GSW·2012-13| WEEK 6: Dec 2- 8, 2012 + Player Profiles

@theirry - IRL? hmmm, good question. i doubt it but not sure; suppose it would be easy enough to Google and find out but i'm too lazy atm

1983 Sixers and 2001 Lakers have come the closest with just one loss on route to winning the championship.

Impressive showing by the Celtics to win number eighteen despite losing two starters. I'd say that's just as impressive as if they've completed a sweep through the entire Playoffs and Finals.

Celtics get another banner. Very happy

Great that the Lakers lost. Sucks that Curry was snubbed.

YEAH, Boston win Lakers

@Thierry, Azzdogs, Martti, Valdis22 - yeah, it was pretty cool to see LA dethroned - and by the Celtics no less! Long live rivalries

@Carter, Andrew - since i simmed through, i didn't realize that Pierce and Allen were out for the final two but for some reason i checked the injury list before continuing to the off-season - surprisingly there they were! i definitely had to fill in the blanks and write about it

Knicks In The Driver's Seat

The New York Knicks had successfully positioned themselves to clear huge cap space during the off-season in anticipation of a possible Wade, Lebron and/or Bosh signing, depending on which (if any) of the big three would opt to test the Free Agent market. A huge break fell in New York's lap when they jumped to the top of the Draft Lottery past the Raptors, Clippers and Warriors for the right of first pick in the 2010-11 NBA draft.




New Kids On The Block: "Top-10" of the 2010-11 Rookie Draft Class

Not only was anticipation high for the possible "big 3" exodus among other marquee names opting for free agent chaos, but scouting reports projected a "Very Strong" 2010-11 rookie draft class as well, with talented young athletes expected to have immediate, franchise-changing, impact. Following is a breakdown of the projected Top-10 rookies entering the league.

PG Warren Lovelace, Age 20 - Projected: 1st overall
Born: Guayana, Puerto Rico
Ht: 6' 0" Wt: 172 lbs
School: Xavier

Strengths: Lovelace possesses arguably the highest basketball I.Q. of the 2010-11 draft class. He's a phenomenal shooter and playmaker who won't force the action, can see plays before they happen and has the instincts to make the right decision a majority of the time. He possesses strong leadership qualities and will only make his teammates shine.

Weaknesses: His only real knock is that Lovelace has average speed up and down the court; but this never bothered Steve Nash much who, like Lovelace, is known more for his savvy than athleticism. Still, Lovelace may potentially have trouble defending quicker backcourts.

NBA Comparison: Steve Nash
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SF Brandon Baylor, Age 22 - Projected: 2nd overall
Born: Shellman, GA
Height: 6' 7" Weight: 215 lbs
School: Michigan

Strengths: Baylor could challenge Lovelace for being selected the top draft pick as he too possesses incredible basketball instincts and tremendous physical skills. He finishes above the rim and has a blinding first step that leaves most opponents in his wake. Baylor also possesses the most NBA-ready physique of the 10-11 draft class; he has tremendous lungs and the endurance to play a full 48+ with ease.

Weaknesses: Baylor likes to control the game tempo as a way of conserving his energy, sometimes to a fault. He can be slow getting up or down the court as a result and won't bother to chase down opponents if they get past him. Baylor won't nab many steals either.

NBA Comparison: Carmelo Anthony
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PF Aaron Mosley, Age 21 - Projected: 3rd overall
Born: Creswell, OR
Height: 6' 9" Weight: 264 lbs
School: Tennesse

Strengths: Mosley is a true defensive, shot-blocking presence who possesses incredible speed running the court and leaping ability for his height and girth.

Weaknesses: While fast running in transition, Mosley has a slow first step and won't be burning anyone off the dribble anytime soon. His Free-throws could also use work but aside from that his weaknesses are few.

NBA Comparison: Nene
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C Haywood Faust, Age 22 - Projected: 4th overall
Born: El Rosario, Mexico
Height: 6'11" Weight: 242 lbs
School: North Carolina St.

Strengths: Haywood Faust is one of the more physical players of the draft who can punish opponents in the post, especially on the defensive end. He's a solid rebounder with terrific endurance and as a rare bonus for a big man, knocks down 81% of his free throws.

Weaknesses: Faust can be befuddled by quick-handed defenders and has trouble passing out of the double team. Offense is definitely not his forte, though he will dunk it with authority if the opportunity presents itself.

NBA Comparison: Emeka Okafor
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SG Josh Holkbrook, Age 21 - Projected: 5th overall
Born: St. John's, Canada
Height: 6' 0" Weight: 176 lbs
School: Arkansas

Strengths: Holkbrook possesses one of the most well-rounded games coming into the draft. There's nothing he really does that stands out as extraordinary; rather he does a bit of everything well. If anything Holbrook is noted as being an exceptional ball hawk when it comes to steals.

Weaknesses: The biggest concern with Holkbrook is his physical strength and how he'll adapt to the physical rigors of the NBA. He doesn't play above the rim much as it is but he'll need to hit the weight room to be competitive at the next level.

NBA Comparison: Daniel Gibson
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SG Timothy Carpenter, Age 22 - Projected: Top 10
Born: Anniston, AL
Height: 6' 5" Weight: 208 lbs
School: Missouri-KC

Strengths: "TC" as he's called, is a deadly marksman from anywhere inside the arc; beyond it he settles back into the normal/above-average category. Good instincts at the offense end couple well with his terrific passing ability. If he's not scoring on you, he's finding someone open who will.

Weaknesses: It's no secret Carpenter gets lost on the defensive end and often cheats out looking for a quick score in transition; smart teams take advantage of this. Though Carpenter possesses the build of a true off-guard more so than Holkbrook, TC lacks strength and will need to spend much time focusing in that department. Even so, with the right team Carpenter could be a viable starter.

NBA Comparison: Tyreke Evans
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PF Robert Head, Age 20 - Projected: Top 10
Born: New Orleans, LA
Height: 6'8" Weight: 241 lbs
School: Alabama Birm.

Strengths: Robert Head is a freak physical specimen at age 20, pound-for-pound the strongest player of the draft. His sheer Herculean strength and a solid understanding of the offense makes him a tremendous rebounder.

Weaknesses: What understanding Head possesses for offense, he lacks on the defensive end and will need much improvement there. Still young, he is prone to making bad passes and gets injured frequently by over-exerting himself. He'll need to toughen up or someone will make him cry (see, Jordan v. Brown)

NBA Comparison: Kwame Brown
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PF Jeffrey Marshall, Age 21 - Projected: Top 10
Born: Idaho Falls, ID
Height: 6'9" Weight: 255 lbs
School: Cal-Irvine

Strengths: Jeff Marshall is another highly anticipated big man. He possesses terrific defensive instincts, can block shots regularly, contain scorers in the post and has uncanny speed and quickness for a big.

Weaknesses: Marshall doesn't possess much vertical leap, relying on his strength and feel for the game to get rebounding position. His passing skills will need improvement.

NBA Comparison: Jason Maxiell
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PG Davis Janis, Age 21 - Projected: Top 10
Born: Kenosha, WI
Height: 5'11" Weight: 213 lbs
School: North Carolina St.

Strengths: Janis is the only other point guard besides Lovelace to be considered a potential Top-10. He's a cool-headed point with smooth moves on the court and a demeanor to match. Janis has carried the nicknames "DJ", "Daja" and "Jazz" all bestowed on him by his teammates. A solid passer able to control the ball while directing the offense and tough as nails as well.

Weaknesses: Blocking shots and rebounding are virtually non-existent in Janis' game. He'll need to focus on upper body strength as well as cardiovascular training as he tires rather quickly. Defense is average.

NBA Comparison: Rafer Alston
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SG Caleb Wilson, Age 21 - Projected: Top 10
Born: Meoqui, Mexico
Height: 6'6" Weight: 241lbs
School: Providence

Strengths: Caleb Wilson is an imposing defense-oriented swingman capable of guarding both SG and SF positions. He's athletically gifted possessing incredible vertical leap and good speed and quickness. Wilson is also a surprisingly talented passer.

Weaknesses: Unfortunately Wilson's strengths lie purely as a defensive stopper, which he prides himself in being, as he possesses absolutely no knack for offense and often gets in the way of his own teammates. Wilson, like many of the guards in the draft, will need plenty of work in the weight room.

NBA Comparison: James Posey

Nice 3rd draft pick
I think you want a draft Aaron Mosley, but it's my thinks.

I'm rooting for Faust as a Warrior.

I too favour Mosley or Faust, interested to see whether you end up picking one of them or someone else entirely.

Boo at the Celtics winning
Draft Faust!

i'll just say 'yes'... and 'no' ... stay tuned guys

Azubuike Re-Signs 'Long-Haul' Extension Offer

While the Raptors and Clippers were both more than a little peeved at the Knick's lotto jump to first selection, the Warriors remained unchanged at their projected 3rd-pick spot so went about their regular off-season affairs in preparation of Draft day.

Re-signing budding forward Kelenna Azubuike was Golden State's first order of business.



Azubuike's off-season knee surgery and rehab had gone extremely well, so well in fact that he had spent the entire off-season strengthening the knee and weight training, packing on an impressive 15 pounds of solid muscle although losing some chisel and definition in the process.

Contract-wise, Azubuike was loyal to the Warriors. They had cut him his break into the NBA by calling him up from the Dev League's Fort Worth Flyers back in '07; the Warriors had also matched a Clippers' contract offer in '08 which allowed him to remain in the Bay Area, the place he now called home.

Golden State was where Azubuike wanted to be for the long-haul; but he wanted a contract that reflected his worth and promised the organization, "a Finals appearance within 5 years" if they agreed to his terms.

While Warriors' GM Larry Riley and head coach Don Nelson were quietly amused, they also knew Kelenna was a man of his word and genuinely believed in his bold statement. They knew he possessed tremendous determination and work ethic; even if he never delivered on his promise, it wouldn't be for lack effort and his commitment to excel would most certainly rub off on his teammates.

Nellie and Riley counter-offered with a back-loaded contract that would pay Azubuike just over 9.5 mil in the final year, stating that if he wanted the big payoff, they expected him to continue working hard and earn it. Kelenna said he'd have it no other way and agreed to re-sign for slightly less than his original proposal.



Five other free agency candidates - Chris Hunter, Devon George, Raja Bell and C.J. Watson - were not asked to re-sign with the team due to performance, age concerns or unrealistic contract expectations.

Not surprised to see you keeping some cap flexibility. Looking forward to seeing what moves you'll make in the free agent frenzy.

Good news re-signing Kelenna. I don't care about Hunter, George, or Watson, but Bell could have been a nice backup... looks like he asked for a big contract.

Watson is a nice guy. He can score points and dishes assists. You want re-sing his.

Good to see you showing faith in Azubuike.

Wow, you really overpaid for Azubuike. I would have paid about half that much. Nice cap situation aside of that though. I bet your get STAT.

@Andrew - definitely wanted a little cap leeway, you know, just in case

@Thierry, Azzdogs - yeah i definitely wasn't going to chance letting Azubuike drift into free agency and trying to sign him there since many teams freed up cap space and would likely cast bids; Bell unfortunately was asking for too much especially considering, at 33, he's not exactly a spring chicken;

@Valdis22 - like Bell, Watson was asking a little too much annually plus he also wanted a 6-yr commitment; that wasn't going to happen;

@Lamrock - overpaid? perhaps. at least first appearance might seem like it, but i don't feel so. I look at Azubuike in terms of the Warrior whom he replaced ie., Jason Richardson.



IRL they're comparable players who put up comparable stats yet both set to make:

Jason Richardson
$13,333,332 09-10
$14,444,443 10-11

Kelenna Azubuike
$3,100,000 09-10
$3,300,000 10-11 (Player Option)

Now, one could argue J-Rich has better overall career stats; but Kelenna is 3 yrs younger and has yet to reach his peak, but still puts up comparable production in less minutes/game and doing so while not being considered a top scoring option, at least not as much as Richardson has been for his past teams.

J-Rich peaked in his sixth season stats-wise; Kelenna is currently starting his 5th season and only getting better (in my dynasty anyway, who knows IRL; maybe he'll suck next year and never be the same after his injury)

So if Azubuike were to peak in 2 seasons, I'd still have his better days for 3-4 more years; and in his final (highest-paid) year he'd still be making considerably less -- 4.85 mil less! -- than J-Rich's final year (9.55 vs. 14.4 mil)

Anyway, I had hoped to re-sign both he AND Raja Bell for around what Azubuike signed for; just didn't work out

2010-11 NBA Off-Season: DRAFT DAY

Oracle Arena in gritty Oakland, California had been opened free to the public to watch draft day coverage on the arena's jumbo screens as part of a pre-season ticket bundle sales promo.

The few thousand diehard Warrior fans attending erupted into cheers and applause louder than the gridlocked I-880 traffic that crawled along just outside the arena upon hearing the words, "… with the 3rd-overall pick in the 2010-2011 NBA draft… the Golden State Warriors select… Haywood Faust, from North Carolina State."



The Warriors had landed the draft's premiere center in Faust, a promising 22 year-old, 6' 11", 242 pound defensive-minded big man to anchor the team behind Andris Biedrins. New York surprised a few by selecting small forward Brandon Baylor as the #1 overall draft pick over point guard Warren Lovelace, who Toronto graciously snatched hoping to help turn their last-place team around and entice marquee star, Chris Bosh to stay off the market.

One of the surprise jumps was Cal-Irvine's Jeff Marshall over rival power forward, Aaron Mosley, from Tennessee. While Mosley had been projected as high as 3rd-overall and was arguably the best power forward in the draft, it was Marshall who impressed teams during pre-draft rookie workouts. Marshall had packed on muscle, tipping the scales at 9 lbs greater than his originally reported 255 lbs weight.

The Clippers liked what they saw and added Marshall to their roster with the 4th overall pick; Mosley in turn was more than happily received by the Charlotte Bobcats two picks later.



Draft day had come and gone and now it was time for teams to get down and dirty; the free agent frenzy had officially begun.


FREE AGENT MADNESS

Having not re-signed Chris Hunter, C.J. Watson, Devon George and Raja Bell, and with last season's trades of Monta Ellis and Corey Maggette, the Warriors were thin pretty much on all fronts. On their radar were three potential new Warriors:

Utah's Dev League Cinderella, Sundiata Gaines, whose top-end speed and overall toughness Nelson could see blending well with Golden State. As a backup to Curry, Gaines could keep the Warriors' tempo maxed and constantly pressing opponent's defense;



San Antonio's Roger Mason had also decided to test the market and was immediately sought by several teams for his deadly shooting range and overall solid basketball skills. A talented and experienced player like Mason would do well complimenting Stephen Curry or coming off the bench to Kevin Martin so Golden State immediately jumped in his bidding fray;



Lastly, the Clippers had let promising big man, DeAndre Jordan, walk after securing rookie Jeff Marshall in the draft at #4. Jordan was a physical specimen of tremendous potential; a thunderous dunker with nice foot-speed who had shown signs of dominance every now and again in LA. Though they had just acquired the draft's premiere rookie center in Haywood Faust, the Warriors felt DeAndre was also worth looking into.



Simultaneous contracts were offered to all three; however the Warriors unfortunately would only be successful signing two.


The Big Three: Bosh, Wade & the King

While Golden State worked away to fill some depleted roster spots, all teams waited anxiously on word from Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade and Lebron James.

Much to the relief of Raptors fans, Toronto's move to secure rookie sensation PG Warren Lovelace at #2-overall turned for the best when Chris Bosh announced he would stay to honor the last year of his contract and not test free agency. "My heart is here with Toronto," said Bosh during his announcement. "This is where I started and would like to finish out my career. I know we had a tough one last season but I've met and practiced with Warren (Lovelace) and he's the real deal. I'm optimistic about our chances next season; we won't be dead last, that much I will guarantee," Bosh said with a chuckle.

To many team's disappointment, all the hype and hoopla surrounding King James was also all for naught, when Lebron announced he too would honor his contract with the Cavaliers and delay free agency for yet another year. Lebron told the press, "I owe it to this city to stay. I can't just walk away right now without giving it one last shot."

Too much 2010 "blockbuster" hype had been fabricated by the media of supposedly franchise-changing free agent moves for at least the past few seasons, if not longer. Yet disappointingly two marquee names had already withdrew and were off the market.

Then, the bomb dropped.

All-Star Dwyane Wade had opted out of Miami… and immediately, he had a taker.

Last edited by Clutch on Sun Mar 21, 2010 5:34 am, edited 1 time in total.

Dwyane Wade free agent. What's happen? You think about buy him?

That would be Valor, you and ---------------me----------- getting Wade.

Valdis22 - yes, D-Wade is available; stay tuned mate...

Thierry - i only mentioned he had a taker, but never said it was me

I'm not sure if he can take Wade with only 9M in the cap room

Not a fan of your offseason moves. Seems you used your cap space to overpay for several role players. Really hope you don't get Wade like everybody else. (except me)

Seems you used your cap space to overpay for several role players.

Agree