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

[Andrew]

Not too surprised to see you take Faust. I like the selection. As for the signings they're not bad choices per se, but I too would have to say you overpaid for them.

[Clutch]

at the start of the dynasty (pre K-Mart), sal cap was expanded (+5M i think) via dbf edit because of live 06's tendency for players to demand gross amounts forcing many to wither away as unsigned FAs while rosters get riddled w/a bunch of comp gen'd players

i did back off on the whole "flush this team" thing somewhat as there are players i wanted to nab purely on, "I like this guy" decision-making rather than any real logic; otherwise there would be yet another dynasty showcasing FLASH!

anyway, great feedback guys and hang tight... things get better (or worse depending on how you see it lol )

[Andrew]

That's a fair point, most players do demand to be at least slightly overpaid in Live's free agency.

[Azzdogs]

Sometimes you just have to spend the money.

[Clutch]

Andrew, Azzdogs - hold that thought

[Clutch]

Wade Leaves Miami For...

The Miami Heat tried desperately to renegotiate a deal with their talented All-Star but it was too late. On July 26th, the blockbuster of the 2010 Free Agent frenzy was made publicly official:



Dwyane Wade had made headline news by joining young stars Jeff Green, Russell Westbrook and of course, Kevin Durant, on the Oklahoma City Thunder, instantly making them one of the league's hottest, most anticipated teams to watch for in the new season.

The Thunder's 2nd-year pro forward D.J. White also filed a change-of-number request electing to wear the number '9' instead of '3' in anticipation of Wade's arrival. "Upset to change? Are you kidding me? I volunteered," White told reporters. "I'd tattoo his name on my ass to have him play here."

Online pre-orders of Wade's soon-to-be released Thunder #3 jersey set new franchise records for Oklahoma City.



Golden State Adds Three

Both center DeAndre Jordan and guard Roger Mason accepted contract offers and joined Golden State, much to coach Nelson and GM Riley's delight. Sundiata Gaines, however, would accept a higher offer from the Phoenix Suns to play behind Steve Nash, leaving the Warriors still short one backup point guard. Having Mason or off-guard Anthony Morrow handle point guard duties was a precarious option at best so the search continued.

Unfortunately point guard pickings were slim or demanding way more than the Warriors could afford. Finally Golden State came to an agreement with 4-year pro Chris Quinn. Quinn's short NBA career was nothing to write home about. He was more a backup's backup when it came to playing time; a guard who Nellie would prefer to utilize only in emergencies or blowouts, the latter of which he couldn't imagine happening too often. But unless they figured something out, their hands were tied; it was Quinn or nothing.



Retirements: Two Future Hall of Famers Call It Quits

"The Diesel... is no longer in service; no more gas in the tank," 18-year pro center Shaquille O'Neal joked with a wry smile announcing his retirement in a press conference held in Cleveland. Former Cavaliers teammate LeBron James shared the podium with O'Neal, now 38, who will be remembered as one of, if not the greatest center of all time.

"I'm not sure what to say," said James. "I mean, what this big guy has done for the game… it's simply incredible. We're sorry to see him leave from a team perspective of course; but I'm just glad I had the opportunity to call him a teammate and more importantly, a friend. I wish Shaq the best in his future endeavors outside of basketball."

The Diesel's numbers had gradually diminished, averaging career regular-season lows as well as career playoff lows in last year's 2nd-round defeat to the Miami Heat. While O'Neal's retirement was a surprise, many suspected the end was near. But it was not nearly as shocking as news that broke from Boston about one week later.

15-year pro, 2-time World Champion and Reigning Finals MVP, Kevin Garnett, was also calling it quits, at the age of 34.

"I've reached… the pinnacle of my career," a reflective Garnett announced with teammates Paul Pierce and Ray Allen flanking him at the podium. "After last season, as soon as the buzzer sounded in game 6 and I snared that final rebound, I knew... that was it."

"He brought me these," a semi teary-eyed Paul Pierce said showing off the two NBA championship rings Boston had won since Garnett's arrival. "Without Kevin, these don't happen. Period. I owe him everything. This is a tough loss for the city the of Boston."

Ray Allen, Boston's veteran sharpshooter acquired from the Sonics in June 2007, a month before Garnett arrived, was subdued but not overly emotional about the situation. He added, "I came back this year under the impression it would be the "Big Three's" final dance together - Paul, Kevin and myself... a last run defending our crown and going for our 3rd. But Kevin's gotta do what he's gotta do; I wish him the best."

Allen really didn't have too much to be broken up about except maybe one less ring on his finger. But he could take care of that easily by buying any number of rings with the estimated 21 million dollar(!), 1-year extension Boston had agreed to pay him.


(And you guys said I overpaid my players! ;p )

Other notable retirements included Grant Hill, former Warrior Earl Boykins and big Ben "Fear the Fro" Wallace.

[kibaxx7]

Oberto retiring. Looks like those Wizards career-low mins were too much for him

You signing Quinn man. Wtf? But he was one the last available, right?

[Azzdogs]

What were the Celtics thinking.

[Andrew]

The Wade signing has given the Thunder a pretty impressive starting five. I expect they'll be a lot tougher in the upcoming season. Nothing too out of the ordinary with those retirements, though I reckon Shaq and Hill will probably be around at least one more year, Garnett probably a couple depending on his health. How time flies though, kind of scary to think Shaq's been in the league almost 20 years.

[Clutch]

@Thierry - i never took you to be an Oberto fan, but yeah it was Quinn or nadda unfortunately; even really old bastards were asking 4+ mil maybe they knew i increased teh sal cap lol;

@Azzdogs - good question man, especially considering they easily could've made a run at landing D-Wade; Miami did get in that race but was out bid by the Thunder; Boston? who knows... their chances of defending the crown are slim at best;

@Andrew - yeah, that OKC lineup is scary but i look fwd to them in a sadistic way; on Shaq, i do hope he sticks around a few more seasons IRL; things just won't feel the same w/o him and though Dwight is pretty much his big man heir and charismatic for the league in a different way, Howard just doesn't have the same wit and often backhanded humor as the Big Aristotle

[kibaxx7]

@Thierry - i never took you to be an Oberto fan

Not really an Oberto fan, but he's a compatriot

[Martti.]

Damn, Wade in OKC, that's weird. Your FA acquisitions weren't great, but I think your team is talented enough, it's just getting the guys to play together as a team.

[Clutch]

@Thierry - ahh okay, that makes sense

@Martti - OKC will likely be a force to reckon with for years but yeah, getting my squad to play cohesively will be key

[Clutch]

Warriors Hang Landry Out To Dry

Averaging 15.1 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.5 blocks per game last season, forward Carl Landry was definitely producing. Unfortunately, it came at the expense of wins as the Warriors' up-tempo style seemed out of sync whenever Landry hit the floor, despite his solid individual performances.

Aside from wins also at stake was the development of promising forward Anthony Randolf. Randolf (aka 'The Meal Ticket' as dubbed by some adoring fans) possessed incredible raw potential yet saw his minutes and production dip since Landry's acquisition last season.

With Landry's contract expiring at the end of the coming season, he would likely command big money to re-sign; Riley and Nelson made the tough decision to shop Landry on the trading block now, while his stock was high and rising, instead of risking him to injury during the season and chance watching his value plummet.

Immediately they had a taker in the Cleveland Cavaliers, who had just lost legendary center Shaquille O'Neal to retirement. The Cavs, however, weren't only interested in Landry but had tremendous interest in the Warriors' 2010 3rd-overall draft pick, center Haywood Faust.

While signing free agent DeAndre Jordan would certainly dampen the blow, Riley and Nelson knew trading Faust would not sit well with Warrior fans; yet they desperately needed to address their reserve point guard issue. If Faust, already known for average to slow foot speed, had trouble adjusting to Golden State's up-tempo style and spent most of his rookie year on the bench, that wouldn't sit well with fans either. They'd have to make a choice and just go with it.

Cleveland had just committed to a max-year contract with free-agent point guard Sebastian Telfair and now possessed a surplus of PGs including Mo Williams, Boobie Gibson and Delonte West. No more O'Neal meant they were desperate to secure big man help to satiate the King and possibly avoid his departure next season; this was Golden State's best shot at nabbing a quality point guard.



Of the three, the Warriors deduced Williams was the Cav's starter and would likely be the hardest to pull, aside from the fact that he might cause friction if demoted to the bench behind Steph Curry; Gibson, while a capable scorer, lacked defense and experience; so the choice was narrowed to pursue Delonte West, a solid finisher, ball handler/distributor but best known for his tough-as-nails defense, something the Warriors clearly lacked in their back court.



Finally, after much deliberation and counter-offering, the Warriors and Cavs reached an agreement: Golden State would send Carl Landry, 3rd-overall pick rookie Haywood Faust and next year's 2nd-round pick to Cleveland in exchange for guard Delonte West and forward Leon Powe (ovrl 73) and their 2011 1st-round pick.



"I've been on three different teams already, so trades don't really surprise me," West told reporters upon learning of the swap. "My entire NBA career I've played among superstars so this will be a new challenge for me. I know their ball club has a history of tough times but if I can help them back on track and into the playoffs, that'll be more of a testament than anything I've done career-wise so far."

1-time NBA champion and Oakland native Leon Powe also seemed enthusiastic about the trade, "The Bay Area is home for me… where I've got friends, family, where I played college ball… Golden State is where I imagined playing as a kid, my friends and I trying to emulate Run T.M.C. after watching Warriors games on TV… for me, it's like realizing a dream come true."

New Trainer & Training Camp

The Warriors rounded out the off-season hiring Torso & Arms specialist Brodie Reeves to a 1-year contract as team trainer. Not the top choice by any measure but the best their limited staff budget could afford.



Player Evolution

Training camp revealed pencil-thin forward Brandon Wright heeding advice to bulk up and get stronger. He had trained hard during the off-season with teammate Kelenna Azubuike and surprisingly weighed in at 7 lbs greater than last season showing there's hope for him yet.



Unfortunately Anthony Tolliver didn't help his chances any of the team re-signing him next season by arriving for training camp bloated and flabby at 254 lbs after a gluttonous summer of indulgence.




Last but not least, Golden States' talented young point guard Stephen Curry hadn't stopped growing, showing up to training camp looking sleek and leaner at 6' 4" 190 lbs, an inch taller but 5 lbs heavier than last season.



Opening Night Roster

[Lamrock]

Though your moves seem terrible (dealing 6'6" Amar'e and a #3 pick for Delonte West and Powe? C'mon son), I like the presentation and look forward to the season starting.

[kibaxx7]

Yep, I'm with Lamrock here... hated the trade IMO, despite I like Delonte... but Both Faust and Landry gone? I was hoping to see some Curry-to-Faust passes and dunks in the future

[Bucket]

Wade give OKC nice starting five. Your team looks good. But I think you need move Morrow to starting lineup, he is good player he can shot from perimeter. I love this guy, because he wears my number.

[Cleveland wins]

In a way i like the trade, although i would'nt have given up my rookie for West and Powe, but you seem to have a very deep team especially with so many power forwards. You can never have too many big men, i think. So the part that i do like about the trade is the fact that you got Leon Powe, i'm a big fan of Powe since that cleveland boston series where Powe was a big contributor off the bench. But West has experience and he can play defense and has a decent midrange, i give the trade a b-, very good presentation.

[Lamrock]

Should have been just Faust for West and the pick. Swapping Landry (an all-star caliber PF) for Powe is just stupid.

[Azzdogs]

I like both those players so I don't really mind the trade.

[Andrew]

Wow...not a trade I would've made so I have to agree with Lamrock and Thierry here. Still, it's your Dynasty and I'm interested to see where you go from here.

[Clutch]

lol, yeah I expected flak from that one; Golden State has a knack of not doing the right... I just want you guys to have as authentic a 'Warriors fan' experience as possible

I am making sure to swap CLE's 1st-rounder w/GS's 2nd-rounder next season so it doesn't hurt too much, as that is part of the trade

EDIT: @Valdis22 - barring injury, I don't see Morrow replacing Martin in the starting-lineup anytime soon

[Clutch]

Utah Head Coach Jerry Sloan can only watch as Anthony Randolf abuses Carlos Boozer

BOXSCORE

Warriors Erupt In Season Home Opener

October 28, 2010 Oakland, CA -- The Golden State Warriors opened the 2010-11 season on the fast track with a surprising 23-point rout of the Utah Jazz 119-96 in front of a rocking home crowd at Oracle Arena.

Marksman Kevin Martin and rangy big man Anthony Randolf spurred the Warriors on most of the match. Martin led the way with a team-high 25 points and added 2 boards while Randolf had a brilliant double-double night, tallying 17 points on near-perfect 7-of-8 shooting including 3-of-3 from the charity line, as well as leading Golden State defensively with 13 rebounds and 5 blocked shots.

"I was pumped coming into tonight's opener and really just wanted to show our fans something to get excited about this season," said Randolph.

2nd-year man Stephen Curry had a tough assignment against one of the league's premiere point guards in Utah's Deron Williams. Still, Curry finished with a decent line of 17 points, 6 assists and 3 rebounds, but struggled 0-for-4 behind the arc. Curry said following the game, "Utah's backcourt is definitely a handful, but I'm just glad we came up with a win here tonight. The crowd was really into it and that gave us a huge push right there at the end."

The Jazz stayed within striking range most of the game until the 4th, where the Warriors' frantic pace finally seemed to take its toll. Curry and off-season acquisition Delonte West helped ignite a 37-20 period sending Warrior fans into a frenzy.

When asked about the run West replied, "The crowd's energy was unbelievable in the fourth. You'd think it was a game 7 or something, not the first game of the regular season." West had an impressive night in his Warriors' debut finishing with 18 points on 7-for-9 shooting plus a team-high 3 steals.

Deron Williams led the way for Utah with 22 points, 8 assists and 6 rebounds while their 7th-overall draft pick, Ohio State's Barry Ketchum, showcased his skills to the tune of 15 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists.

"We came out flat in the fourth while they kept pushing and then blew it right open. When you stop playing and stand around watching like we did, you can expect that to happen," added Williams.

On Saturday the Warriors will try to keep the tempo going against Chauncey Billups, Carmelo Anthony and the equally-charged offense of the Denver Nuggets.

[Azzdogs]

Great start to the season and it seems making way for Randolph payed off.

[Lamrock]

Bone Morrow Transplant is very underrated in your rosters! Congrats on the win though. Even though it seems like you're taking the "do a fairly poor rebuilding job, then fix it" route that I am, you should make the playoffs this year. Go Meal Ticket!