I know this post has been a long time coming, but I have been trying to wait as long as possible, because with the Warriors you never know what might pop off. The off-season has been full of drama only Oakland could possibly house. Between the drafting of Stephen Curry, Stephen Jackson's antics, Monta Ellis' selfish statements and Anthony Randolph's struggle to become a go-to guy, fans have had enough soap opera drama for a couple off-seasons.Since Stephen Jackson has been in the news the most lately, we will start with him. It all began when Jackson demanded a trade in a public appearance in New York. The reason? He wants to win a championship before the end of his career, and presumes, quite accurately I might add, that the Warriors won't be able to deliver on that any time soon. He has maintained his public request throughout the pre-season and made it as uncomfortable as possible for Coach Nellie. It finally boiled over when he picked up 5 fouls and a technical in under 10 minutes against the Lakers this pre-season. Nelson sent him to the locker room, and after the game he was suspended by the team for 2 games for his toxic behavior.
Jackson has a big personality that we hate one moment and love the next. He did decide to give up being team captain, so we can no longer call him Captain Jack, but "Action Jackson" ain't half bad. Thankfully, in a show of remorse for his selfish and immature behavior Jackson hosted the whole team at his house for a BBQ and showed them some much-deserved love.
Jackson has to be smart now because it's highly unlikely anyone wants to take on his big contract for an average player known to put his own team on blast in public. He must attempt to get along with the team as long as possible in the hopes that a another team sees his new found attitude and is willing to take him on. In last night's season opener he seemed plugged in, but he'll have to endure a few boos until be proves himself again.
On a more positive note, I am very excited to see what Stephen Curry, seen above on his dads lap with Don Nelson in the back, will bring to the team this year. It's unfortunate that he is being thrown into the fire so soon, but I am looking forward to how he develops in the league. I think that he could very easily become a star in the league, but the Warriors are known to make mediocre role players out of the finest material, so we shall see. It's obvious that he has to hit the weights, but I am curious to see if his shot translates to the NBA and if can develop his ball handling skills. Monta Ellis was very up front on media day when he said that he did not think that Curry and him could play together at the same time. It was a very surprising statement, but it makes sense. They're both small and both will have a tough time guarding the opposing teams guards. Check the second part of an interview that WarriorsWorld did with Stephan Curry, below.In other news, it will be interesting to see how Anthony Randolph responds to the hype that started towards the end of last season and continued through the summer league. He is starting the season with a bad back, but hopes to play a limited role to start the season and eventually get back into the starting lineup. Hopefully the buzz we've been hearing translates into actual on-court performance.
And then there is the abusive relationship between the Warriors and the concept of defense. For some reason we never focus on getting a defensive player, except maybe Turiaf, who can impact the game. That will not change this year and could potentially be worse than in years past. When Curry and Ellis are on the court, other teams will feast on them because Ellis does not know how to spell defense and Curry is too tiny to play physical defense. Lastly, will Don Nelson last the year? and will Chris Cohan finally sell the team to an owner who actually cares about the product he puts on the court? Both questions could make a big difference on the out come of they year.
And then there is the abusive relationship between the Warriors and the concept of defense. For some reason we never focus on getting a defensive player, except maybe Turiaf, who can impact the game. That will not change this year and could potentially be worse than in years past. When Curry and Ellis are on the court, other teams will feast on them because Ellis does not know how to spell defense and Curry is too tiny to play physical defense. Lastly, will Don Nelson last the year? and will Chris Cohan finally sell the team to an owner who actually cares about the product he puts on the court? Both questions could make a big difference on the out come of they year.
Above is a Warriors season break down by NBA TV
Either way, the Warriors will be fighting an up-hill battle all year. They have some great young players in Randolph, Curry, Anthony Morrow, and Ellis, but lack the maturity or defense to compete this year. I believe that it will be like every other Warriors season of late, flashes of greatness, the occasional upset, and the usual disappointment. But either way 38thnotes & Tre Eightman will be there chronicling the soap opera that is the Warriors organization.
Update: The Warriors lost 108-107 in the season opener and had a chance to win in the last seconds. Of course the "defense" allowed the Rockets to shoot 46% behind the three point line. Also, Maggette needs to STOP shooting jumpers, Morrow needs to get more shots, and Randolph needs to get healthy. FInally, I heard that Jamarcus Russell was in the house for the game, but on his phone most of the time. Do they have quarterback tutoring programs for BlackBerrys? If not someone should create one just for him.
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