Don is really getting good at isolating players and creating problems. First it was Baron, then Al Harrington and now one of the only remaining players from the Warriors glorious 2006 playoff run is wanting out. According to ESPN:
Davis is gone. Jackson, according to several sources, recently told teammates he’d happily accept being sent elsewhere. Al Harrington already got his wish to be dealt. Sources also say rookie phenom Anthony Randolph, who some believe has the talent to one day be among the league’s top 10 players, has been told he’s not fitting in and could be dealt. Point guard Marcus Williams is seeking a buyout. Corey Maggette, signed last summer after the loss of Davis, is back in Los Angeles rehabbing a hamstring and one opposing GM said Maggette’s agent is quietly exploring his trade options.
However bad it looks at 8-22, it’s way worse behind the scenes. According to sources, Jackson, Nelson’s staunchest ally in the lockerroom, was called into Nelson’s car when he showed up for the team’s shootaround before facing Orlando. Nelson apparently told Jackson he was playing poorly and Jackson, who had been fighting through injuries to stay on the court, was so upset he skipped the shootaround. Jackson denied any lingering conflict, but he has since decided not to play until his injuries heal.
When are the Warriors going to realize Don Nelson is a locker room serial killer? When are the Warriors going to realize that Don Nelson isolates players and erodes their confidence? These are questions most Warriors fans will continue to ask as the season gruelingly wears on. Don has already disposed of Al Harrington and pushed away the Warriors future by isolating and refusing to play Brandan Wright, Anthony Randolph and Anthony Morrow. These guys are the future of the franchise and instead of seeing them grow, Warriors fans are stuck watching Rob Kurz start and play 30 minutes while Anthony Randolph, a possible future all-star, rots on the bench. Warriors fans have one thing to look forward to: Monta Ellis’s return. Will he stop the bleeding? That’s the one and only bright spot to look forward to for Warriors fans.
Kobe has some really insightful quotes in this interview, such as “we made the right plays” and “use our other teammates to get guys going.” If the Lakers and Celtics meet in the Finals this year, look out. It’s shaping out to be an amazing series. If Bynum stays healthy, the Lakers have a much more complete team and will be able to defend the Celtics much better than last year. Tonights game is a bit tough to gauge considering the Celtics turned it over more than a typical Thunder outing. They didn’t play as a whole unit tonight, but you can bet they will come playoff time.
The Mavericks showed the league their strength tonight, utilizing a deep bench and a solid team effort in beat the Blazers on the road. It capped off a great night of basketball on Christmas Day, including Jason Kidd knocking out a ref in the 4th quarter. I have to say, the old guy got up pretty well after being taken down. Nicely done.
1. Rodney Stuckey - No need to comment on this one, if for some odd reason he’s still around in your league, go and get now. He’s a baller and he’s starting.
2. Andray Blatche - Although he tires easily and needs some improvements, he should be picked up based upon potential alone and the fact that he earned a starting post with the new coach.
| DATE | OPP | REB | AST | STL | BLK | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12/21 | Dal | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 6 |
| 12/19 | Phi | 8 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 13 |
| 12/17 | @Det | 11 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 12 |
| 12/15 | Ind | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 19 |
3. Eric Gordon - He’s still around in many leagues, and I say grab him. He’s just about to start taking off and I would watch out if he does. He has both offensive and defensive skills and will grow under Baron. He’s getting over 40 minutes a game right now, so he’s learning quickly. Here are some recent stats on the road mostly:
| DATE | OPP | REB | AST | STL | BLK | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12/22 | Tor | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 19 |
| 12/20 | @Mil | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| 12/19 | @Ind | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 15 |
| 12/17 | @Chi | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 17 |
| 12/16 | @OKC | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 22 |
| 12/13 | Hou | 7 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 10 |
| 12/12 | @Por | 5 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 17 |
ORLANDO — Finally, guard Marco Belinelli said he has made it to the NBA.
Sure, he has been in the league since the Warriors’ drafted him with the No. 18 overall pick in 2007. And he’s certainly collected more than a third of the nearly $5 million he will earn over his first three seasons.
But Belinelli said it wasn’t until now that he felt as if he’d arrived. For the first time in his career, he said he feels as if he is part of the team. He’s getting minutes, providing offense and growing with teammates.
I truly am happy for Marco, he’s a great talent. Unfortunately for Warriors fans, he does nothing but throw gas on their defensive woes flame that continues to burn bright. Although Marco can score, he also has the propensity to let his opponents score early and often. It doesn’t help that he is typically the slowest and weakest player on the floor.
For all his defensive shortcomings, he is truly a great offensive threat. He knows how to pass, he has handles out his ass and he can shoot with the best of him. He probably won’t be a perennial starter in the NBA, but he can be an injector of offense and a great passer from the 2. Unfortunately, the Warriors still couldn’t defend a high school team.
