Where Are They Now?
As a common media theme, “Where Are They Now?” is often a headline for a feel good piece, locating sports heroes who, decades earlier, captured fans’ hearts and minds by leading local franchises to gritty wins and improbable upsets. Many years later, in their 50s and 60s, those former stars are often found doing community work or finding interesting ways to occupy their golden years.
In the strange, time-warped world of the Golden State Warriors franchise, things are a bit different. Anything can happen quickly, and it often does. In the three years since the now legendary 2007 playoff victory over Dallas, the Warriors jettisoned six of their eight rotation players and watched their victory total dwindle to 26 from 48 three seasons ago.
The stars of that Warrior playoff team are long gone from the hearts and minds of fans, and Warriors Update thought it might be interesting to review the new world order version of “Where Are They Now?”
Warriors-World changes are brought to you by: L’il Bobby Rowell, GM-in-training Larry Riley, coach Little Nell, and IRS fugitive and soon to be ex-owner Chris Cohan. Without further ado:
Stephen Jackson – Charlotte Bobcats – Lead the Bobcats to their first playoff appearance in franchise history this year. Coach Larry Brown called him “an elite player” and claimed Jackson was the missing piece. In 71 games, Jackson averaged 21.1 ppg, 5.1 rebs, 3.6 asts, 1.6 stls. In return, the Warriors received injured and subsequently released Raja Bell, and Vladimir Radmanovic, who played in 33 games and averaged 6.6 ppg on 38% shooting.
Jason Richardson – Phoenix Suns – Charles Barkley calls JR “the barometer” for the Phoenix Suns, as their leading scorer in the playoffs, averaging 23.4 ppg on 52% shooting and 6.5 rebs. He is, unquestionably an offensive force and a major factor in the Suns conference finals appearance. Warriors rec’d Brandon Wright for JR, who has played 77 games in 3 years, including none last season. Wright averaged 6.1 ppg and 3.3 rebs when he played.
Mickael Pietrus, Matt Barnes – Orlando Magic - Both are rotation players, on the court during critical fourth quarter minutes in playoff games on a championship contending team. Barnes is averaging 25 min/gm in the playoffs, contributing 7 ppg and 4.8 rebs. Pietrus, usually assigned to cover the opposing teams toughest player (Stephen Jackson, Joe Johnson, Lebron James), is averaging 9.5 ppg in 21 min/gm in the playoffs. Both left via free agency; the Warriors received nothing in return.
Al Harrington – NY Knicks – Has been both a starter and sixth man as the Knick’s second leading scorer at 17.7 ppg, averaging 30 min/gm. Giving coach D’Antoni unconventional alternatives, Al has opened the floor for the Knicks by knocking down 3s as well as posting up smaller forwards. Warriors rec’d Jamal Crawford, who was then traded to Atlanta (where he was 6th man of the year) for injured Speedy Claxton and AC Law, both of whom we released.
Baron Davis – LA Clippers – When focused (its true, this was a problem with the Warriors as well), one of the toughest and most talented point guards in the league. Despite an “off year,” Davis averaged 15.3 ppg, 8.0 asts and 1.7 stl/gm. If the Clips are healthy next season, and pick up a player or two, they could be a high quality team, enough so to wake up Baron and see him return to his all-star form.
Davis left via free agency, so the Warriors rec’d nothing for his departure. To be fair though, Davis’ departure freed up salary cap money to sign another player. The Warriors grabbed Corey Maggette.
All in, the net looks like this:
Gone: Jason Richardson, Matt Barnes, Baron Davis, Al Harrington, Stephen Jackson, Mickael Pietrus
Replaced by: Brandon Wright, Vladimir Radmanovic, Corey Maggette, and mostly D-leaguers filling out the extra roster spots
With roughly the same total roster salary obligations now as then.
Looking over the changes, Warriors Update can only conclude this: Wow. OK, next...
***********************
As always, go Ws…
***********************
If you would like to stop receiving Warrior Update, please reply to this email with the subject line: Unsubscribe.
#19
No comments:
Post a Comment