Geoff's Question - Golden State has been making a splash lately (Hiring Jerry West to advise, Mark Jackson as head coach, Michael Malone as assistant coach, and rumored to be shopping Ellis for Iggy). Do you feel this is an organization moving forward or are they just making noise?
The moves made by the Warriors have been really intriguing and potentially franchise altering. Look at any solid team in the league and you will see that it all starts with management before any players. Sure Boston needed “the big three” to get them to win a championship in 2008, but not without the crucial push from Doc Rivers and defensive genius Tom Thibodeau to put them over the top. Now don’t misread here, the Warriors will not challenge for the NBA title next year. But they are building right by making smart moves in management before thinking too much about player moves. Jerry West has savvy and a history of luring big players (think a non italian mobster Pat Riley). He brought together the Showtime LA Lakers of the 80’s and the Shaq-Kobe Lakers of the early 2000’s.
The greatest move they have done is in luring Michael Malone away from the Hornets to be their assistant. He was highly sought by many teams and was even in high consideration for the Warriors head coaching position. This defensive specialist is thought of as one of the top coaching minds in the game. This is why the hire of Mark Jackson does not seem too bad. Though Jackson has absolutely no coaching experience, he has always had the coaching gene in him. In his playing days he was the true meaning of a floor general. Never the most gifted athletically, he knew how to get the most out of the players he was playing with and ran the offensive in such a way as to maximize the potential around him. Once again, 2008 Boston Celtics comparisons come to mind. Thibodeau was the one set in place that defense which would become the Celtic’s greatest strength. Rivers then acted more as the in game coach, drawing up plays, making substitutions and inspiring players. As long as the Jackson-Malone coaching tandem does not struggle for power this type of system, where the assistant writes the symphony and the head coach orchestrates it, could be a very winning formula.
As far as the actual players, this team is still a ways away from being a serious contending team. I love the potential Igudola for Ellis trade. Though Ellis is a dynamite scorer with ice cold veins, his and teammate Steph Curry’s style of play does not allow for much chemistry. While Ellis is the more talented player, he also has the highest trade value. Under Jackson’s tutelage Curry could develop into one of the games best PG’s and that is probably what the Warriors are banking on in offering Ellis in trade talks. Igudola could then plug is marvelous athletic ability into Malone’s defensive system and leave the weight of the scoring load in Curry’s hands.
While there are some great risks involved (Jackson never coaching, hoping Curry develops as they think he might). They are calculated ones that could yield high success. This new direction for the Warriors has them going in the right direction.
Evan's Question - I've heard some talk (on ESPN's PTI) of a Westbrook for Chris Paul trade. Your thoughts?
Thinking of nothing else other than on the court I’d love the potential that this trade could bring. Westbrook is the type of player that, given the top dog status, would be a highlight machine, bring superstar buzz to a city, and make the Hornets a fun to watch team (think Griffin on the Clippers). Paul is a better player, but his strengths are to be facilitating. He makes everyone around him better, but does not hit the highlight reel on a regular basis. Westbrook would bring a wow-factor that Paul has not necessarily had since the knee injury. Paul’s pass-first mentality, and ability to make everyone better would greatly benefit players like Durant and especially Ibaka. Ibaka’s ever strengthening mid range jumper and powerful alley-oop ability would make him lethal off a pick and roll with Paul. A point guard like that could make Ibaka a potential all-star even as early as next year. Durant would still handle the scoring load and Paul would not have to focus so much on scoring with a stronger supporting cast. Westbrook numbers would increase by sheer necessity, he would never be scrutinized for shooting too much, and would vault into best PG in the game ahead of names like D-Will and Rondo, and slightly beneath (even challenging) Rose.
But unfortunately there are much more factors to the NBA than just basketball. There are variables such as age, health and contracts. Even if the Thunder make the Western finals again next year or even further, I do not see Paul signing a long term deal with the club. He has big cities on his mind. Rumor has it that at Carmelo’s wedding (where Paul was best man) he said that he would be joining Melo and Amare in NY. And this was BEFORE Melo was even there. Plus his knee’s are a legitimate concern for a young team looking to put together a prolonged run. Westbrook is young enough that his mentality and style of play can be morphed to maximize not just his abilities but his teammates. Westbrook may not stick around for much longer either (I see him signing a 3 year extension and then bolting). But I think it would be smarter for the Thunder to wait and get a young player, that can pass and see the floor, and most importantly has two working knees. For someone who loves to see big trades, it sure would be fun to see. But for the Thunder (honestly I could care less about the Hornets), this trade does not make the best sense.
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