Nelson to Start Curry and Ellis in the Backcourt

All indications are that Don Nelson will open the season on Wednesday against Houston with both Stephen Curry and Monta Ellis in the backcourt.

Curry will likely get the start at point guard and the assignment of defending Aaron Brooks while Ellis will man the two guard spot and either defend Trevor Ariza or Shane Battier, both of whom are significantly taller and stronger.

Ellis has been on record as saying that he doesn't believe that the two can share the same backcourt, and that two smaller guys playing the one and the two is not a formula the Warriors can win with.

I, for one, believe this will be a monumental mistake on many levels.

The most obvious being that neither Curry or Ellis match up well with any of the larger, more physical shooting guards in the league. Even on opening night, Ariza or Battier should manhandle either of the 6-3 defensive sieves.

The second reason that this pairing is a mistake is because Ellis and Curry are virtually identical players. There is a reason that different types of players generally occupy the different positions. Certain body types and playing styles are more suitable for each position, and playing two nearly indistinguishable players is certainly not ideal. I agree with Monta Ellis here.

Third, with Ellis already having vocalized his displeasure with having to compete with Curry, it seems like failure is already a foregone conclusion. This is not a situation that will end well. When a player states his desire to be traded, nothing short of consistent victory will please the disgruntled, and I'm not confident that this combination of egos and skill sets, fares well for the possibility of success.

Talent is not an issue on the Warriors, but chemistry and dedication might just prove to be their Achilles heel.  

I would like to give Don Nelson the benefit of the doubt because I just like the guy as a coach. His teams are always energetic and high octane, but throughout the years, only one thing has remained constant. Success in the regular season, but disappointment in the playoffs.

His brand of basketball just isn't built for any kind of success in the NBA. Sure, it's fun to watch, but until a commitment to defense has been established, fans can only prepare for more of the same. Just go ask the Nuggets teams of the last six years.

I think the situation in Golden State will ultimately necessitate the trade of Monta Ellis, but until Nellie realizes that Curry and Ellis cannot coexist, we have no choice but to sit back and watch the soap opera that has become the Warriors.