan club here, doesn't he?
I don't really get why, he hasn't shown anything that suggests he belongs on a contending NBA team's roster. The Dubs had ample opportunity to bring the guy up as a cheap center depth option at the end of last season and they chose to go with Jordan Bell who's obviously not in the org's long term plans. If there isn't a spot for Chriss on this roster, I don't see one for someone like Wesson or any of our G League bigs.
If we are talking cheap and cheerful, and even being remotely interested in a big which I think they are not, Wesson would have been one of the players they would have considered. Evidently, the Warriors are not interested in him.
Id rather go Hartenstein if we are talkin about bigs
That would also be gravy but I haven't even heard a whisper of the Dubs being interested in him.
I mean, if they give GP2 the 15th spot, having someone like Wesson in the 2-Way could make a little sense I suppose.
True, especially since Chriss isn't eligible for a 2-way spot if they wanted to use the 15th roster spot on a guard like GP2. I would still be surprised to see it happen though.
Just a few comments about Summer League players.
It seems to me that Sengun, Yurtseven, & Luka Garza are the best big men rookies. 2 Turks that have a relentless front court game will definitely put Turkey on the map for big men, similar to Serbia and the former Yugoslav Balkans. Imagine Bam & Yurtseven starting for Miami. Yikes! The only real knock on Sengun is his mediocre FT%, his achilles heel. Garza was drafted 2nd round #52! Detroit was definitely a big winner in the draft with #1 & #52 picks.
Too many wings and back court players to say who are the stars. We'll need to see further results in the exhibition games.
Sengun shot 80+% in the Turkish League on high volume from the line. That won't be a worry for him.
That's good to know. Mine were only stats from Vegas.
How did Mobley do?
Same as college, needs to bulk up to be effective but he shows ridiculous flashes in terms of creation for himself and others.
Nowhere near the others.
FYI
***
Phenomenal @NBA Summer League for JaQuori McLaughlin who currently has the 3rd best assist to turnover ratio in the entire Summer League! @Jroc__3 dropping 9.5 PPG, 4.8 APG, 3.3 RPG & 1 SPG through his 2 games in Sacramento & 4 games in Vegas! Shooting 44% from 3-point too 🔥
https://twitter.com/coachjackson03/status/1427408348094205958?s=21
GP2 for the 15th spot, McLovin for the other 2way contract
Chriss for the 15th spot, McLovin (mcLove that!) *or* GP2 for the 2 way. I don't really have a preference at this point, although gun to my head GP2 because high floor is more important right now.
Chriss is likely out of the equation at this point. No team has even sniffed his way
GP2 can take backup PG duties no prob...and do a fine job facilitating the 2nd unit...esp w the rooks now that hes had a lot of playtime w them. Throw in Belly+OPJ...and oh boy
I'm not sure I follow your logic on Chriss. If no one else is interested, the Dubs should snatch him up.
No team, including us. What i mean is, theres a reason for that.
I guess I wonder what the Dubs' reason would be. Unless his injury/recovery is worse than thought, it seems their interest would be based on his basketball qualities, which a) they know well, and b) are clearly available at a low price right now.
It looks like WE aren't interested in him at this point. Weird. Wonder if he'll get a camp invite at least.
GP2’s not eligible for the two-way.
It’s tricky.
Is Chriss 2-way eligible?
Ugh. Of course.
JFK was just on Damon, Ratto, and Kolsky on 95.7 the Game. He was fairly brief and generic with most of his comments so I won't reiterate the stuff he has already said in other pressers and interviews. However, when asked by Damon as to whether he is enjoying Vegas in his spare time away from the court, Jonathan said he was just hanging out in his room playing NBA2K in between games and practices and that he was not that interested in going out to any clubs or bars or party spots on the town.
Not necessarily news but just more reinforcement to the idea that this kid eats, breathes, and sleeps basketball.
I hope he's not going to any bars cause he's underage 😅
> this kid eats, breathes, and sleeps basketball.
You can do all that and still go out lol
I wouldn't knock him for going out to have fun, but I can commend him for having a tunnel vision towards the game
It's probably less of having tunnel vision for the game and more he's not that into going out
That's just, like, your opinion, man.
But but he should be traded in a package for the mental midget Ben Simmons...According to many. Unbelievable.
Yeah, no way I include Kuminga in a package that does not include Beal at this point. Just too much potential upside there. Not giving up on potentially 10 years of an All-star type player for a head case — on top of a solid NBA starter in Wigs.
No need to slam Simmons to defend not wanting to trade JK.
Following Simmons example of not needing to slam, I see.
Zing!
Not to detract and love that he's 100% focused on basketball (or video game basketball), but he's also 18; what is there to do in Vegas if you are under 21?
Lol age wouldnt stop a pro bball player
Coc and hookers are still gettable lol
People.
You got me there
Vegas has gotten pretty good at catering to the under-21 crowd over the last 20+ years. Over-18 strip clubs, hookah lounges, and dance clubs are prevalent and popular. I can only imagine that some of the kids at Summer League have been curious enough to partake in some of the fun during their stay out there.
Have over-21 only strip clubs ever been that common? Seems like that would cut out a huge chunk of potential clientele - military personnel and college students come to mind, for example.
Fair point, just pointing out that someone doesn't need to be able to legally drink to enjoy a lot of the "sin" of sin city.
True, but at the same time, no one ever accused 18-year old young men of always making the most prudent decisions in regards to health and safety.
I think that’s kind of the point. Kuminga doesn’t seem to be a typical 18-year-old kid who just signed a 4-year $25million deal. I suspect his background has a lot to do with that.
Anecdotally, both in California and in Europe I've yet to be quarantined as a result of sleeping with someone new, and I've yet to meet someone who experienced that scenario either. I don't think many people are self-quarantining or being quarantined just for sleeping with a new partner.
You need to show proof of your trysts. Video is best.
They aren't exactly going to have someone in a player's hotel room keeping track of who who comes and goes, particularly if a player is vaccinated.
Vegas has hardily ever cared...w that whack job mayor
But good point. All the more reason why the black panther is a smart kid 😎
Oooh boy, this Draymond Green and KD interview is going to be amazing!! I can't wait.
They know how to tease it too, just Dray asking KD "how much did our argument factor into your decision to leave" and then a bunch of rad highlights
https://twitter.com/BleacherReport/status/1427284022061781006
(comes out on Wednesday)
That is a well done teaser, but I also suspect KD won't ever be 100% truthful about why he left.
Perhaps not, but the fact that Dray and KD seem to be so comfortable hanging out with each other these days, whether at the Olympics or doing a shared interview like this one, should (won't, but should) put to rest some of this baseless chatter from parts of the fanbase that KD hates Dray or that their relationship has soured. They sure seem pretty friendly with each other otherwise this interview would never have happened.
Well I don't think KD left because of Draymond, but I don't think he'll be truthful about the real reasons he left and more specifically the timeline.
I suspect he had already made up his mind before that last season started.
Fer sure he did...thus the 1+1 deals every year. He wanted a ring...never wanted to be here for the rest of his career.
Also, it was the media scrutiny that got to him (reportedly in tears later after he signed w us)more than it was Draymond.
I agree, but there was probably something to the friction between them based on how what they wanted. KD wanted to join a team and feel like he was part of something special. He joined the team after the big 4 had already bonded, so felt a bit on the outside. Ironically, Draymond seems to want guys who want to be Warriors for life, and it sounds as though he viewed KD’s short term deals as a carpet-bagging lack of commitment.
If he had signed the same deal he just did w BRK, he would have been embraced as one of the established guys here...but signing 1+1 deals only proved that he didnt want to stay long.
Always folliw the money
Yeah, the money opportunity was to remain with the Warriors.
He would have received max money with the Dubs. So "follow the money" makes no sense. He also had tons of Silicon Valley opportunities here.
I agree that friction between them almost certainly existed during that 18-19 season, my point is only that it doesn't seem to have affected or spilled over into their personal relationship, which appears friendly and solid. I'm not saying KD is about to return to the Dubs or anything like that.
Yep, exactly. And KD doesn't owe anyone a reason for leaving. Clearly he wasn't completely happy here and he's free to work where it makes him happy. It doesn't mean he hates his former teammates/coaches.
I'll go against the grain and say that Kuminga will see "a bunch" of minutes this year, as in 15 per game or so.
The Jaylen Brown comps seem really appropriate, as Brown was flashy in Summer League but struggled mightily with FG %. (For that matter he even got sent to to Summer League in his second year.)
Yet the Celtics, who were 48-34 the previous year and serious playoff contenders, played him right off the bat for 17 minutes or so a night (varying from 4 to 30).
If Wiseman can be thrown 21.4 soft minutes on a team aiming for the playoffs, I don't see why Kuminga can't get 15 as a small-ball center or paired with BJelly (or Wiseman for that matter).
Depending on Moody’s health, I’m betting Moody out minutes both Kuminga and Wiseman in the second half of the season. Both Kuminga and Moody are going to be helpful players at some point this season because they look willing and able to play team D. But Moody’s ability to hit shots is going to get him on the floor when the older guys start missing games.
I love Moody, but I feel they may find him replaceable by a Mulder-type in year 1.
That would be really stupid, IMO. Moody offers so much more upside and the time investment in him will pay off huge. It’d be different if Mulder was far better now, but he isn’t.
That would be disappointing.
I don't see any reason Kuminga can't get minutes as a 3 or a 4 in some combination with Curry, Thompson, Wiggins, Poole, Lee, Porter Jr, Bjelica and maybe Wiseman. There will always be at least 3 guys that can shoot from outside and Kuminga can set screens and be the roller or be a baseline cutter. The only lineups that would be problematic would be if you had 2 of Green, JTA, Looney, or Iguodala on the floor at the same time with him. I don't think you would want Moody and Kuminga on the floor at the same time either, at least in games where it matters. The Warriors have an embarrassment of riches right now, they only way they could screw it up would be to trade for an established "star" out of impatience.
No way that a trade is coming.
And esp not for Ben. I would barely be ok w a Wiggins+pick for Ben at this point
Nope. Wiggins for Simmons straight up is a downgrade for the Warriors. Forget about adding a pick. Wiggins can shoot free throws and make 3s.
That’s probably a bit high on Wiggins freethrows and a bit low on Simmons overall package
Hmmm, you're probably right that I'm undervaluing the overall Simmons' package. But he adds even more salary (his price is likely to go up over the next 5 years; Wiggins will go down) and I think that is a relevant concern.
I’ve been saying 5-10 minutes per half of bullyball with at least three shooters to space the floor. He’s essentially be in the Paschall role, but already looks like a more willing passer and a more capable defender.
That said, I want to see how camp and pre-season go before insisting that he be handed non-garbage minutes. There could be some development things they’ll being trying to instill in him and dangling minutes as a carrot might be really tough later in the season if he starts off hot.
I don’t think your take is against the grain anymore
If I knew how to do emojis on this site, this would elicit an eyeroll: https://www.si.com/nba/pacers/news/the-nba-would-have-been-in-huge-trouble-if-the-golden-state-warriors-had-successfully-paired-steph-curry-and-klay-thompson-with-this-rookie
Nothing to say to these takes except "we'll see". Still think Moody is the best current prospect on the Warriors, but I don't expect that take to be confirmed/refuted until like 2-3 years from now.
"best current prospect" as in he's the most playable prospect at the NBA level right now, or best as in he has the highest potential as a player?
Duarte in SL: 18.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.5 steals and 1.6 blocks per game, +13 in 27 mpg
Moody in SL: 17 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.3 steals, and .3 blocks per game, +9 in 24 mpg
Summer league stats don't mean a whole lot but given that Moody is 5 years younger than Duarte and has more room to grow, I'm feeling pretty dang good about his performance so far. Duarte may end up better in year 1 (not a definite) but give me the over on Moody for anything afterwards.
yeah, it's a ridiculous take based on 4 summer league games especially comparing a grown man with a teenager,
watching those games Duarte definitely looks good (really smooth shot) and like a ready rotation piece... but he still wasn't blowing by anybody. I'm happy enough with Moody!
The important thing is that we voted for Moody in our tournament and the Warriors went out and got him. That alone should put him at the top of our cheer for this guy list!
If you're using a mac just do Control - Command - Space to bring up the emoji keyboard
🤪 TIL 😬
For Linux folks: GNOME Ctrl+Shift+E (after enabling "Typing Booster" keyboard)
I gotchu covered
I swear the pumping up of Duarte by Indianapolis-area writers who blog/write about the Pacers is starting to really look sad. If they love him so much, why aren't they just happy they got their guy?
They are. Part of being happy is imagining how everyone else wishes they were you.
That said, Duarte looks really really good.
So, why isn't everyone else doing this and inventing fake trades to puff their draft picks?
I don't think they invented fake trades, I think it's more likely the Warriors really wanted Duarte.
The Warriors have said that they almost took Moody at 7 and were very happy to get him at 14. There's not been an inkling of a poffered trade from anyone but Indiana local media. Unless there's some other source, I don't see a good reason to take these rumors as real.
Monte Poole said it's true: https://twitter.com/MontePooleNBCS/status/1421005296055422976
Both can be true. I really believe the Dubs were looking for Duarte at 14... and maybe that leaked out to the Pacers (as the rumors suggest).
What's not clear is whether the Pacers took Duarte solely because they wanted to dangle him for a trade with the Warriors... maybe they did but but didn't realize Moody was so high on the Dubs' list.
I use this add-on: https://johannh.me/emoji-helper/
I usually just google "____ emoji" and one of the handful of useful emoji sites comes up with something... usually with a convenient "COPY" button so I don't have to highlight anything.
That’s why I love being on this site from my IPad; emojis and easy typing. (My typos are almost always when I’m on my phone.)
🙄
👍🏼
Couple of cool tweets with video from Mike Schmitz regarding Kuminga (note that both of these were before last night’s game):
https://twitter.com/mike_schmitz/status/1426415339294822405?s=21
“Some real similarities between Jonathan Kuminga and Jaylen Brown in terms of their footwork as ball handlers. Both players are really good using snatch backs & crossovers. Impressive how comfortable they are playing off of hesitations when you consider their powerful body types.”
https://twitter.com/mike_schmitz/status/1425619076508905472?s=21
“Firm believer that Jonathan Kuminga is much more ready to contribute as a rookie than people think. NBA-ready tools, transition athlete, bully as a straight line slasher, capable spot shooter from the corners and has the size and length to defend multiple positions when engaged.”
Kuminga rocked running the break off of rebounds. I hope that’s his role this season too. He seemed to make the correct pass or attack decision almost every time. His passes just weren’t super accurate. That should improve with practice.
I'm curious what JK's catch-n-shoot 3P% has been in SL. Feels like when he gets clean, stationary catch-n-shoots, they've gone in way more often. Pull-ups and catching into a transition jumper often veer wildly off...
Hes alot better in catch n shoot situations that's forsure
If he can shoot the 3 even a little, he’s shown enough physicality and passing skills on the drive to be considered as a PNR partner for Steph. Kuminga driving in 4-on-3 situation with Klay and OPJ sporting up with Wise in the dunker spot seems promising. Just need to take advantage of training camp to figure out rotations and reads.
https://twitter.com/warriors/status/1427307797234872322?s=21
They do look teenagers 😆
Offensively, kuminga with a limited role right away will greatly help his efficiency, he is a good screener when engaged, him setting screens for poole and rolling hard into switch mismatches, pick n roll lobs and pocket passes he is going to be deadly with his finishing ability and court vision.
If we allow him to guard ball with his hall of fame intimidator he can force people into contested jumpers and take off for fast breaks, seal off mismatches in the paint off of secondary fastbreaks and go to work
Hey guys, story time!! I'm on my way to my first day of UC Berkeley Law (which is one of the best law schools in the country) and I'm not going to lie, I was legitimately sweating bricks and feeling faint.
As I was putting away my laptop, I looked up at my quote wall (yes, I am cringey like that) and I saw . . .
"There is no chip coming off of my shoulder because, at the end of the day, you're still going to continue to be doubted."
- Draymond Green
There was something about that quote, but all of my nervousness about not being good enough just dissipated. Replacing it, I've just got this fire within me and dammit this chip ain't going to leave my shoulder!!
I just had to share this with somebody!! Excuse me, lets get back to basektball!!
You should definitely run down to Rasputins and load up on Elvis Costello LPs. Or that’s how we did it in 1985 anyway….
That was awesome and congratulations! Thanks for sharing
Congratulations! I work with several Berkeley Law grads and they are all very knowledgeable in their respective fields of practice. Good luck on your new career journey.
Good luck! And now I know that DNHQ is my source for law advice on the internet 🤪
I plead the fifth of Looney!
https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/SJM-WARRIORS-1007-40.jpg?w=620
You got this!
Oh wow, congrats on your first day at Berkeley Law! (We used to call it “Boalt” back in the day, but apparently the name has been expunged since it was learned John Boalt, the donor after whom it was named, had espoused some disturbingly racist views, even for the time). Yes, keep that Dray$ chip on your shoulder and kick some ass!
Btw, if you ever need stress relief some Saturday … take the two minute walk up Bancroft to a football game at Memorial Stadium, which has to be one of the loveliest sports venues in the country.
Anyway, all the best!!!
And any shows at the Greek!
Cheapskate Hill when necessary!
LOL! We called it Tightwad Hill. (Class of ‘89)
I’m not a Cal alum but I attended for 3 years. Good work!
Good luck! Still remember my first few days of law school 34 years ago.
Seems like lumisnga excels in 2 spots on defense being the main help defender to rim protect or guarding on ball, he needs a challenge to be engaged because the game is so damm easy for him (my hypothesis) with draymond and iggy in his ears and guiding him he will become a monster defensively.
On ball hes just too quick with his feet and even if you beat him his strength and physicality is going to bump you off the spots you are looking to get too. Imagine trae young trying to crab dribble him off an initial screen, his little ass will get bounced around.
If he can use his quickness and strength to slide and power through initial screens up top it's a wrap
Lumisnga as new nickname confirmed by android
lol glad it wasn't a stroke!
Pronounced Loo-min-yah. Hmm. Don't think that will fly.
Makes me think of Bazinga
Picturesque pasta for me: a cross between a LUMIX and lasagna
I never really looked that much into Kira Lewis (or Cole Anthony) last draft because I knew the Warriors absolutely would not take one of those guys, but man did Lewis not stand out last night. He's still young but man, I would be a bit concerned about that if I was a Pels fan. Second year guys are supposed to look like they are too good for Summer League.
Jessup is not Duncan Robinson, but then neither was Duncan this year. Back to OZ. Moody is solid, but Trey went to Pels 2 spots later. Can fill it up.
JFK 'won' that game twice for us last night. I can really see him popping on some backup-to-Wiggins/Draymond moments upcoming. Just impressive. Moody looks just as good but in a different way. GP2 is a stud. Jaquori looks pretty polished as a floor general though sometimes dribbles into trouble. Jessup has surprised, and I like Alston. I don't envy the org having to make a decision on that 15th roster spot, but I think our Dubs are in a solid spot, more than ready to contend in the West!
JK it is.
I'll have to get used to not thinking "just kidding"... or Jedi Knight...
He can be our Jedi Knight too! To the other team's defender: "This is not the shooter you're looking for...."
Hence, the 'F', which I think is a masterstroke!!!
J(F)K, K(F)D....
Admittedly I was confused at first mention, ha, and understand why this might not work for everyone.
JMFK. Incorporates his actual middle initial.
I see what you did there........