NBA Trade Rumors: Carmelo Anthony and 9 Other Players the Warriors Should Avoid
The Golden State Warriors continue to be the NBA's enigma. The team sandwiched a bad home loss to the Phoenix Suns on Monday by wins over perennial powerhouses, the Chicago Bulls and Denver Nuggets.
When fans are ready to buy in to the club, the team comes out flat and falls on their face. When frustrated fans are ready to throw in the towel, the team buys in to defensive schemes and team basketball.
With a fan base as passionate and as hungry as those in the Bay Area, Riley understands the desire to bring in a player to excite the fan base and inject consistency into this roller coaster team.
A competent (not a word often associated with the franchise) front office will not cave to pressure from the fan base and make a move just to make a move. Riley himself is on record stating that he would not do so.
However, when the owner of a club wants to make a move, a move is probably on the horizon. With that said, here are 10 players that might appease the fan base, but would hardly make this franchise a Western Conference power.
10. Joel Przybilla
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The 7'1" Trail Blazer's career has been underwhelming for what one would hope for from a former top ten draft pick (ninth overall in 2000).
Despite his 7'1", 245-pound frame he has yet to average 10 rebounds in a season. He's never averaged better than 6.4 points. His career blocks (1.5 per game) are the closest his stats get to jumping off the paper.
At the same time he's a seven footer in a league that loves big men. Przybilla (and his expiring $7.4 million contract) has drawn plenty of interest from teams looking for front court help. But the Warriors would be advised to stay away from the former Golden Gopher who has ruptured his right patella tendon twice since December 2009. He's too slow for their style of play and he does not have the scoring potential to justify the Warriors slowing down for him.
Riley's Better Buy: Why not Przybilla's Portland teammate Marcus Camby? He's owed more money ($8.4 million this year, $9.3 million next season) and is currently injured, but he did return to practice Wednesday and has the potential to be the player the Warriors are missing. A former Defensive Player of the Year, Camby would significantly upgrade the Warriors post defense (11.3 rebounds and 2.5 blocks for his career) and his six seasons in Denver have him experienced for the Warriors up-tempo game.
9. O.J. Mayo
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O.J. Mayo's tenuous stay in Memphis appears to be over soon, as the third overall pick in 2008 has been made readily available by the Grizzlies front office. Whether fighting with teammates or losing his starting role, Mayo has hardly had the type of season the Grizzlies had envisioned for him and at this point are looking for a better return on their investment.
For a player of his talent, any bargain deal would be a no-brainer. The problem is, the Grizzlies asking price is said to be through the roof, even after the very public in-house drama.
The Grizzlies reportedly offered Mayo and 2009's second overall pick (Hasheem Thabeet) to the Warriors in exchange for Monta Ellis last season, and Riley turned them down. Despite Mayo's skills (career 16.7 points), Riley would be wise to turn down the Grizzlies again, especially if they are asking for Ellis, Stephen Curry or even Dorell Wright in return.
Riley's Better Buy: Indiana's Brandon Rush could instantly upgrade the Warriors second unit and may be available given the uncertain nature that surrounds the Pacers organization. Despite putting up numbers (10.9 points, 3.7 rebounds), Rush has struggled to stay in the starting lineup, losing his starting spot to former Warrior (bust) Mike Dunleavy. Rush has the size (6-foot-6, 210-pounds) to see time at the shooting guard and small forward position, and the Warriors have the big men that the Pacers desperately seek (Josh McRoberts is the starting power forward, enough said).
8. Baron Davis
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Some of Davis' most prolific seasons came during his three years in the Bay Area and, not coincidentally, some of the Warriors best seasons in recent memory came with Davis at the helm.
Andris Biedrins (the recipient of Warriors fans harshest criticisms) thrived during his years with Davis and Davis' size allowed Ellis to avoid mismatches with bigger guards.
Add these to the fact that Davis has had to endure heckling from Clippers owner Donald Sterling during games and a Davis-Warriors reunion appears to be a perfect fit.
To borrow a line from one of college football's best (Lee Corso) -- Not so fast my friend!
Any trade involving bringing a point guard in would more than likely see another (Curry) leaving the Bay. Not to mention, his time in Golden State did not leave a pleasant taste in his mouth after the Warriors front office denied a contract offer to the former UCLA Bruin.
Riley's Better Buy: Why not a four month (optimistically) rental of Pacers backup T.J. Ford? Ford has cracked the 20-minute barrier just once in 2011 and has struggled to find his place behind Darren Collison and Ronnie Price. Ford has shown the ability to run a team (11.5 points, 5.9 assists, 2.5 turnovers in his career) and could breathe some much needed life in the Warriors lackluster second unit. And if Ford doesn't work out, his $8.5 million contract comes off the books at season's end.
7. Chris Kaman
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Another injured but reportedly almost back big man, Kaman has drawn the eye of Golden State fans tiring of the Warriors lack of post offense. And with a contract set to expire next season, he's not the biggest financial risk (although he is owed $23.5 million between now and then).
At his best, Kaman appeared to be one of the NBA's elite big men posting averages of 15.7 points and 12.7 rebounds in 2007-08 and 18.5 points and 9.3 rebounds in 2009-10.
However, Kaman has also battled the injury bug throughout his career. He has missed 40 of the Clippers last 42 games this season with a left ankle injury and has played more than 60 games just once since 2006-07.
Even when he's healthy, his numbers have been almost equal to Biedrins' (who, by the way, is four years younger). Kaman has posted career averages of 11.7 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.4 blocks and 48.6 percent shooting while Biedrins has averaged 7.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and 59.9 percent shooting.
Riley's Better Buy: Denver Nuggets' center Nene would be the perfect fit should Riley go after a front-line big man. Nene has the offensive skills to thrive in the Warriors system (his 64.4 percent shooting is best in the NBA) and rebounds well enough to sacrifice a little defense for his post offense. Should the Nuggets move Carmelo Anthony, prepare for Denver's liquidation sale.
6. Tayshaun Prince
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Perhaps it's his championship experience or his versatility, but for one reason or another, Prince has caught the eye of the Warriors faithful.
His numbers have been fairly decent (14.6 points, 4.8 rebounds) and his expiring $11.2 million contract would be a big plus most seasons.
But his numbers haven't even been as good as current Warriors small forward Dorell Wright (16.6 points, 5.7 rebounds) and with the NBA's CBA set to expire at season's end, that expiring contract could be worthless.
He could certainly help provide a spark as well as leadership off the bench, but at this point in his career it's hard to imagine that he would embrace such a role on a young team.
Riley's Better Buy: Minnesota's Corey Brewer has been publicly mentioned in trade rumors (the new, but not newest round of Carmelo Anthony rumors) and could be a great fit for the Warriors bench. Brewer has enough offense (8.7 points) to warrant some playing time, but it's his defensive effort and length that could make him a top seven or eight player for this squad. His only knock (he's a terrible three-point shooter, just 27.1 percent) could be masked by playing him with the Warriors' lights out deep shooters, like Wright, Curry and Reggie Williams.
5. Aaron Brooks
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When Aaron Brooks started his long walk to the locker room over the weekend, many people saw it as his first step out of Houston. His frustrations from a disappointing season (both personally and as a team) boiled over and Brooks suddenly went from rising star to disgruntled complementary piece.
His rising stardom seemed at its brightest last season, when Brooks and his 19.6 points and 5.3 assists in 36 minutes captured the NBA's Most Improved Player award. But that star has faded quickly for the diminutive point guard. An early season ankle injury and the improved play of Kyle Lowry have seen Brooks' minutes drop to just 24 per game, which he's used to average 11.9 points on 36 percent shooting.
The only thing that hasn't changed about Brooks from this season to last, however, is the fact that his price tag remains through the roof. As impressive as he was as a year ago, it's hard to advise the Warriors to buy high on a falling stock.
Riley's Better Buy: Riley has a chance to nab a second point guard from one of the deepest point guard classes in recent years (2009). Minnesota's Jonny Flynn has been on the market for quite a while as the Timberwolves are satisfied with starter Luke Ridnour and optimistic about their chances at bringing Ricky Rubio stateside next season. With Minnesota's propensity for reclamation projects (Darko Milicic and Michael Beasley), it might not cost the Warriors more than Brandan Wright (he has to play somewhere) to acquire last season's sixth overall pick.
4. Gerald Wallace
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Wallace has been on Bay Area fans' wish list for seasons and the highlight finisher and defensive force gives them plenty of reasons for being on there. With visions of game-changing rejections and Wallace's 'Oops' from Stephen Curry's 'Alleys', it's hard to blame them.
But the problem with acquiring Wallace is that he would cost either Curry or Ellis. In other words, the Warriors would send one of their top two scorers in exchange for a player with limited offensive abilities. Wallace is not a great shooter (42.3 percent field goals, 31.1 percent three-pointers) and is not a player that can consistently create his own offense.
And while he is one of the league's better defenders, his 6-foot-7, 220-pound frame is best suited for the wing. So while he would improve the team's defense, he would not provide the intimidating defensive post presence that the team really needs. Not to mention he'd likely play the one position where the Warriors already have a lockdown defender (Dorell Wright).
Riley's Better Buy: If the Warriors want to deal with Charlotte, Boris Diaw would be a better fit. Diaw has the size and length (6-foot-8, 235-pounds) to bang inside, and the ability to score from anywhere on the court. He also has the versatility to initiate the offense, allowing the Warriors scorers (namely Curry, Ellis and Williams) to focus on getting their own points. Diaw showed the ability to thrive in an up-tempo system in Phoenix and would be an upgrade at the stretch power forward position (coach Keith Smart's apparent favorite).
3. Josh Smith
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Smith's name has been in the rumor mill since last summer and Al Horford's contract extension earlier this season reignited the trade talks for the versatile 25-year-old. A better (and younger) version of Gerald Wallace, Smith has both the flashiness and the statistics (16.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, 1.8 blocks) to warrant the attention from general managers across the NBA.
And given that this Atlanta Hawks team is strikingly similar to the Hawks teams of recent memory (33-19, fourth in the Eastern Conference), it appears unlikely that this will be the season that Atlanta cracks into the Eastern Conference elite. In fact, it appears more and more likely that this current group of Hawks may never get out of the second round and the team may need a move or two to shake things up.
But the Warriors would be wise to avoid the bidding war that will take place between all of the losers in the Carmelo Anthony race. He's a big enough name that he'll appease most fan bases, but will cost a fortune (both in terms of assets to acquire him and $25.6 million over the next two seasons) despite not giving superstar production.
And after being highly lauded for his maturation as a player for giving up his three point attempts (just seven all of last season), he's already launched 105 this season, the first time he's attempted more than 100 three-pointers since the 2006-07 season.
Riley's Better Buy: With Riley on record stating that he'd like to improve the Warriors interior play, a player like Washington's Andray Blatche could do just that. He would come a lot cheaper than Smith, and plays a more controlled, efficient offensive game. His numbers are close to Smith's (15.8 points, 8.1 rebounds) and his effective mid-range jumper could create spacing when paired with current Warrior bigs David Lee, Andris Biedrins or Ekpe Udoh.
2. Steve Nash
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With a financially friendly (for a former MVP) contract set to expire next season and a cast of veteran players not quite talented enough for a playoff run, Phoenix general manager Lance Blanks' phone has not stopped ringing since the season began for the talented point guard.
For a player with his competitiveness and his numbers (16.7 points, 14.6 assists) justify the calls. The fact that he's the only member of the 50-40-90 club (50 percent field goals, 40 percent three-pointers, 90 percent free throws) to meet the criteria four times (Bird, the only other member with multiple seasons did it twice), shows just how good of a shooter he really is. The fact that he's in the top ten in terms of career assists shows just how talented of a passer he is.
So, why should the Warriors stay away? Two reasons. First, here's another guy with a price tag that does not justify the product. At best, Nash can play at this level realistically for what, two or three more years? The Suns have to bring back a star (Curry or Ellis) to appease the fan base after trading away the team's franchise player. Secondly, a knock-down shooting, creative passing point guard is simply not what the Warriors need. The team already has one in the making, and he's 15 years younger.
Riley's Better Buy: The Wizards' Kirk Hinrich could work wonders for this underwhelming second unit. And while he's not quite 50-40-90 good, any team would take 45-38-87 from a reserve. He has the ability to defend either guard position (in other words, he could share the court with Curry, Ellis or Williams) and would bring some veteran leadership and postseason experience. And for the record, Hinrich's deal comes off the books next season as well.
1. Carmelo Anthony
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While the Nuggets are weary about keeping Anthony in the Western Conference, Riley certainly possesses more assets than some of the latest Anthony rumors (Wilson Chandler, Corey Brewer and a first round pick. Really?) Any offer of a combination of Ellis/Curry and expiring contracts would certainly push the Warriors to the forefront of this race.
And while I'm not sure how interested the Warriors are in dangling either player for a couple months of Anthony, the team's front office (like every team in the league) owes it to their fan base to discuss bringing the superstar on board. Players of his caliber are not available often and general managers get paid to explore their options when these players are.
But this move does not make sense for a multitude of reasons. San Francisco hardly seems like the type of market that Antony (or wife Lala Vasquez) seeks. And if it's not location and Anthony is really concerned about wins, it's hard to fathom that he would embrace a club six games behind his current team.
As far as the Warriors are concerned, Anthony simply would not push this club over the top. And if the move does not make the team a legitimate title contender, a general manager cannot give up a cornerstone player for a four month rental.
Riley's Better Buy: If Riley is able to find the caliber of player that Lacob and the fans seek, Danny Granger could be that player. If Ellis, Brandan Wright and expiring contracts could bring back a package centered around Granger and Brandon Rush, the Warriors will fill a lot of needs quickly. Rush's size would slow down opposing shooting guards and Granger would not only improve the starting five, but by moving Dorell Wright to the bench, would also add some much-needed firepower to the second unit. And Granger would be more in the Bay Area longer than a few months; he's under contract through 2014.
