Golden State: Becoming Warriors Among Men Before Our Very Eyes
I know it's easy to rip the Warriors and most of the transactions they make. From questionable draft picks, to ill-advised free agent signings; to one-sided trades that makes even the most hopeful Warriors fan lose morale.
It seems as though times are changing for our beloved W's, and none to soon I might add. Hope springs eternal, and though their checkered past leads us to have some doubt; it's time to fill that half-empty glass to the top with excitement and anticipation.
Among the news and highlights of late that is creating a buzz for the Warriors are the changing of the team logo (yes this counts quit snickering), the trade for David Lee, the signing of Dorrell Wright, and the pending sale of the team to Larry Ellison according to multiple reports.
Let's start with the trade for David Lee and how his presence will change the Warriors on the court as they fight for positioning in the tough Western Conference. David Lee gives Golden State a much needed change from seasons past- he lets the Warriors run the pick and roll with confidence which creates more headaches for opposing teams game planning against Golden State.
In addition, his mindset is to bang down in the paint, Lee doesn't mind mixing it up with other big men; and this alone is a change of pace for the Warriors. Rebounding is equal parts position on the court, strength, and desire to get the ball at all costs.
When you watch David Lee attack the boards underneath and around the basket, you can see his sheer desire to get each and the ball. You don't need to be 7'2" to get every rebound, one of the greatest rebounders of all time was Sir Charles Barkley, who is listed as 6'4". Plus he can score from multiple positions on the court, as evidenced by the triple-double he had against the Warriors last season.
How many games last year did the Warriors give up two, three, and four possessions of the ball because of their inability to rebound. I lost count after the second week of the season.
If you don't know much about Dorrell Wright, I suggest going to the Warriors official website and watch the interview he had with Warriors announcer Jim Barnett. Dorrell comes off as a humble, sincere, and honest kid who chose to sign with Golden State.
While his past seasons with Miami do not show great stats in terms of scoring and rebounding, Wright has learned the game in a winning system while playing for the Heat. His being around Pat Riley and the defensive impact and attitude Riley teaches will help the Warriors greatly.
Plus anytime you can be around Dwayne Wade day in and day out, your ability to see players of his caliber each practice influences and raises your level of play also. Dorrell Wright will be an upgrade on defense, a positive person on the team, another good rebounder; and a player Warrior fans will grow to love.
Good things are happening in Warrior Land. I understand the skeptics and naysayers who feel the recent trades and roster moves are more signs of a floundering franchise. But these moves just feel different. There is a sense that maybe this time, just maybe, the powers that be and the basketball gods have shined good fortune upon our beloved W's.
While trading Anthony Randolph was difficult, and he may well become an elite player with the Knicks; something had to be done to shake the current state of the Warriors. Kelenna Azubuike was a great locker room guy and a solid NBA player; and he may put up the occasional 30+ point game for the Knicks. Ronny Turiaf may well have consistent double-double games for the Knicks. That is all well and good. The Warriors needed changing, and they needed it now.
Losing fan favorite Anthony Morrow was tough, that kid plays his heart out, has a true infectious love for the game; and can shoot the lights out of the ball. His range is from the moment he steps off the team bus, and he will be missed.
But let's look on the bright side of things, and be realistic. While the playoffs may be another year or two on the horizon, there does seem to be substantiated hope for this new group of Warriors.
The Warriors have many things to look forward to: the continued emergence of Stephen Curry who will be an All-Star very soon, the excitement and intrigue of a Monta Ellis/Stephen Curry backcourt; and the additions of current All-Star David Lee and newcomer Dorrell Wright; as well as the possible emergence of Reggie Williams who looks like he is going to be a very solid player.
Add to this these possible diamonds in the rough: the trading of Corey Maggette frees up much needed cap space and brings back defensive minded players for at least one year in Charlie Bell and Dan Gadzuric, a full year from Brandan Wright (hopefully), and the energy and defensive skills from rookie Ekpe Udoh who we can hope becomes the next Mr. Mean, aka Larry Smith.
The summer still has a long way to go, and most NBA teams have good vibes and high hopes this time of year, but I really think the Warriors will be a pleasant surprise this coming season. Playoffs? Maybe not, but Oracle Arena will be rocking with new energy, new hope, and a new owner. As a result of this, more good things are coming.
Very soon.
