State of the Warriors...

[GoldenStateGM]

After an up and down season in 2008 and a 1st round loss to the Kings in the playoffs, the Warriors are now looking to make some noise in the NBA Playoffs this year.

In a blockbuster trade, the Warriors brought Paul Pierce, one of the top, yet enigmatic, SF's in the game to the Bay area.  Gone from Warriorland are Hidayet Turkoglu, Devin Hinkle, Marko Jaric, and 2 1st round picks.  Inside info from the Warriors GM...

"Everyone here loved Devin Hinkle.  After his rookie season, we had big plans for him.  His defense and shooting were great.  In his sophmore year, he took a step back.  Devin really missed playing with Pau Gasol.  All his wide open shots came off of Gasol getting double teamed in the post.  Devin and Rafael just did not mesh the same way. "
"Marko was a jokster in the locker room, and a good veteran presence.  His first year in Golden State, he played brilliantly at the SG position.  But his offense seemed to fall apart after then."
"We brought Turkoglu in for his great 3 pt shooting.  And while he shot 45% from the floor as a starter, he only hit 34% of his threes.  And that really took a toll on the team's 3 pt shooting, and allowed teams to collapse on Rafael and Stromile inside."
"Paul Pierce is a perfect addition.  While not a great outside shooter, he can hit the three with consistency.  And he can create his own shots, as well as create for his teammates.  And his defense will shore up a big weakness.  Last year the Warriors were 22nd in 3 pt defense.  Paul is an excellent perimeter defender, and will also be able to guard some of the bigger guards/SF's that are in the West.  He is a little turnover-prone, with but two excellent ball handlers at the guard spots, he will not need to bring up the ball like he has in the past.
"There were also alot of internal concerns about Pierce's injury history.  But with an excellent player in Brian Cardinal backing him up, the coaching staff felt they can keep Paul's minutes down, and keep him healthier then he has been in years"

Another move was made just recently sending Raef LaFrentz to Portland for Darius Miles and Kareem Longley...  More quotes from the inside
"Raef 's knees are shot. His ability to score inside went with his athleticism.  It also has reduced his shotblocking a great deal.  Still an effective rebounder, but that is about all."
"Kareem Longley is an excellent young SG.  He is very much in the mold of the current starter, Andre Iguodala.  He can do a little bit of everything.  And with Kareem and Andre competing with each other in practice, we expect they will both get better quick.  Kareem could compete with Andre for a starting spot, if he works hard in TC.  Kareem could also start, if Pierce gets injured, as well."

In other news, Rafael Araujo season ending ACL injury is about healed.  Rehab is just about complete, and he is able to do light running and drills.  He will be ready for training camp, and he is extremely excited about the year.  Rumor has it he has been working quite a bit on his outside shot and ball handling during his rehab.

Kirk Hinrich, Stromile Swift, and Andre Iguodala have been in the bay area for the last month, getting to know the all the new faces, and showing everyone around.

Free Agency is still to come.  More inside info on the Warriors free agency plans...
"We have a couple targets in mind.  Before acquiring Kareem, the staff was worried about the depth at guard.  But with Iggy and Bellamy capable of backing up Kirk, and Michael and Kareem able to back up Iggy at SG, the staff is very confident in the guard rotation.  At most, expect a 3rd PG for the min.
Our back-up bigs are aging.  Kenny Thomas is 30 now, and Adonal Foyle is 32.  Both are excellent players.  Adonal's rebounding and defense are a great foil to Rafael, and Kenny's inside scoring and rebounding are wonderful for a back-up PF.  But it is time to bring in some new blood into the fold."

Look for our next update, after free agency is complete, and the season is underway.  Go Warriors!!!

[KingsGM-old]

But still it is unknown will that be enough to beat their nightmare oponnents Sactown Kings - David Aldridge indicated in his weekly column on ESPN.

[GoldenStateGM]

But still it is unknown will that be enough to beat their nightmare oponnents Sactown Kings - David Aldridge indicated in his weekly column on ESPN.

Actually, getting Pierce is about to cause you a nightmare decision...
You do not want want Pierce guarding Tracy...  He has the size and the defensive ability to do a good job.
I move Pierce to SG, move Iggy to SF (his natural position)...  McGrady has to face a tough, tough defender. Gooden vs. Iggy is an interesting matchup, in Goodens's favor, but Iggy will be able to set other players up very well with his ball handling.
Let's say you move Tracy to SF.  That leaves Pierce being guarded by Luisetti...  Wish I had a drooling icon, because that is a dream for me.
That leaves Iggy on McGrady, and he does a decent, if not great job on him.  But also forces either Gooden, James, or Miller to the bench.

Win-Win situation for Me!!!!!  

[KingsGM-old]

Who said the Kings will look the same when the season beggin?

[HeatGM]

we'll if the kings wont make big moves...he's team will be full of old farts   warriors i think has a really good team...better than the kings...congrats to the warriors

[RaptorsGM]

lol, nice shameless self promotion, Warriors - and this coming from the Champ of self-promotion.

[GoldenStateGM]

lol, nice shameless self promotion, Warriors - and this coming from the Champ of self-promotion.

Lol.. Self promotion?  No, just an explanation of why the moves were made.  Want to make sure the Warrior fans understand what is going on, have to keep the fan base happy, you know...  

[RaptorsGM]

lol, nice shameless self promotion, Warriors - and this coming from the Champ of self-promotion.

Lol.. Self promotion?  No, just an explanation of why the moves were made.  Want to make sure the Warrior fans understand what is going on, have to keep the fan base happy, you know...  

Yes, your zero fans will enjoy reading this article very much.

[GoldenStateGM]

Yes, your zero fans will enjoy reading this article very much.

Ouch...  Just ouch...  That is just cold...  Almost as cold as a Canadian winter  

[RaptorsGM]

Yes, your zero fans will enjoy reading this article very much.

Ouch...  Just ouch...  That is just cold...  Almost as cold as a Canadian winter  

I like our winters They bring hockey.

[MavsGM]

Flyers>>>Leafs

[RaptorsGM]

Flyers>>>Leafs

Depends alot on the goaltenders.

But yeah, I would have to say the Flyers have a better shot at the Cup this year than the Leafs do.

[SixersGM]

Somebody needs to stop this team from being a dynasty.

[MavsGM]

Wrong thread buddy, the Jazz's thread is below.