Future of the Warriors
I think they are in a good position to both try and win now as well as develop young players. I expect Maggette and Jackson will start losing some minutes this year, but they can still play and contribute. Maggette would be hard to move with his contract and selfish play. Meanwhile, Biedrins, Randolph, and Ellis all look like they can become the future of this franchise. Still too early to make any bold predictions for Wright and Curry. And I don't think Wright is being misused, he just ain't that good right now. He is an undersized athletic pf who should thrive in a transition offense like Golden States.
I think they have a good future but not great. I see them making the playoffs this year. I think they will continue to make the playoffs consistently for the next several years. I don't see them ever being real contenders though unless some trades occur. Personally I like the idea of starting Randolph & Wright alongside each other in the future at SF/PF. I think that could create problems for other teams with that much length. Biedrins is a solid Center. Golden State has good depth. Morrow is a starting caliber SG. As far as who I would like to see traded.....Jackson & Maggette even though that may be tough. I would put both of them on the trade market. Jackson & Maggette are still both above average players so I don't think trading them would be impossible. I just want them gone so the younger guys like Curry, Morrow, Randolph, etc can get more playing time The biggest problem I see with this is team is at PG. I'm not sure Curry or Ellis can be an elite PG. Sure Curry is smart & a great shooter but can he lead a team? Sure Ellis is extremely athletic & versatile but is his IQ high enough & can he lead a team? Both seem to be combo guards. If one of them can become a star PG then watch out this team could be a problem for the rest of the league. Financially the team looks to be in OK shape. They should have no problem keeping the core intact.
A couple other problems I see.... Randolph & Wright have to really help out on the boards this year. Outside of Biedrins this team isn't great at rebounding.
Also outside of Curry & Morrow this team is a pretty terrible 3pt shooting team.
They need to look for long range shooters, rebounders, & defenders in the upcoming draft & free agent market in 2010.
Gatorheels I agree with that assessment 100%. You said you like the idea of starting Randolph at the 3 and Wright at the 4. I think that would work. Do you think Randolph would be better as a point forward/Lamar Odom type or a super athletic/high motor power forward (I guess a Kevin Garnett type)?
Edit- I added a couple of things up above too my last post.
Tezo- I see Randolph more like Odom because he can slash to the basket. Plus he is left handed ha. Randolph just doesn't have that great of a jumpshot right now. That is something he needs to work on. He certainly doesn't have that fade away jumper that KG has. That is something else he should learn. Randolph can handle the ball really well for a 6'11" player. He is also a good shot blocker which people will see this season as he gets more playing time.
KevinDurant- Golden State has a lot of scorers so I worry that Randolph might get lost in the mix a little this year. I think he will develop into the #1 option in a couple of years..probably in 2011. If he adds a jumpshot & gains another 20 pounds then I think he is an allstar.
mikenike- Yeah they did trade away two good shooters & got back crap in return but they did get a little cap relief.
iguodala- I think they need to keep Wright. He is overlooked right now just because he hasn't got much playing time. I really like his game & I think he can play really well alongside Randolph.
Per 48 minutes of playing time this is what Wright averages- 53%FG 74% free throw 23 points 11 rebounds 2 assist 2 steals 3 blocks
That looks pretty solid. Especially considering he is so young. He is going to gain some weight. Some players just take longer for their bodies to fill out.
But look at all the other teams that aren't in contention. I can think of Big Al, Lopez, Stoudmire and Okafor are the only big 5s that are out there and Okafor doesn't have offensive game and the Stoudmire is the only one thats on the block and Suns wont just take Wright
What does he do good?? I've watched him play, and I dont think he has a specific skill. You have to be good at at least one thing to be a good player, and he is just a player that scores off of plays were he has enough space to make athletic plays. He does have alot of potential though, its pretty obvious.
I do agree with some of that as i have not watched him play lots but he rebounds very well blocks a few shots is long and lean but still strong enough to run the floor and play post. And even though he doesn't score a lot he shots one of the highest percentages
gs just needs inside scoring to be an elite team which they can get by trading wright and morrow for lets say boozer, azubuike is better than morrow more athletic and better defender lineups will look like beidrins.....turiaf cj watson can shoot too
boozer.......maggette
randolph....george
jackson....azubuike
ellis..........curry
What do you guys think is the future of the warriors. To me they need to make a decision if they are rebuilding or just trying to make the playoffs. They have older player in Corey, Stephen, and they have a big contract in Ellis but they also have young promising players such as Marco Belinili, Randolph, stephen Curry and Brandon Wright.
What do you guys think is wrights future?