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Monta Ellis: Mully's guy more than Nellie's guy
Apparently I struck a chord when it comes to the possibility of trading Monta Ellis. ...
REAL WARRIOR FAN WROTE: "OK, you're an idiot. You talk about "getting in" on the free agent party in 2010 by trading away Ellis to try to land some other big name free agent. That's about the stupidest idea I've ever heard."
M.S.: I knew Ellis was a fan favorite, but I guess I didn't know he was this big of one. There are reasons, though, you must be open to trading Ellis.
First, when healthy, he may be the Warriors' best player, making him one of the team's most valuable assets. Anytime you have a valuable asset, you have to be willing to hear people out.
But here's a bigger issue: Reality.
All the people out there who love Ellis better hope that the Warriors and executive vice president of basketball operations Chris Mullin are able to work things out.
Why? Because if Mullin isn't around, the odds of Ellis getting traded are a lot higher. A lot.
Ellis is Mullin's guy, plain and simple. Mullin drafted him, Mullin has hung by him and Mullin believes Ellis has that something special of an elite player.
Warriors coach Don Nelson doesn't exactly share that sentiment. Nelson has come around some on Ellis, but in the grand scheme of things Ellis isn't one of Nellie's favorites.
If you'll notice, Nelson frequently talks about how good Ellis can be. Yet, he seldom gives credit to Ellis for how good he is now.
If Mullin isn't a factor, there is no doubt that the Warriors _ read: Nelson, etc. _ will be more aggressive in moving Monta.
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Baron Davis: Troublesome teammates
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SQUALL WROTE: Phew ... thank god I'm not a Clippers fan.
M.S.: Well, that's not a question but I'm going to use it as a springboard for admitting a mistake. A few weeks back I had the Clippers finishing ahead of the Warriors in the Pacific Division.
Can I take that back? It's not just because the Warriors smoked the Clippers on Saturday, it's for a whole host of reasons.
First and foremost, this is team made up of veteran players who aren't exactly in the "sacrifice for the greater good" mode.
Cuttino Mobley, Tim Thomas, Chris Kaman, Marcus Camby, Ricky Davis. I just don't see a lot of inner fire there.
And throw in the early sparks of a troublesome relationship between Baron Davis and Mike Dunleavy and ... it's going to be a long year for the Clippers, and probably a long couple of years.
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Chris Mullin: Uncertain future
A TOMORROW WROTE: Hey, Steinmetz, good job. I l ike your unselfishness, linking to other writers' articles. And, of course you know your Warriors.
M.S.: Thanks, Tomorrow. The newspaper business and the internet are completely different entities and it's taken some getting used to.
For example, in the newspaper business, you're taught to horde information and NOT to share. The goal is to break stories.
The internet is different. Most of the time you're rewarded for sharing links or sending viewers to other sites. It's a completely different mindset.
The idea is to try to put as much good stuff on your page as possible. There's a lot of good stuff out there, and I've always tried to be a big assist guy.
Comments
Does Nelson really not-like Monta? or is it just Nelson-speak trying to get him to be better than he is. Monta was the best warriors last season, hands down. So consistent, rebounded well and hustled on both ends of the floor. At the end of the year the big 3 turned into just Monta as Baron and Jax went ice cold for the last month of the season.
so basically Monta turned into a top 50 player, maybe a top 25 last year.
Nellie wants him to be a top 10. If Monta turns into a consistent scoring point guard, a la tony parker and gilbert arenas, he will be elite. he is a 50+% shooter, he is an unstoppable offensive force that will draw double teams and break down defenses for the rest of his career, and he is becoming a consistent distributor as well.
His work ethic seems to be awesome and he has never been called for a technical even though Derek Fischer cheats...
Biedrins + Monta = a super solid establishment.
Randolph + Wright = the potential X factor.
I think Nelson's angle on Monta is that although he is good, he can get better. His ball handling and defense is not at Tony Parker's or Chris Paul's level. Monta has a way to go to be an elite player. If he reaches that level the Warriors have a shot to win a Championship. It will take at least 3 years of these guys playing together.
I think Kevin makes a really good point. Tony Parker is an excellent example. It can be said that Popovich was harder on Parker than any other player, openly criticizing him for many years. The result, due to Parker's determination and resilience, was a Final's MVP award. Just because Nellie thinks Monta could be better, and he could be, does not mean that he would aggressively be shopped. If I am wrong, Nellie is even crazier than I thought.
This is rediculous to the 10th degree. Another reason why the warriors never keep their star players. Monta can be just that, (if he's back to form) I mean, who can we really get to take us over the top for Monta?
Tmac-try again.
Yao-ditto
grandather Kidd-can you say levitra?
Howard, bosh,kobe, lebron & Amare are untouchables, same could be said about wade and bosh.
KG & Dirk?
Dirk has no heart, KG has all the heart but how much longer will he be able to dominate?
I dunno man. I dunno. all im saying.
Jack wants Ellis gone.
He hung with him all summer and made sure he was into the bike. Ya digg?
This is rediculous to the 10th degree. Another reason why the warriors never keep their star players. Monta can be just that, (if he's back to form) I mean, who can we really get to take us over the top for Monta?
Tmac-try again.
Yao-ditto
grandather Kidd-can you say levitra?
Howard, bosh,kobe, lebron & Amare are untouchables, same could be said about wade and bosh.
KG & Dirk?
Dirk has no heart, KG has all the heart but how much longer will he be able to dominate?
I dunno man. I dunno. all im saying.
This is rediculous to the 10th degree. Another reason why the warriors never keep their star players. Monta can be just that, (if he's back to form) I mean, who can we really get to take us over the top for Monta?
Tmac-try again.
Yao-ditto
grandather Kidd-can you say levitra?
Howard, bosh,kobe, lebron & Amare are untouchables, same could be said about wade and bosh.
KG & Dirk?
Dirk has no heart, KG has all the heart but how much longer will he be able to dominate?
I dunno man. I dunno. all im saying.
Dude, why are u trying to get rid of Monta? Do you know something you're not telling? When healty Monta is the warriors best player, so why would you want to trade him, and who do you think you can get for him. this is insane, the whole thing is insane. The whole mopad thing should have been over and done with two months ago, but some idiot decided to reserve the right to dish out more punishment. Whats that old beatle song....umm let it be!
No reason not to like Ellis especially on the court. The off court issues are different He doesnt talk much nor does he do anything unnecessary on the court He just plays. The most worked up I have seen him was when he stared down Tinsley when Jamaal gave him a hard block a couple of years ago. IMO an all business guy
Matt,
Here is a website you might enjoy and put in your "D-League" link section. Let me know what you think...
basketbawful.blogspot.com/
Matt, I'm really disappointed in you for stirring the pot and creating a Monta controversy. Monta just turned 23; Gilbert and Tony P have been around the league for a while and have developed their skills. Monta is going to keep expanding his game year by year. He will be a better player than both these guys. If Nelson gets rid of Monta, I'll get rid of my season tix.
Matt, why in the world are you jumping ahead to 2010 and speculating like this? I can't believe you're giving us this weak sauce. Have you nothing better to write about in 2008?
Reading this article just made my day worse. First J-Rich, then B.Diddy, and now Monta? I just dont see it Matt. The Warriors would be on a totally different level of stupidity if they let that kid go.
Why are the Warriors such a cheap ass franchise? Ever since watching them as a kid up until now they are constantly building for the so called future. They better beat the damn Blazers tonight.
Why is this going on? What team in the NBA would not drull over the chance of having a Monta Ellis on their roster? The young man is awesome! The way I feel is, If Golden State don't appreciate Ellis, I'm sure he will find Love and Appreciation somewhere else. I have always admired Chris Mullin and I like the way he looks after Monta's best interest. Monta...come to Boston!P.S. I always wanted to know if Monta was any kin to Dale Ellis? They kinda favor to me. Long lost son, perhaps?
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