.jpg)
DeMarcus Nelson: Could be opening night starter
In the next 10 days, the Warriors are going to let us know exactly what their expectations and intentions are for the 2008-09 season.
They waived point guard Dan Dickau on Sunday, which was great news for DeMarcus Nelson.
Unfortunately, it did nothing to address the overall talent chasm at that spot.
Certainly, this can't be the way the Warriors are going to head into the season.
If it is, it really says a lot about how this season might be.
Two years ago, the Warriors made the playoffs. Last season, the Warriors should have made the playoffs.
They won 48 games but missed the postseason, the victims of a historically competitive conference.
This year ... let's face it, it's not looking good.
I don't care whether team president Robert Rowell has final say or executive vice president of basketball operations Chris Mullin has final say or even if coach Don Nelson has a say in things, there's no way any of them really believe this is a playoff team.
Not with the point guard position the way it is.
There's absolutely no chance any of them really believe the Warriors are going to make the playoffs in the brutal Western Conference with an undrafted rookie playing the point, and not even a true point at that.
.jpg)
Dan Dickau: Waived on Sunday
If the team is content to live with the winner of the DeMarcus Nelson-C.J. Watson-Marcus Williams point guard battle, then the message is clear:
We’re not going to compete for a playoff spot this season.
There is no doubt that Monta Ellis’ injury has worsened and complicated the team’s point guard issues.
If Ellis were healthy, he would no doubt be camouflaging some of problems with his sheer talent.
No, he’s not a perfect point guard by any stretch of the imagination, but there doesn’t seem to be any doubt he’d be a major upgrade over Nelson, Watson or Williams.
.jpg)
Marcus Williams: Clearly the No. 3 at this point
It wasn’t long ago that the big worry was whether or not Ellis could play the point.
Now there seems to be little doubt he is the best point guard on the roster, by a longshot _ and yes, I know he’s not a true point.
That’s the point.
Unfortunately, Ellis isn’t going to be around for a while, and is it really reasonable to expect the Warriors to hang in without him?
With the point guard situation like this?
C'mon.
Opening night is next week, and DeMarcus Nelson is getting closer and closer to being the Warriors' starter.
If he is the starter on opening night, he'll deserve heartfelt congratulations.
But when Nelson is introduced on Oct. 29, vs. New Orleans, Warriors fans will know exactly what kind of year they're in for.
Comments
Matt, with all your great knowledge how about a suggestion instead of complaining ala Ralph Barbieri. You at least I think have some insight. My thoughts would be to reconsider Tinsley again since the pacers are paying him to sit, or earl watson from OKC, or perhaps Ridinour. I don't know enough about the guy from Memphis to make a comment(lowery). I would be very surprised if it was Marbury. If there was a way to get Crawford from NKY . how about it? give us your call
Anything can happen. I'm not counting the Dubs out of the playoffs just yet. CJ and DeMarcus just need to hold the fort until Monta returns. I think we place too much emphasis on replacing Baron with Baron as opposed to improving without Baron. And where we can improve is defense. I like the defensive mindset DeMarcus brings to the table. If we become a defensive team to go along with our running style, the playoffs are within our reach. Nellie's teams have never had a problem with offense, it's the defense that always faltered. DeMarcus along with a hungry, energetic, growing and improving AR can drastically improve our defense. Not concerned about our scoring and I like how the ball is being shared more with Baron out of the picture. Players are seizing the opportunity to show what they can do without Baron.
matt-
i always respect your writing and you are generally my first option for solid warriors coverage... that being said, how about a little optimism; granted we're no contender, but how about that we have the chance to see great young talents like randolph, biedrins, and azubuike grow up right before our eyes.
As for the pg situation, jackson mentioned on espn.com that he wouldnt mind obtaining marbury - wouldnt a nba "outlaw" like him possibly have a chance to find reconcilliation out here in the bay?
Hey Matt how bout this Its Warrior Basketball, of course we are going to be excited. I and a lot of other Bay area Fans have seen a great deal of ups and downs, but it is still Warrior Basketball! So what if Ellis is hurt or are point guard situation is so-so right now, cry me a river dude. There are still plenty of reasons to be excited about. We happen to be one of the youngest teams in the league and that says a lot for are future. Mark my words this will be the start of what will actually open up your eyes! To show you exactly what have and what we can contend with in the future with all the good up and coming teams in the west. Now u didn't mention Baron at all in this article but its obvious u still have a hard on for him, GET OVER IT...GO WORK FOR THE CLIPS, there's plenty of room for someone with pointless articles and so much NEGATIVITY.
(though i commend them for their optimism) is exactly why Cohan will never go over the luxury tax for guys like JRich and will never sell this team.
WOW....what an annoying article.
U will be in 4 shock matt when demarcus shuts Down Chris Paul.
"There's no doubt Monta Ellis' injury has worsened"...I've been out of town, did I miss something??
Matt you kinda threw this comment out without elaborating? Did he get the cast/boot off & it looks bad?? Did he have a set back? What's up?
the MINUTE that Ellis went down with injury the Dubs were missing the playoffs. Why even measure this season with that yardstick?
To me, this year is really about developing our exciting, young front court, figuring out who belongs in the back court (if it's not the guys on the roster, we'll know soon enough)and getting our young studs plenty of PT.
If for some reason the Warriors gell and win more games than they lose *unlikely scenario* then we can be pleasantly suprised by a March / April playoff run. Otherwise, forget about the playoffs this year.
They had multiple chance to get a veteran pg on the cheap and they passed. lets say felton, crittenton are available really what would the warriors offer? i only see wright and belineli as their trade chips.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!