Nov 24, 2023·edited Nov 24, 2023Liked by Eric Apricot
Prediction: Dray comes back, the schedule gets easier and they go 14-6 in the next 20 and everyone is going to be as unrealistically optimistic then as they are needlessly pessimistic now even though they'll be the same team playing roughly as well. Which is to say, probably the 6th-8th best team in the league that needs some luck and Klay and Wiggins to return to form to be a true contender.
They've been missing guys, their 3rd and 4th most important players have been awful, and they literally have had the hardest schedule so far (before yesterday's game they were 3rd in adjusted net rating or something like that) -- and they're 7-9. If they were 9-7, would people be freaking out as much?
Happy Thanksgiving everyone, be thankful we're not Wizards fans.
Naw. I think it's potentially a very good team that has flaws that matter when it comes to the top teams. Them going a run is totally possible but what I need to see them do is figure out how to beat modern big teams like the cavs, Minnesota, Denver ect. It can be done but there is not much of margin for error. Well, that's my take.
NBA defenses have figured out the Kerr offense. It has become predictable. In particular, defenders are sitting back just waiting for that nearly automatic pass from the top of the key to the wing. They intercept the pass at a full sprint toward their basket, gifting 2 points, or worse 3, when a pursuer catches up and fouls the shooter. Seems to happen 3+ times per game. Not a winning formula.
Hard to blame a guy for sticking with a system that has produced so much success. But I agree that it could use some freshening, especially to take advantage of the gifts of a new generation of Warriors. I wonder if the problem is addressable by recruiting some new assistant coaches. Not trying to clear house -- just thinking that some fresh eyes and minds might help them produce something new and more effective.
I'm thinking that some old stuff that Kerr did with great success has fallen out of the repertoire. What happened to that right side (usually) triangle action that he ran with Bogut and Zaza as distributors? What about the action they used to run with D-West and Mo Speights (I think Zaza too) stationed at the L elbow as distributors or as an outlet to take the mid-range jumper if nothing else was working after the ball whipped around the perimeter a few times? I'm sure that Loon is capable of running at least the latter of those if not both.
Said this last year, got lotsa boos. Kerr seems unable to use the skills new players bring that old players do not have in a way the freshens up the offense, multiplies options, and thus throws defenses more things to worry about. Sad.
I hate Hate HATE The Athletic! Ive been out of work for awhile and luckily i started a nice seasonal gig and had enough in savings and a wife who makes way more even when i was working so im not really hurting. But this was the first month to month paycheck ive experienced since I left my job because I just started work this week and don’t get paid until next Friday so i had it timed perfectly THEN The Athletic hit me with a 72 dollar annual auto renewal which will take me exactly 70.57 overdraft in my checking account!
Yes i could ask my wife and shes even asked me not to work (do it mainly to get out of house) but the point is ive never depended on her or anyone else and The Athletic never Ever sent me a renewal notice. NordVPN did (had to
Cancel) along with an annual subscription i had for a GIF/Video creator app (alllowrd that to renew) but The Athletic were the only ones who never ever sent me a renewal notice and i even checked spam or making sure I didn’t have email preferences from them turned off. Sorry to Slater, Marcus and the Gang but I hope that Godforsaken greedy ass company (yes i know theyve since been sold to NYT after promising they would never sell out like that) goes belly up because its not even worth the 24 bucks annually i paid last time to renew
Yeah its highly dependent on what/how its being charged. This was just the perfect storm of a). No longer being happy with the value of the site even at a significantly reduced rate b). My financial situation drastically changing c). A confluence of financial stuff all being shuffled away from my acct this month which left me counting pennies this month
But im fine with auto renewal like this site. 5 bucks wont break me. I subscribe to the Light Years boys premium on Blue Wire then stuff like Youtube Premium. Oh and annually AAA Premium but its well worth it. Now the monthlys wont but every annual renewal place gives me a heads up. The Athletic never did and going by what Redditors are saying alot of people have had issues with their auto renew
Same thing happened to me with The Athletic - which I love, too. When I complained, they reversed the charge and offered a less expensive renewal rate. I did not opt in and I’m glad I didn't because they then sent an email offer for $1 per month. I will take them up on it.
Yeah, Basketbum’s comment was not sarcasm (really hard to ignore the reference to child sex tourism in Thailand) But by now I should know the personalities to realize yours is sarcasm. And definetly a better way to respond than the tirade I was preparing :)
The kuminga talk is crazy, he played well last night, no turnovers, barely forced anything, played good on ball and team defense, Yea he had 1 board but watch the game he was in the paint and boxing out on every possession.
He didn't get 1 play ran for him last night, not a single PnR with saric spreading the floor, not a single post up with Eric Gordon guarding him.
The rotations and the defense of klay(might be the worst defender on the team now outside of saric) are bigger issues.
Agreed on Kuminga. However I think his POA defense has actually been a lot worse so far this year, surprisingly. Especially in terms of screen navigation, I feel like he’s often slow to recover, causing a panic switch or miscommunication leaving someone wide open. Happened at least a few times tonight. He was solid against Shai though, who doesn’t use too many screens.
I still feel like we need his rim pressure and general athleticism, but I wonder if he may benefit from playing more in a ”big” role, perhaps next to the starting unit more often, rather than as a wing creator/defender in the second unit.
Klay’s defense is indeed not good… and the most concerning aspect of this young season for me. he’s definitely turning into a Korver type gunner if he can’t figure out how to stay in front of ppl…
To me Saric has surprised me with his defensive effort and position , but he is outsized often. Similar with Klay, though he is not as quick as we were used to seeing in the past.
Yes, Saric is being required to guard bigger bodies that are able to just bully him despite his admirable efforts to bang with them. We have also been needing him to carry a bigger load on the offensive end than he should be in the absence of others producing. I worry about him inevitably wearing/breaking down due the beating he is taking in just about every game. I like TJD, but he has not really been able to provide anything better defensively against size or finish consistently at the rim on the other side of the ball. Getting Draymond back obviously will help, but our front court is still going to be undersized and overworked during the course of the season. I don't see the FO making any move for another big that might improve the situation.
I don't think being a tweener is JK's problem, nor is Kerr's system. His problems are that his handling isn't good enough, his shot and rebounding are inconsistent, he's still figuring out the game. All are fixable with work and time, given his physical ability, but it's a lot to work on.
Being a tweener is not a problem if you are taught BB fundamentals which JK has never fully embraced. Then you can enter a system where you are given a consistent role and the minutes to play. If you think that JK has not been given enough of a chance, you must think that Kerr doesn't think he has done the work. Or, the alternative pov, is that JK is not smart enough or not willing to work on his fundamentals. He's been given a chance but his development is very slow, imo. Great athleticism doesn't magically translate to being a good player that can be counted on.
Moody, otoh, looked way more out of it than JK up until this season. Moody is slowly coming to understand the game and his role in it. Moody is also a better shooter than JK is. JK passes up so many opportunities for a shot because he's confused as to whether he should shoot, pass, or drive. This is how it looks to me.
Boy did that 6-2 start feel like decades ago, but now it just feels like the poo-pourri covering up the smell of the collective shit this team would eventually take... sigh
Warriors have had the toughest schedule to date. All of the teams they have faced so far have a record of above .500, except for the Pistons. Things will get easier once we face <.500 teams like the Blazers, Spurs, Wizards, etc..
I understand the angst, but personally, I'm withholding judgement until game 25 or so.
We're starting slower than I imagined we would, and we are inconsistent. But, it's a small sample size, and there are some mitigating factors to point to. We are at home, for a long while, and should have the opportunity to correct some things.
If we're still playing sub-.500 ball at Christmas, then I'll start to get worried. But, I don't really expect that to happen, and I think it would take a Steph injury to keep us out of the play-in (knock on wood).
Until they start losing with the Curry/Draymond combination, I don't see a reason to give up hope about the team. The theory of the team works really well, the best starting lineup in the league plus CP3 leading an improved bench unit. That requires the starting lineup to be playing and to be playing well though, so we'll see if Wiggins and Klay have taken steps from the last time Draymond was on the court when they are together again.
In the meantime, my goal with Draymond out was 2-3 and so if they win the Spurs game they are right there.
The only real worry (IMHO) is that the Klay/Wiggs/Kuminga triumvirate just never get it together, or an injury. Otherwise, I think the team is playing reasonably well
If two of the three wings get untracked, we'll be OK. We might end up being an 8 seed, but if we peak at the right time, we'll be fricking terrifying to play in the playoffs.
36 minutes of Steph and Dray will destroy most teams, they way Steph is playing this year.
I feel this, but I do think they need to turn it around like yesterday lol. There isn't a lot of separation in the West as far as I can see, so we need to execute. I'm sorta expecting the team to do a mid-season trade at this point unless they show at least one really excellent streak
That's an interesting take. Myers never really did in-season trades much, and generally I think Kerr believes that it takes too long to bring a guy up to speed in our system to do a big trade at the deadline.
Regardless, I think a trade would not come soon. They would want to see how this group does, since the only changes that would mean anything would involve trading Paul and/or Kuminga for a solid rotation player. And right now, the fall-off between Paul and Cojo/Podz is far too great to even think of trading him.
I don't buy that the W's system is so foreign to others at this point for the original acclimation period to hold; so many of the Warriors actions and offensive philosophy have seeped into the league that I bet it'd be an adjustment, but probably not *too* bad for most players the W's would target. Based off what MDJ has done, I also wouldn't be surprised if he's less conservative in season than Myers was.
That said, I agree that it won't happen until the team shows it can't work. I agree with you and Beli that the team shouldn't overcorrect while Dray sits. They'd also need to see what the trade market is shaping up to be, bc like 1/2 of the league is in the same boat right now lol.
Maybe it's just that last season scarred me, but the W's really should be aiming for at least the 3 seed I think, and they can quickly lose contact if they're not careful.
I agree they'd want a facilitator, particularly one who can penetrate. We won't know who might be available until later in the season, but I'm not sure it needs to be a PG. Idk if I'd be happy with it, but Pascal Siakam is a possibility imo. It also depends on how the team views some combo of cojo and Podz, which might not align with how we view either/ could change through the season.
History suggests they'd mostly stand pat, but how many seasons have the Warriors been close but mediocre during this run? Last year counts to me, but usually we've been either championship quality (and quickly saw it) or had a lost year. The warriors haven't really had too many years where a mid-season trade would really move their chances to begin with, so idk how much to rely on precedence.
So let’s see how those three do in the starting lineup respectively (not all at once) to make the other team feel some intensity off the bat every game.
If Moody had the leash and freedom of Kuminga (or was drafted in reverse order) I think he’d be shining and JK would have been traded for a FRP or something equivalent. He doesn’t help the team that much sadly. It could happen but might take awhile
It's interesting about JK this year, because he was definitely better last year, and definitely better than Moody. JK is a creator and attacker, and the Warriors don't really have that many of those. I don't argue that he always succeeds, but you need pressure on the rim. He had a lot more success with better spacing and transition offense last year. This year things seem gummed up, he posts up and everyone stands around. He also was taking on more point of attack defense duties last year more doggedly. I think he and GPII somewhat duplicate on this.
To me J Kuminga is just trying to figure out what his role on the team is, and how he should be playing.
Agree that so far he has shown he is at his best as an offensive attacker. His shot is inconsistent, but not terrible. He has been asked to play on-ball defense and rebound more and has tried to add this to his game within the team concept. That takes time to incorporate when it is not what you are used to and is not always evident.
I think it is all because he is still learning the game, and even the coaches are not sure how best to use him.
He seems to have a good attitude, and I can be patient, so not concerned about his potential to help the Warriors long term.
Also an interesting factor with Kuminga is that everyone has grand ambitions for him. If Podz scores a basket everyone's like hey bonus! But Kuminga has such startling potential that seemingly all coaches and fans are back seat driving his development. Attack more! Rebound more! Get out in transition! IF only you could hit your free throws! Punish fools in the post! Learn to dribble! You need to start making your threes!
If he was old and couldn't jump out of the building and hadn't showed flashes in all these categories, we'd go a lot easier on him.
I'm witnessing my worst fears about JK realized this season, and I am not convinced he's a Dub after his rookie contract. At his draft I watched all the scouting and also games and concluded "damn he's fast and bouncy, but he can't do any one basketball thing particularly well". I have heard lots of calls for patience, and tried to be patient. But I'm strongly influenced by my personal experience playing in the same soccer game for thirty years: there are guys who have tremendous natural ability who never learn the game, and conversely people who can barely run who can score and make timely accurate passes nearly every game. Athleticism has even less correlation with winning in a league of the best athletes in the world. I'll enjoy JK's occasionally spectacular play while he's here, but if MDJ can parlay him into a better player I'll shed no tears.
He can expect all he wants, but the only way he could really get one is if another team offers one.
I suspect that if he doesn't show an upturn this season, the Dubs will offer him a team friendly extension, and if he doesn't take it, just let him test the market two summers from now.
JK's big problem is is shot isn't falling (and neither is Wiggins and, until last night, Thompson's). There has been no reason for defenders to spread the floor, really no reason not to play off JK and if JK can't get defenders to close out on him, he can't get to the paint.
Could be so but if his game depends on getting to the rim, he needs much better handles. That and rebounding are keys for him. Maybe he'll develop a killer shot but he doesn't have it now. So if he hasn't been working on handles, he should during the off season.
JK looks unstoppable when the whistle is working in his favor, and unstartable when it isn't. Last night, he wasn't drawing fouls, so nothing else was working either.
His (outside) shot has never really fallen with great consistency or volume. I have seen analysis that his form is faster and better compared to years past but he still isn’t hitting it.
I was looking at the Wikipedia article on the Dubs and guess who owns the team record for blocks?
Adonal Foyle
That warms my heart ... he was one of my first fav Dubs. I have a weakness for smart (not BBIQ), good humans who succeed at bball. And he was one of the best human beings to play for the Dubs.
Blocks started being tracked in '73-'74 according to Basketball Ref. Nate averaged 2.9 that year at age 32, his last All Star season and last season as a Warrior. His career was starting to ebb at that point; it was his lowest scoring season since his rookie year. So presumably he had a lot more blocks in his prime but they weren't tracked.
My updated “Which young Dub is going to be the team’s engine after the Big 3 move on?” Power Rankings has a new #1:
1. Podz - partly because of the position he plays and partly because his defense is better than I expected, Podz has moved to #1. His motor, dawgedness, ability to help the team in a variety of ways and make teammates better seems legit.
2. Kuminga - kinda one dimensional on offense and defense and I’m growing tired of every compliment about him being this remarkable physical specimen with amazing strength and athleticism when there doesn’t seem to be marked improvement elsewhere and his motor seems inconsistent. That said, he’s a remarkable physical specimen with amazing strength and athleticism…sigh.
3. Gui - pretty much a default since we know so little about him. In theory, his combination of size and tools makes his ceiling higher than the next guys. Bonus: His pretty face and international charm would look good on promotional billboards and draw fans from many different demographics.
4a. and 4b. - TJD & Moody - I don’t think either profile as being “the guy”, but I’m a fan of both the BBIQ and attitude and think they can both be solid contributors.
I don't think we have that guy yet. I think we have some guys who can be solid starters but no potential superstars. Kuminga has the athleticism so maybe... but he has a lot to prove.
I would put Moody at #2 because JK is not going to be a Warriors by the time OGs move. Either he will request a trade or Dubs will find a better fit for OGs. But he will be good in the league for a long time to come.
From anthony slater in the athletic related to CP3’s ejection
“After the game, Paul told reporters in Phoenix that the issue with Foster is “personal,” stemming back to a situation with his son. He declined to share details.”
OT: I am thankful for the 49ers for beating the Seahawks on Thanksgiving tonight.
Kerr rips Phoenix Footprint Arena techo music...
Maybe we need Duby to forward some decent tunes his way?
Happy Thanksgiving!
Prediction: Dray comes back, the schedule gets easier and they go 14-6 in the next 20 and everyone is going to be as unrealistically optimistic then as they are needlessly pessimistic now even though they'll be the same team playing roughly as well. Which is to say, probably the 6th-8th best team in the league that needs some luck and Klay and Wiggins to return to form to be a true contender.
They've been missing guys, their 3rd and 4th most important players have been awful, and they literally have had the hardest schedule so far (before yesterday's game they were 3rd in adjusted net rating or something like that) -- and they're 7-9. If they were 9-7, would people be freaking out as much?
Happy Thanksgiving everyone, be thankful we're not Wizards fans.
Who's not a Wizard fan? LOVE THOSE GUYS.
I am with you. I got faith in these guys.
Naw. I think it's potentially a very good team that has flaws that matter when it comes to the top teams. Them going a run is totally possible but what I need to see them do is figure out how to beat modern big teams like the cavs, Minnesota, Denver ect. It can be done but there is not much of margin for error. Well, that's my take.
NBA defenses have figured out the Kerr offense. It has become predictable. In particular, defenders are sitting back just waiting for that nearly automatic pass from the top of the key to the wing. They intercept the pass at a full sprint toward their basket, gifting 2 points, or worse 3, when a pursuer catches up and fouls the shooter. Seems to happen 3+ times per game. Not a winning formula.
Hard to blame a guy for sticking with a system that has produced so much success. But I agree that it could use some freshening, especially to take advantage of the gifts of a new generation of Warriors. I wonder if the problem is addressable by recruiting some new assistant coaches. Not trying to clear house -- just thinking that some fresh eyes and minds might help them produce something new and more effective.
I'm thinking that some old stuff that Kerr did with great success has fallen out of the repertoire. What happened to that right side (usually) triangle action that he ran with Bogut and Zaza as distributors? What about the action they used to run with D-West and Mo Speights (I think Zaza too) stationed at the L elbow as distributors or as an outlet to take the mid-range jumper if nothing else was working after the ball whipped around the perimeter a few times? I'm sure that Loon is capable of running at least the latter of those if not both.
Said this last year, got lotsa boos. Kerr seems unable to use the skills new players bring that old players do not have in a way the freshens up the offense, multiplies options, and thus throws defenses more things to worry about. Sad.
Needs some more variety for sure.
Defensive efficiency:
1. Timberwolves
2. Magic
3. Celtics
4. Rockets
5. Thunder
6. Clippers
7. Knicks
8. Lakers
9. Heat
10. Raptors
...
17. Warriors
18. Bulls
19. Suns
20. Kings
...
26. Spurs
27. Hornets
28. Wizards
29. Pacers
30. Jazz
Offensive efficiency:
1. Pacers
2. Hawks
3. Mavericks
4. Bucks
5. 76ers
6. Celtics
7. Thunder
8. Nuggets
9. Suns
10. Nets
...
13. Warriors
14. Kings
15. Timberwolves
16. Clippers
...
24. Lakers
25. Raptors
26. Pistons
27. Bulls
28. Spurs
29. Grizzlies
30. Trail Blazers
Well, that doesn't bode well for our post-season aspirations. Hopefully, the efficiency on both ends improves by the end of the season.
I hate Hate HATE The Athletic! Ive been out of work for awhile and luckily i started a nice seasonal gig and had enough in savings and a wife who makes way more even when i was working so im not really hurting. But this was the first month to month paycheck ive experienced since I left my job because I just started work this week and don’t get paid until next Friday so i had it timed perfectly THEN The Athletic hit me with a 72 dollar annual auto renewal which will take me exactly 70.57 overdraft in my checking account!
Yes i could ask my wife and shes even asked me not to work (do it mainly to get out of house) but the point is ive never depended on her or anyone else and The Athletic never Ever sent me a renewal notice. NordVPN did (had to
Cancel) along with an annual subscription i had for a GIF/Video creator app (alllowrd that to renew) but The Athletic were the only ones who never ever sent me a renewal notice and i even checked spam or making sure I didn’t have email preferences from them turned off. Sorry to Slater, Marcus and the Gang but I hope that Godforsaken greedy ass company (yes i know theyve since been sold to NYT after promising they would never sell out like that) goes belly up because its not even worth the 24 bucks annually i paid last time to renew
I've never had a paid subscription to anything. Can't imagine paying for other people's opinions.
a lot of reporting is fact and inquiry based, not opinions.
I like the athletic’s writing. But I dont pay for it and just read til I hit the paywall.
I hate auto-renewal every which way. So that's the first thing I do a day after - cancel auto renewal
Yeah its highly dependent on what/how its being charged. This was just the perfect storm of a). No longer being happy with the value of the site even at a significantly reduced rate b). My financial situation drastically changing c). A confluence of financial stuff all being shuffled away from my acct this month which left me counting pennies this month
But im fine with auto renewal like this site. 5 bucks wont break me. I subscribe to the Light Years boys premium on Blue Wire then stuff like Youtube Premium. Oh and annually AAA Premium but its well worth it. Now the monthlys wont but every annual renewal place gives me a heads up. The Athletic never did and going by what Redditors are saying alot of people have had issues with their auto renew
Same thing happened to me with The Athletic - which I love, too. When I complained, they reversed the charge and offered a less expensive renewal rate. I did not opt in and I’m glad I didn't because they then sent an email offer for $1 per month. I will take them up on it.
The thing is that i no longer Love so not even sure if i would
Have spent 24 a year. But this just seals my agnosticism
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! 🍁🦃🍁
OT: Josh Giddey…?
What happened - did he score a triple double or something?
Maybe if by scoring and the double digits might be under the age of consent...
Whats happening? Link?
Accused of sleeping with a high school junior.
Which is apparently unproblematic in Oklahoma… and Australia… which… yeah.
It certainly is unproblematic here in Thailand. lol
Oh crap
I’m going to reserve condemnation until something other than a gossip mag reports on it, but I sure am glad its not one of our guys.
Welp.
Can you imagine him falling to us instead of JK now?
What the fuck is wrong with these bozos?!
They need to lower the consenting age.
Why?
Hahahahh
Wait..,Sorry for being unable to read it.. but this is sarcasm correct 🫣
Yeah, Basketbum’s comment was not sarcasm (really hard to ignore the reference to child sex tourism in Thailand) But by now I should know the personalities to realize yours is sarcasm. And definetly a better way to respond than the tirade I was preparing :)
The kuminga talk is crazy, he played well last night, no turnovers, barely forced anything, played good on ball and team defense, Yea he had 1 board but watch the game he was in the paint and boxing out on every possession.
He didn't get 1 play ran for him last night, not a single PnR with saric spreading the floor, not a single post up with Eric Gordon guarding him.
The rotations and the defense of klay(might be the worst defender on the team now outside of saric) are bigger issues.
Agreed on Kuminga. However I think his POA defense has actually been a lot worse so far this year, surprisingly. Especially in terms of screen navigation, I feel like he’s often slow to recover, causing a panic switch or miscommunication leaving someone wide open. Happened at least a few times tonight. He was solid against Shai though, who doesn’t use too many screens.
I still feel like we need his rim pressure and general athleticism, but I wonder if he may benefit from playing more in a ”big” role, perhaps next to the starting unit more often, rather than as a wing creator/defender in the second unit.
Klay’s defense is indeed not good… and the most concerning aspect of this young season for me. he’s definitely turning into a Korver type gunner if he can’t figure out how to stay in front of ppl…
Agree about Kuminga.
To me Saric has surprised me with his defensive effort and position , but he is outsized often. Similar with Klay, though he is not as quick as we were used to seeing in the past.
Yes, Saric is being required to guard bigger bodies that are able to just bully him despite his admirable efforts to bang with them. We have also been needing him to carry a bigger load on the offensive end than he should be in the absence of others producing. I worry about him inevitably wearing/breaking down due the beating he is taking in just about every game. I like TJD, but he has not really been able to provide anything better defensively against size or finish consistently at the rim on the other side of the ball. Getting Draymond back obviously will help, but our front court is still going to be undersized and overworked during the course of the season. I don't see the FO making any move for another big that might improve the situation.
Kuminga is a tweener which can be problematic. He's caught in Kerr's system. He doesn't really know who or what he is on this team.
I don't think being a tweener is JK's problem, nor is Kerr's system. His problems are that his handling isn't good enough, his shot and rebounding are inconsistent, he's still figuring out the game. All are fixable with work and time, given his physical ability, but it's a lot to work on.
Being a tweener is not a problem if you are taught BB fundamentals which JK has never fully embraced. Then you can enter a system where you are given a consistent role and the minutes to play. If you think that JK has not been given enough of a chance, you must think that Kerr doesn't think he has done the work. Or, the alternative pov, is that JK is not smart enough or not willing to work on his fundamentals. He's been given a chance but his development is very slow, imo. Great athleticism doesn't magically translate to being a good player that can be counted on.
Moody, otoh, looked way more out of it than JK up until this season. Moody is slowly coming to understand the game and his role in it. Moody is also a better shooter than JK is. JK passes up so many opportunities for a shot because he's confused as to whether he should shoot, pass, or drive. This is how it looks to me.
Are we even a play-in team?
Boy did that 6-2 start feel like decades ago, but now it just feels like the poo-pourri covering up the smell of the collective shit this team would eventually take... sigh
Warriors have had the toughest schedule to date. All of the teams they have faced so far have a record of above .500, except for the Pistons. Things will get easier once we face <.500 teams like the Blazers, Spurs, Wizards, etc..
We started out worse last year and were the 6 seed. Our team is better this year. Theres no need to panic.
I agree but we are a deeper team this year and still not playing optimum BB.
I understand the angst, but personally, I'm withholding judgement until game 25 or so.
We're starting slower than I imagined we would, and we are inconsistent. But, it's a small sample size, and there are some mitigating factors to point to. We are at home, for a long while, and should have the opportunity to correct some things.
If we're still playing sub-.500 ball at Christmas, then I'll start to get worried. But, I don't really expect that to happen, and I think it would take a Steph injury to keep us out of the play-in (knock on wood).
20% of the season has been played. It's hard to imagine this team not making the play-in.
Until they start losing with the Curry/Draymond combination, I don't see a reason to give up hope about the team. The theory of the team works really well, the best starting lineup in the league plus CP3 leading an improved bench unit. That requires the starting lineup to be playing and to be playing well though, so we'll see if Wiggins and Klay have taken steps from the last time Draymond was on the court when they are together again.
In the meantime, my goal with Draymond out was 2-3 and so if they win the Spurs game they are right there.
The only real worry (IMHO) is that the Klay/Wiggs/Kuminga triumvirate just never get it together, or an injury. Otherwise, I think the team is playing reasonably well
If two of the three wings get untracked, we'll be OK. We might end up being an 8 seed, but if we peak at the right time, we'll be fricking terrifying to play in the playoffs.
36 minutes of Steph and Dray will destroy most teams, they way Steph is playing this year.
I feel this, but I do think they need to turn it around like yesterday lol. There isn't a lot of separation in the West as far as I can see, so we need to execute. I'm sorta expecting the team to do a mid-season trade at this point unless they show at least one really excellent streak
Seems like we have the same take.
If I'm management, I'm asking myself if getting steph a 5th ring is the goal or riding with steph, klay, and dray into the sunset is it.
It's not really a take. Just saying management needs to be prepared to make tough decisions and have a plan.
That's an interesting take. Myers never really did in-season trades much, and generally I think Kerr believes that it takes too long to bring a guy up to speed in our system to do a big trade at the deadline.
Regardless, I think a trade would not come soon. They would want to see how this group does, since the only changes that would mean anything would involve trading Paul and/or Kuminga for a solid rotation player. And right now, the fall-off between Paul and Cojo/Podz is far too great to even think of trading him.
I don't buy that the W's system is so foreign to others at this point for the original acclimation period to hold; so many of the Warriors actions and offensive philosophy have seeped into the league that I bet it'd be an adjustment, but probably not *too* bad for most players the W's would target. Based off what MDJ has done, I also wouldn't be surprised if he's less conservative in season than Myers was.
That said, I agree that it won't happen until the team shows it can't work. I agree with you and Beli that the team shouldn't overcorrect while Dray sits. They'd also need to see what the trade market is shaping up to be, bc like 1/2 of the league is in the same boat right now lol.
Maybe it's just that last season scarred me, but the W's really should be aiming for at least the 3 seed I think, and they can quickly lose contact if they're not careful.
The other thing is what trades are the Dubs realistically able to make? Our only real salary ballast is Paul.
If you trade him away, then you almost have to bring back a PG, or give up on Cojo and sign some waiver wire wonder and hope for the best.
2nd string PG is a very important role on this team (as we've seen by going from Poole to Paul).
My tendency is to think they stand pat.
I agree they'd want a facilitator, particularly one who can penetrate. We won't know who might be available until later in the season, but I'm not sure it needs to be a PG. Idk if I'd be happy with it, but Pascal Siakam is a possibility imo. It also depends on how the team views some combo of cojo and Podz, which might not align with how we view either/ could change through the season.
History suggests they'd mostly stand pat, but how many seasons have the Warriors been close but mediocre during this run? Last year counts to me, but usually we've been either championship quality (and quickly saw it) or had a lost year. The warriors haven't really had too many years where a mid-season trade would really move their chances to begin with, so idk how much to rely on precedence.
Who is the best hustle guy on the team? The starting lineup desperately needs a hustle guy to rev the engine.
Podz and GP2
Podz not only hustles..he can also attack the basket, beat his guy on the dribble, pass...
Moody’s up there too. Dude love diving for loose balls.
So let’s see how those three do in the starting lineup respectively (not all at once) to make the other team feel some intensity off the bat every game.
Moody to me is like a more controlled Damion Lee.
Who can’t hit a 3 right now…
Sure but we know it’s in him so I’m not too worried about that.
It’s mostly worked with Klay, CP3, and Andrew! Hoping it works with MM too!
If Moody had the leash and freedom of Kuminga (or was drafted in reverse order) I think he’d be shining and JK would have been traded for a FRP or something equivalent. He doesn’t help the team that much sadly. It could happen but might take awhile
It's interesting about JK this year, because he was definitely better last year, and definitely better than Moody. JK is a creator and attacker, and the Warriors don't really have that many of those. I don't argue that he always succeeds, but you need pressure on the rim. He had a lot more success with better spacing and transition offense last year. This year things seem gummed up, he posts up and everyone stands around. He also was taking on more point of attack defense duties last year more doggedly. I think he and GPII somewhat duplicate on this.
The lack of pace this year really hurts Kuminga. He needs an open floor to use his strengths.
I'm really hoping we get back to Warriors pace at some point.
To me J Kuminga is just trying to figure out what his role on the team is, and how he should be playing.
Agree that so far he has shown he is at his best as an offensive attacker. His shot is inconsistent, but not terrible. He has been asked to play on-ball defense and rebound more and has tried to add this to his game within the team concept. That takes time to incorporate when it is not what you are used to and is not always evident.
I think it is all because he is still learning the game, and even the coaches are not sure how best to use him.
He seems to have a good attitude, and I can be patient, so not concerned about his potential to help the Warriors long term.
Also an interesting factor with Kuminga is that everyone has grand ambitions for him. If Podz scores a basket everyone's like hey bonus! But Kuminga has such startling potential that seemingly all coaches and fans are back seat driving his development. Attack more! Rebound more! Get out in transition! IF only you could hit your free throws! Punish fools in the post! Learn to dribble! You need to start making your threes!
If he was old and couldn't jump out of the building and hadn't showed flashes in all these categories, we'd go a lot easier on him.
I'm witnessing my worst fears about JK realized this season, and I am not convinced he's a Dub after his rookie contract. At his draft I watched all the scouting and also games and concluded "damn he's fast and bouncy, but he can't do any one basketball thing particularly well". I have heard lots of calls for patience, and tried to be patient. But I'm strongly influenced by my personal experience playing in the same soccer game for thirty years: there are guys who have tremendous natural ability who never learn the game, and conversely people who can barely run who can score and make timely accurate passes nearly every game. Athleticism has even less correlation with winning in a league of the best athletes in the world. I'll enjoy JK's occasionally spectacular play while he's here, but if MDJ can parlay him into a better player I'll shed no tears.
Accept this point of view, and understand your soccer reference.
JK is still very young, and coming from an undeveloped basketball experience.
For me it is still way too early to speculate on if will learn the game or not.
The problem will arise if he expects a max second contract.
He can expect all he wants, but the only way he could really get one is if another team offers one.
I suspect that if he doesn't show an upturn this season, the Dubs will offer him a team friendly extension, and if he doesn't take it, just let him test the market two summers from now.
Steph, Dray, and Klay were not even in the NBA yet at JK’s age. And Klay and Dray were both pretty bad till like age 24.
JK's big problem is is shot isn't falling (and neither is Wiggins and, until last night, Thompson's). There has been no reason for defenders to spread the floor, really no reason not to play off JK and if JK can't get defenders to close out on him, he can't get to the paint.
Kuminga has more problems than that, one chief one being that his handle hasn't developed at all in the three years he's been here.
tbf I wonder if he's been working on other skills given what the coaching staff has emphasized?
Could be so but if his game depends on getting to the rim, he needs much better handles. That and rebounding are keys for him. Maybe he'll develop a killer shot but he doesn't have it now. So if he hasn't been working on handles, he should during the off season.
JK looks unstoppable when the whistle is working in his favor, and unstartable when it isn't. Last night, he wasn't drawing fouls, so nothing else was working either.
He was 3 of 7 and didn't have a single play called for him?
His (outside) shot has never really fallen with great consistency or volume. I have seen analysis that his form is faster and better compared to years past but he still isn’t hitting it.
Here is my Warriors trivia for Thanksgiving Day.
I was looking at the Wikipedia article on the Dubs and guess who owns the team record for blocks?
Adonal Foyle
That warms my heart ... he was one of my first fav Dubs. I have a weakness for smart (not BBIQ), good humans who succeed at bball. And he was one of the best human beings to play for the Dubs.
I think Wilt and Nate Thurmond played before blocks were tracked. I think both of them had more than the Crusher from Colgate.
Blocks started being tracked in '73-'74 according to Basketball Ref. Nate averaged 2.9 that year at age 32, his last All Star season and last season as a Warrior. His career was starting to ebb at that point; it was his lowest scoring season since his rookie year. So presumably he had a lot more blocks in his prime but they weren't tracked.
That makes more sense ... I was trying to figure out how he could have more blocks than Nate Thurmond.
Still, nice to see his name again.
My updated “Which young Dub is going to be the team’s engine after the Big 3 move on?” Power Rankings has a new #1:
1. Podz - partly because of the position he plays and partly because his defense is better than I expected, Podz has moved to #1. His motor, dawgedness, ability to help the team in a variety of ways and make teammates better seems legit.
2. Kuminga - kinda one dimensional on offense and defense and I’m growing tired of every compliment about him being this remarkable physical specimen with amazing strength and athleticism when there doesn’t seem to be marked improvement elsewhere and his motor seems inconsistent. That said, he’s a remarkable physical specimen with amazing strength and athleticism…sigh.
3. Gui - pretty much a default since we know so little about him. In theory, his combination of size and tools makes his ceiling higher than the next guys. Bonus: His pretty face and international charm would look good on promotional billboards and draw fans from many different demographics.
4a. and 4b. - TJD & Moody - I don’t think either profile as being “the guy”, but I’m a fan of both the BBIQ and attitude and think they can both be solid contributors.
I don't think we have that guy yet. I think we have some guys who can be solid starters but no potential superstars. Kuminga has the athleticism so maybe... but he has a lot to prove.
I think TJD can be “the guy” on defense, and that’s half the game.
I would put Moody at #2 because JK is not going to be a Warriors by the time OGs move. Either he will request a trade or Dubs will find a better fit for OGs. But he will be good in the league for a long time to come.
I like Moody more, but think he’s less likely to be a Batman.
Well there's been three live-action Flashes so far; that ain't bad.
Of course I say that as a guy with a Batman icon.
Moody is #1 unless Podziemski can figure out how to play PG. Otherwise Podziemski just another undersized SG who will get benched in the playoffs.
From anthony slater in the athletic related to CP3’s ejection
“After the game, Paul told reporters in Phoenix that the issue with Foster is “personal,” stemming back to a situation with his son. He declined to share details.”
Any idea what this is?
CP3 Jr. didn’t apply a good driver discount on Foster’s insurance quote.