Warriors forward Draymond Green said on ESPN’s NBA Countdown (video link) that he’s not concerned about other Western Conference contenders. He believes Golden State still has the best team when it’s firing on all cylinders.
“I’m not concerned about anybody in the West,” Green said. “There are good teams in the West, have the appropriate fear as (Warriors) coach (Steve) Kerr always talks about — Phoenix is one of those teams. I’ve been telling everybody for two years now, I’m not counting the Lakers out … but I don’t worry about anybody in the West. … I know if we’re playing our A game, nobody’s beating us.”
We have more from the Pacific Division:
- Speaking of the Warriors, Kerr didn’t downplay the team’s victory over the Celtics on Saturday, Kendra Andrews of ESPN writes. Golden State has been floundering around the .500 mark. “Especially the way they’ve played this year, they’ve just been so good, so dominant. I thought we needed a game like that,” Kerr said. “We’ve been a bit stuck in the mud. It feels like we’ve gotten better, but not a whole lot to show for it. This was an important win for us.”
- Suspended Suns owner Robert Sarver wants to find a buyer who will keep the team in Arizona, Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic reports. Team vice chairman Sam Garvin is confident Sarver will find a buyer who won’t look to move the franchise. “I think he really wants to find someone who loves Arizona, wants to keep (the Suns) in Arizona and is committed to the fans and is committed to the community,” Garvin said. “I think he’ll do a good job on the sale.”
- Lakers first-year coach Darvin Ham has gained a lot of trust in guard Austin Reaves‘ decision making and defensive acumen, according to Kyle Goon of the Orange County Register. “He has all of my faith and the faith of the coaching staff in the sense whenever he’s in the game and has the ball in his hands, he’s going to make the right play on both sides of the ball,” Ham said. Reaves will be a restricted free agent after the season.
I do agree with Dray somewhat that on their day I think they beat anyone in the league and they shouldn’t fear no body. They’ve earned that sort of perspective by not only winning the title last season but the previous titles not so long ago.
The concern for me is that in a 7 game series they do lack depth and the second unit has been rather unproductive for them. I’ve already said my part on Wiseman and where he should go but even if you were to use him to get depth and upgrade the second unit I think that would be good for both parties.
Just some ideas:
1 James Wiseman for Darius Bazley, Mike Muscala and a lottery protected first
for GSW Bazley could be a fit and Muscala adds a floor spacing 5 add they get a first of some kind.
for OKC Wiseman can get minutes on a tanking team and who knows rediscover form. Wiseman could work with Chet and would be an insurance if they miss Victor.
2. James Wiseman for Thad Young and Malachi Flynn
for GSW Thad would be perfect for the second unit. PF or small ball 5, good vet, capable defensively and streaky shooter. Flynn is also a pretty decent young guard.
for Toronto, they lack a true standout at the 5. Wiseman’s worth taking the risk on cause if he works out between him and Barnes your set. Not to mention Thads not been getting many minutes so he’s not the biggest loss anyway
3 James Wiseman for Coby White and Andre Drummond
for GSW White is another back up guard, good size could be handy. Drummond gives you a more true 5 and would help tremendously rebounding.
for Chicago Drummond has basically dropped out of the rotation anyway and Vuce is on an expiring deal so trying to find your next centre in Wiseman would be a smart investment. White isn’t that big of a loss with Lonzo and Dragic coming back and more minutes for Terry.
4 James Wiseman and Ryan Rollins for Seth Curry and Markieff Morris
for GSW the Curry boys link up and Seth which is cool. Seth can continue to shoot the lights out off the bench. Morris also gives you another forward/small ball 5 for the second unit too.
for Brooklyn I think Wiseman is worth investing in. The nets biggest problem besides the drama is rebounding and he can atleast help with that and compete with Claxton for minutes. Think you can easily replace Seth with a combination of Mills/Thomas and Duke and Morris wasn’t getting minutes anyway.
Just some ideas
As a big fan of Wiseman, I think Brooklyn would pose a huge risk mainly due to the drama at the top of the roster, some uncertainty in the front office and the expectations. OKC would give him the minutes and think he would be cool there and could work with Chet but I doubt they do it. Toronto I think makes great sense for GSW and would be good for James. If Toronto go even bolder and deal OG and extras for someone like SGa that would be huge for them long term. SGA Barnes and Wiseman. Lastly Chicago, idk what to think with them cause it’s just all over the place there. Good opportunity whims Vuce especially if he leaves