Youngsters Fight Like Warriors

Contributed by OaklandsOwn22

Most people aren’t quite sure what the NBA Summer League is, but to basketball dorks it signals the beginning of a new year. I am sure Laker and Celtic fans don’t take it quite as seriously, but that is because their team actually produces when it counts. But for Warriors fans it provides a new energy.

During the summer league each NBA organization fields a squad comprised predominantly of new draft picks and players who might get an invite to their official camp. The five game schedule gives players a chance to get used to the NBA, their organization, their new teammates, new plays, and some new rules.

This year the Warriors filled most of their summer league roster with players who had gone un-drafted the last couple years or had very little playing time with other teams. But the team also featured two of our standout rookies from last year, Anthony Randolph and Anthony Morrow. And last but not least, our newest acquisition, Stephen Curry made his debut for us.
As the league started most fans eyes were on Curry, wondering if he’d be able to shoot like he did in college? And if he is good enough to play point guard in the NBA? After watching a few of the games and reading articles, the answer to the latter question is still unknown. Curry had flashes of brilliance, but did not always command the presence of a true point guard. Although he averaged 17.4 points a game, he also averaged 3.6 turnovers a game to go along with only 4.2 assists a game. Curry will definitely be a great player and it is not fair to judge him off of 5 games, but he needs to get stronger and present more of a presense on the court.
The first couple games might have been the Stephen Curry meet and greet, but the last two games were welcome back parties for the two Anthony’s mentioned above. First against the Bulls, Anthony Randolph tied a Summer League record by dropping in 42 points. Not to be out done, Anthony Morrow, rocking the played out Mohawk, dropped 47 points and 7 rebounds, breaking the summer league record for points in a game. As I said before, these games do not mean anything, but its exciting to see two young players who could be a big part of our team this year producing at such a high level.

The surprise of the team was a man by the name of Cartier Martin. Martin graduated from Kansas State and bounced between the Developmental League, the basketball minor leagues, and the Charlotte Bobcats. Martin a 6’ 6” wing, averaged almost 20 points a game over three games and made some nice plays on the defensive side of the ball as well.

The Warriors finished the league 4-1 and showed us that maybe some of the younger guys can compete this year. Now the question is, will Don Nelson let them?

P.S. I am still hoping that the Warriors sign Leon…