Tuyen's Blog

Posts for Tag: basketball

I owe Stephen Curry an apology...

Stephen Curry joined an elite list in Wednesday's win over the Clippers, becoming sixth rookie to post a 35-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist performance in NBA history.
via espn.go.com

A few months ago, I lamented the drafting of Stephen Curry by the Warriors. I thought he was just another undersized guard who dominated a weak conference in college and would create a log jam for an already guard heavy team. Fast forward 8 months later and I'm eating my words. Curry started slow but with the injuries to many key players (including Monta Ellis), he's stepped up his game as of late. Right now, it's a 1-2 race between him and Tyreke Evans for Rookie of the Year. Given tonight's performance against Sacramento, I'd say he's made up a ton of ground. I still think Evans will end up winning unless he really stinks it up the final few months of the season. But I wouldn't trade him for Brandon Jennings given his recent free fall and inconsistencies. Curry seems like he can only get better with experience and a good coach (not Nellie). Here's hoping Avery Johnson follows Nelson again like in Dallas...

Warriors lose to Lakers but much to be optimistic about

I just saw a great game between the Warriors and the Lakers. Outcome wasn't good (LA won) but man, it was competitive down to the last minute. Couple of free throws made by GS and couple missed by LA and the game could have gone the other way. Cause for optimism comes from the two previous games versus Phoenix and Boston. With their two bigs back (Biedrins and Turiaf), GS shows the potential of the team that some picked as the 8th seed in the West. The true test will be the next 27 games where they will have 18 at home. It'll be nearly impossible to make up 8 games to catch up to the 8th seed but a decent showing could go a long way towards whether they are sellers or buyers at the trade deadline. BTW, best block I've seen from Turiaf in a while and that's for a guy who gets a lot of good blocks every game.

Stephen Jackson trade in more detail ... I actually think both teams lost

I've been busy at work but also haven't had time to digest the Stephen Jackson trade to Charlotte from this morning. Basically, I don't think there were any winners in the deal. Of course, in the short term, Stephen gets out of a very dysfunctional situation and the Warriors have the cloud of poor team chemistry removed. However, take a step back and you'll notice that both teams lose out.

For Charlotte, they'll get an indiscriminate scorer who will work Larry Brown's every last nerve. How many walk up brick three's do you think Larry will take before he says enough? Also, Charlotte has no clear leaders that can stand up to Jackson. When he was in San Antonio, it was clear that he was a role player on a team with superstars. In Charlotte, he'll be one of the go-to guys along with Gerald Wallace (who ironically plays the same position ... no butting heads, I'm sure) along with a bunch of young players who he can "influence". For the Warriors, they're basically getting salary relief but not soon enough to make a big difference in the 2010 free agent class. Bell's $5.3M contract ends this year but Radmanovic's $13.3M (over next two years) contract doesn't expire until 2011. Adding insult to injury (pun intended), Bell, who is a good defender and decent 3 point shooter, is playing with a nagging wrist injury. And don't get me started about how useless Radmanovic is.

All in all, something had to be done. I don't know if the Warriors get better or worse because of this trade but if nothing else, it could mean more minutes for Morrow and Randolph. I'd rather see them play and improve than watching an aging B+ player pollute the minds of a young team.

Warriors versus Rockets Summer League Game Recap

The Warriors played the Rockets in the first 2009 Las Vegas Summer League. I don't put much stock in who wins these games as the rules are pretty weird (no fouling out) and players aren't necessarily playing to win a game but to showcase individual talents in order to jockey for roster spots and playing time.
 
Of interest in this first game, Curry's not afraid to hoist the ball up (4 for 14... he'll fit in nicely) and Anthony Randolph is a stud. Clearly the best player on the floor, I'm looking for big things from him this coming season. Acie Law might actually contribute next year but I'm still not going to put him ahead of CJ Watson. As for the Rockets... I have no idea why Chase Budinger fell so far in the draft. The guy can definitely hold his own and will hopefully improve as the season progresses.

Stoudemire coming to Golden State looks unlikely

Stoudemire clarified or reasserted points that he is healthy, wants to stay in Phoenix, does not want to play for Golden State and wants a maximum-level contract extension.
via azcentral.com

The rumored Amare to the Warriors trade doesn't look too likely given his recent statements. I have nothing against Stoudemire not wanting to come to the Warriors. He's going to get paid a lot of money no matter what so he would at least like to get paid a lot of money by a team that will contend. Though having Amare will definitely help the Warriors, it won't make them a contender and having him as a 1 year rental at the price of Biedrins, Wright, and Belinelli is a steep price to pay. Biedrins may not have any big offensive skills but the Warriors aren't lacking for offense. They need him to get better at defending, rebounding, and blocking shots. Sort of like a younger and less talented version of Dikembe. Though Wright and Belinelli have not been break out players, their contracts can be voided in 2010/11, saving the W's about $5.8 million against the cap. Throw in Acie Law's team option and Speedy Claxton's expiring contract and that's about $14 million the W's will have off their books next year. Just in time to make a medium size splash in the huge free agent market next year.