Whew! What a crazy week this has been for the Bay Area folks. First heartbreak after Baron Davis leaves for the Clippers, then large hope after pursuing Elton Brand, and now signing Corey Maggette. A strange tail spin in which it seems that they are slowly gaining control of the plane again. They get Baron Davis' output in points with Maggette, a bigger line up which is much needed in the west, and just as much athleticism, but can they survive without a real point guard? Luckily, under Don Nelson'ssystem the Warriors don't really need a point guard for most of the game. They outlet the ball nicely, get up the floor and put the ball in the basket. They still are only one of three teams that will have 3 20 plus scorers in the starting lineup (possibly four if Al Harrington actually fulfills his potential). They will be a better rebounding team, even though Baron gets more rebounds statistically they will be bigger in the frount court and should be able to block out and defend people better. That was one of the bigger problems the Warriors had, having to play with two smalls Davis and Ellis. The starting line up is this:
- B/R Ticket Guide
PG Ellis
SG Jackson
SF Maggette
PF Harrington
C Biedrens
with key reserves Azibukke, Barnes, and Wright.
The real question is who will be able to step up like Baron did when it is a clutch game and have to nail a shot, like he did against the Mavericks in the playoff upset, or against the Lakers down the stretch of the regular season. It appears that either Monte Ellis will have to learn to play the point, or Captain Jack will take care most of the ball handeling if it is a half court situation.
The Warriors need to make one more move during the off season, they still have about 12 million dollars left in their account after not being able to get Baron, so to invest in a point guard would be something Golden State needs to do in order to be able to contend in a half court scenario against the good playoff teams. Their scoring should be the same, defense and rebounding improved but who will be the closer? Bay Area don't give up yet, the Warriors are still alive in the West.
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4 months ago
Stephen Jackson is more likely to play SF, with Corey Maggette at SG, I would think. Only because Jackson is a little bit slower, but taller than Maggette (6'-8" vs. 6'-6"). Not that it matters-- it's like playing 3 SGs together (Jackson, Maggette and Ellis) anyway.
Nelson said that Barnes is pretty much gone. It is definitely possible that Harrington starts at PF, but it's also possible that Nelson mixes it up and has Wright start, with Harrington as a proven scoring punch off the bench (along with 'Buike). That is unless they find someone else with their remaining cap space (after re-signing Biedrins and Ellis).
I'm not sure that Maggette adds that much-- the Warriors still feel "unbalanced." They definitely have scoring power, but I hope that's not all that Mullin/Nelson have up their sleeves.
4 months ago
Yeah they still are unbalanced, but I think Maggette is an under the radar player that could add a lot to the warriors defense and offense. They might not be as dynamic but they are bigger and younger and will still probably put up 111 points a game.
Barnes was mostly an energy guy, they can find replacements. However they usually only run 7 deep anyway.
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