How long have you been a Warriors fan?

The Warriors were the only thing I knew as a kid growing up. However, I didn’t really start watching intently until 1998 when I got an old 20 inch television from my mom that could only get 3 stations one of which was KICU 36 (the one time home of Warrior’s basketball and Oakland Athletics baseball).

Fav. Current Warrior? Why?

Honestly I have about 3 favorite warriors Stephan Curry, Anthony Randolph and Brandan Wright. Though if I’m forced to just choose one it would have to be Brandan Wright. He is a tall athletic forward with great reach that could be very effective in the paint offensively and defensively if he was just able to gain some more weight and if he were able to stay healthy. Two big ifs but if he’s able to accomplish both he will be a solid, reliable PF for years to come.

Fav. All time Warrior? Why?

This is a given. It has to be Jason Richardson. He was the one player during his tenure that I really connected to because it felt as if he recognized the pain that warriors fans went through as evidenced by the letter he ran in local newspapers apologizing for not making the playoffs in 2006. He was also one of the most exciting Warriors players to watch from his time to competing in multiple Slam Dunk Competitions to the part he played in the 2007 playoffs. Plus I have to root for a fellow Richardson!

Fav. Moment?

Mike Dunleavy turning into Manleavy and getting ejected out of a game against the Mavericks once. That was the most emotion I had ever seen out of him. (Not really my favorite moment but that whole scene was just hilarious). The serious answer is when the Warriors beat the Mavs in Game 6. I never thought I would see in my lifetime the Warriors win a playoff series. It was a great time to be a Warriors fan. I will always remember the passion that players on that team played with and what the fans brought to that arena that night. I still get chills thinking about it.

Worst moment as a Warriors fan?

Summer 2008 when Baron opted out of his contract. I was shocked to hear he had done so because he had so much love for the fans and the Bay Area that I thought it would have been impossible for him to leave. His departure essentially marked the end of the “We Believe” Era. It also lead to a lot of rightful questioning of ownership and the unfortunate panic signing of Corey Maggette.

What’s your feelings on the current Ownership/Management of the Warriors?

It feels like at times that the ownership/management has no idea what so ever as to how to run a basketball. Just look at how many different core groups of players we’ve had since 2000, the terrible lottery selections of POB, Diogu, Dunleavy, the nixing of Baron Davis’s deal by the “accountant” aka Robert Rowell, the extension of Stephen Jackson, the hiring of a puppet GM etc…. Throughout all of this there has been one man that has overseen all of this and is ultimately responsible for the mess the Warriors are in time after time. That is Chris Cohan. Until he sells the team to anyone, then I don’t have the confidence to say that the Warriors will ever become a serious player to go to the playoffs, no less legitimately compete for a championship.

You’re named Warriors GM, How would you improve the team? What changes do you think need to be made?

You can go in so many different directions for our team. I would clean house completely with all of the basketball staff. That would include the trainers, scouts to the coaches. This would finally rid of us those who have been either hired by Rowell/Cohen. Then I would have to figure out what the identity of the team would be. Run N’ Gun, half court team focused on defense etc… Then determine who our most tradable assets and try to make a deal for an all-star PF/C. We may have to give up Curry, Ellis, Randolph or Wright to get a star which some people may not like, however you can’t rely on Internal Development on saving your franchise.

There is also a matter of the draft pick that the Warriors will have in June. All of these plans could be revised depending on who is available in the slot they will draft (hopefully somewhere between 1st and 3rd). It would be imperative to pick the BPA and not to replicate another Diogu pick.

You can bring any current NBA player to the Warriors, who would it be?

Most people would love to bring in Kobe or Lebron but I’m going to go a different route. With this current team I would bring in Superman! That’s right Dwight Howard. He would be able to hide our defensive shortcomings. He would be able to command a double team which would mean open shots galore for our dead-eye shooters Morrow, Azubuike, and Curry. Really we could just throw it down low to him in the paint and he could give defenders the “Shaq Shoulder” for the easy basket or just watch him fly to the basket on the fast break! It would also be interesting to see how Dwight could impact our young bigs Randolph and Wright.

Finish the sentence, When the warriors win the championship, I will…..?

Call all my family and friends and yell “THE CHAMPS ARE HERE!”

Do you Visit Warriorsworld.net?

I visit WW.net everyday. I don’t post but maybe in the future I will… WW.net is great because you have hardcore warrior’s fans giving their opinions on what direction the team should go in, commentary on the game in progress or lamenting an announcer for using every excuse during the game (ya’ll know who I’m talking about). I’ve become a more knowledgeable fan thanks to WW.net

Bio: IIvory is a  22 years old and born and raised in San Jose. He’s currently a senior in the Corporate Financial Management Program at SJSU hoping to graduate in Fall 2010. In his spare time you can find him on Xbox Live playing NBA 2K10 (with the Warriors of course). If you think you can handle 20 minutes of hell on the virtual court then come get some! His gamer tag is irichgsw87

WarriorsWorld TV was granted unique access to Matt Steinmetz in our latest episode as we head to Matt’s crib to conversate with him. In Part 1, we get a more personal look at Matt and his basketball upbringing as well as his transition to Television. Part 2 consists of Warriors talk and a look around Matt’s working quarters.

Part 1

Part 2

By: Rick Blaine

It’s time to chime in with our assessment of Warriors players and management through the first half of the season.  Inexorably marching into the tank yet again, this year’s Warriors team can at least hide behind the convenient excuse of injuries to mask their mediocrity. With serious injuries to Brandan Wright, Kelenna Azubuike, Raja Bell, Anthony Randolph, Speedy Claxton, Andris Biedrins, and Ronny Turiaf, these days the Warriors bench seats more players in suits than uniforms.  Add to that the minor injuries sustained by Anthony Morrow, Vladimir Radmanovic, and C.J. Watson, and you have one the most depleted line-ups in league history.  Seriously, sports fans, with all the days the players have taken off, this is a team that only Ferris Bueller could love.  The Warriors specialize in the 8 man lineup, and Golden State has become the gateway to the NBA for players in the Development League.

If you have kids in college, you might not want to look at this report card. It has more Incompletes in it than a JR Rider UNLV transcript.

Kelenna Azubuike

Grade:  Incomplete

Azubuike was primed to play a big role on the team this season, especially with the departure of Stephen Jackson.  Before his season-ending knee injury, the team was looking forward to steady, consistent production from him. This might have been a breakout year for him.  But, alas, it was not to be.

Raja Bell

Grade: Incomplete

In this “What might have been?” season, fans wonder what Bell might have done to help shore up defensive weaknesses in the backcourt.  Bell, an unselfish team player and noted defensive stopper, would have been a strong asset off the bench and given the Warriors a taller, tougher option against teams with big, physical guards.  Though he only played one game—and what a great performance he had—Bell is missed.

Andris Biedrins

Grade: D+

Biedrins missed most of the second half of last season with injuries, and then recovered in time to play for his national team over the summer. Maybe that wasn’t a good idea, as he sustained a debilitating injury in the pelvis and abdominal regions that is only now healing. He is slowly gaining his old form, but he is still far below the double-double averages of the last two seasons. His offensive production—never a hallmark of his game—is down, and he has lost all confidence in his free throw shooting.

The Biedrins we’ve seen this season is a shell of his old self.  Fortunately, he is over the injuries and nearly fully recovered.  Look for Biedrins to perform better as the season goes on.

Speedy Claxton

Grade:  Incomplete

Claxton has not played this season because of a knee injury.  Nothing was expected from Claxton—a throw-in the Jamal Crawford trade last summer—but he can still serve the team well as an expiring contract.

Stephen Curry

Grade: B-

Stephen Curry has most Warriors fans excited.  His basketball IQ and deftness on the court portend something special. He’s an unselfish player who can potentially make his teammates better. Through 42 games, he has improved his shooting and has demonstrated on several occasions the ability to hit the clutch shot.  He is a better rebounder and defender than expected, and he is in the top 5 in the league in steals.

Curry has been a star player all his life, and he’s lived the NBA lifestyle since birth. Yet his ego is under control.  He has deferred to Monta Ellis, even when Ellis has been less than deferential towards him.  Bonus points should be awarded to Curry for his maturity and class.

But Curry does have a few things to work on. He turns the ball over too much, and he has a hard time breaking his man down off the dribble.  He also struggles in guarding faster players, and he is a league leader in fouls committed.

If he were being graded in relation to other rookies, he’d have an A-.  As it is, a B- on a losing team is not a bad mark for a rookie.

Monta Ellis

Grade: A-

Imagine what this season would be without Ellis.  Sixth in the league in scoring and second in steals, Ellis has played at an All Star level.  He is an unstoppable scorer and an elegant athlete.  Every night he does something special on the court that makes you shake your head in wonder.  Averaging 42 minutes a game, Ellis appears to be indefatigable.

The great players develop something new in their games each season.  Though it may be debatable whether or Not Ellis great, he has certainly improved aspects of his game each season.  Two seasons ago, he improved his dribbling.  This season, Ellis has extended his range. He is now a legitimate 3 point shooter, making him even more difficult to guard.

Though Ellis is a top echelon scorer, he does not always make his teammates better. He has become a volume shooter, and this is a growing source of concern among fans. Perhaps this is due to the fact that he feels he has do it all in the absence of so many injured players. Ellis must learn that trying to do it all won’t add to the win total, so let’s hope he makes adjustments the second half of the season.

Finally, one senses that Ellis is still not fully on board with Curry.  We’ll see how this plays out the second half of the season.

Devean George

Grade: D+

Perhaps this is a harsh grade considering he hasn’t played major minutes.  Were it not for the depletion of the roster, George would probably still be in street clothes.  He has not been horrible, but where did his athleticism go?  He is nothing more than a stop-gap until the regulars come back from injury.

Chris Hunter

Grade: C-

Hunter teased a lot of fans with a strong debut against Portland, but since that game he has not distinguished himself in any facet of the game. He takes up space, but he doesn’t provide the inside presence the team needs to win games.

Cartier Martin

Grade:  Incomplete

Martin has been a decent defender, and his rebounding has helped the team stay in games.  He has not shot the ball well.  Like Hunter, Martin has been a decent D-League stop-gap player.

Corey Maggette

Grade: B+

Something remarkable has happened with Maggette this season.  Once one of the teams most disliked players by fans, Maggette has won most of them over with his play in December and January.  When Maggette was getting booed at the beginning of the season, he seemed to take it hard. But maybe it was the medicine he needed. Since that time, Maggette has taken fewer long jump shots and he has passed the ball more than he ever has as a Warrior.   He is scoring very efficiently, and he is back to effectively driving to the hoop and drawing fouls.

Maggette is a professional. He takes care of his body and he ingratiates himself to his teammates and the media. He doesn’t create conflicts on the team, and maintains a positive attitude.  His response to the booing this season was surprisingly introspective.  It’s nice to see that a leopard can change its spots.

If it were not for a poor start to the season, Maggette would have received an A-.

Mikki Moore

Grade: C

Moore filled in adequately as a reserve big man before he was cut from the team.  He was not very strong in any one area, but he played hard and filled in decently for a team decimated with injuries to its big men early in the season.  Moore is a class act, and Warriors fans wish him the best.

Anthony Morrow

Grade:  C-

Morrow has been a disappointment coming off a promising rookie season and stellar summer.  He ended last season strongly, and fans expected him to carry that through the start of this season.  His shooting has not been as consistent as hoped for, and his defense continues to be a problem.  Morrow is a player who can be expected to raise his play significantly the second half.  He has a great attitude and shows the desire and work ethic required to succeed in the NBA.  With a little luck—and improved health—Morrow can re-establish his reputation among Warrior’s fans as one of the League’s best shooters.

Vladimir Radmanovic

Grade: C-

Like Hunter in his first games with Warriors, Radmanovic began his stint with the Warriors with a couple of strong performances. The effects of this were inflated fan expectations. Radmanovic has struggled to shoot the ball well, though he has been a decent rebounder. The team needs him to shoot with much more consistency.

Anthony Randolph

Grade:  C+

Randolph has been a disappointment to Warriors fans who probably expected too much from him this season.  Like his pal Marrow, he played consistently well the last quarter of the 2008-2009 season, and he was dominant in the Summer League.  But he has been inconsistent this season.  He frustrates fans with his frequent mental errors, and his rebounding numbers have been disappointing.

Randolph’s biggest problem may be Don Nelson. Nelson has not given Randolph consistent minutes, and he moves Randolph around from position to position.  Randolph needs stability, and he needs a coach who will nurture his skills and not jerk him around.  On the rare occasions where Randolph has been given consistent and substantial minutes, he has thrived.   But even with inconsistent minutes, Randolph’s 11.6 ppg and 6.5 rpg over 22 mpg show decent productivity.

Unfortunately, Randolph has been afflicted by the same injury curse as so many of the others.  Warriors fans are hoping that his ankle will heal 100% within the next two months.

Anthony Tolliver

Grade:  Incomplete

It’s a little too early to give Tolliver a grade, but if Saturday’s game against the Suns is an indication of things to come, Tolliver will help the Warriors with his defense and rebounding. A few more games like that one, and Tolliver will earn himself a contract for the rest of the season.  His length and strength could possibly make him a value added piece.

Ronny Turiaf

Grade:  D+

Turiaf is a class player, and like former Dub Adonal Foyle, he deserves all the best.  But let’s face it.  Turiaf has not been consistent and his injuries have had a deleterious effect on his productivity.  He just hasn’t played enough games, and the sporadic minutes that he has played have not added up to victories for the team.  It’s tough to penalize a player for being injured, but Turiaf just hasn’t been the player he was last season because of his bad knee.  At least through all of the adversity he has maintained his positivity, ebullience, and enthusiasm.

C.J. Watson

Grade:  C

Watson is a solid reserve guard. He shoots it well, in spite of recent struggles, and he keeps the team in the game until the starters get back in.  Watson is still not an effective floor general, and his skills in transition are questionable.  But he has a steady jump shot that does not abandon him in the 4^th quarter.  With half a season left in his Warriors career, Watson is a good soldier waiting out his commission.

Brandan Wright

Grade: Incomplete

Wright’s injury was perhaps the biggest disappointment of the season. Once it became clear that Randolph was still a little rough around the edges, fans began pining for Wright.  Certainly the Warriors miss Wright’s low block scoring ability and his shot blocking.  Hopefully, Wright will come back strong and completely healed in 2010-2011.

Coaching

Grade:  D+

Nellie has done a fairly good job getting the few players he has left to compete well in recent games, but ultimately he must take responsibility for the team’s poor record, and he can’t hide behind the excuse of injuries.  The team continues to be a league leader in negative point differential and negative rebounding differential, and only New Jersey has allowed its opponents to shoot a higher field goal percentage.

By: Sherwood Strauss

*Sherwood Strauss filling in this week for Rasheed Malek.

Warriors World

Warriors Civilization and its Discontents: Hell’s Stenographers

Never in the history of histories has a team so awful been so well analyzed.  The Warriors aren’t even going nowhere fast.  This is the mean, the average—let’s all face it, the baseline is stuck at suck.  And yet excellent Bay Area writers follow this inept, motionless, crew, like Darrelle Revis covering a drunken sloth.

If the team sucks, coverage should dissipate. Chris “I treat my fans like ah’ ATM card” Cohan has waged a sixteen year war on our attention spans. Any rational being would have reacted to such conditioning by succumbing to apathy.  Pavlov’s dogs would have all become Sharks fans, or at least chased Nellie off the bench with righteous fury.

But we refuse to let the NBA dream die. When I say, ‘we,’ I mean the bloggers. We constitute the digital band that plays on in the face of unyielding, inexorable suck.  Look at the online GSW writing community—it’s bigger and smarter than Adonal Foyle:

Warriors World (this cool site) • 1984 Watch • Bay Area Sports Guy • Fear The Beard • Warriors @ RealGM • Warriors Works • Woerriors

Impressive, right? For those who don’t troll the dark depths of NBA web nerdom, let me explain that these particular blogs are regularly updated and (usually) pretty intelligent. Also, double-digit blogs is a huge number for such a bad team.  This list represents the broad nexus of committed amateurs, united in their hope.  Or united in their masochism.  Or their need to funnel hatred into something trivial and predictable. Whatever.

But wait, there’s more! The above blogroll was control-copied from the Golden State Worriers, a two-headed monster that reduces NBA abstraction into NBA reality with staggering guile.  These guys might be able to cross up Hollinger like AI on MJ, yet they toil away in relative obscurity.  The Worriers are always inventing great ways to save the franchise, only to run into that nagging ‘the franchise wouldn’t need saving if it weren’t systemically flawed’ Catch-22.

I singled the Worriers out because they epitomize the bizarre GSW web phenomenon:  Writers passionately analyze the actions of those who will most certainly ignore the analysis en route to predictably bad decisions.  Warriors fans are Cassandras without a rationale motive.

So how the hell did this happen? I asked Free Darko’s Bethlehem Shoals.  Well I sort of did, until he got a bit cranky with my redundant, muddled questioning. Anyway, here’s what Shoals posited:

“I think that, as far as local writers are concerned, it has to do with the Bay’s affinity for technology. And maybe a tendency toward narcissism. But after the 2006-07 team happened, pretty much every NBA fan with half a brain realized that this team was alternately 1) the most ungodly, illogical disaster of a team ever invented, the kind of meltdown that gives off a heat and makes plants grow arms 2) a tremendous collection of characters, and unique players, who were just damn interesting to follow and 3) a team that, when they’re playing well, are as entertaining as anyone other than the Kings.”

I’d thank him more for the quote if I wasn’t half sure Shoals just craved a respite from defending Gilbert Arenas.  I agree that 06-07 has a lot to do with this.  So are the ghosts of ‘We Believe’ still stoking our imaginations? Are we so narcissistic that we can’t stop congratulating ourselves over that moment? Isn’t it annoying how all of Carrie’s columns in ‘Sex and the City’ consist of her asking questions to herself (not that I’ve ever seen that show)?

I wish there was a non-corny way to say I want the excessive web chatter to continue, no matter its attribution. There isn’t, so instead I’ll spout this: Until plants grow arms, Curry grows three inches, and Maggette grows peripheral vision, let us keep bonding/blogging over the GSW tragedy. At least we can wring creative analysis from this putrid swamp.

P.S.

I didn’t even get to the beat/paper writers (Tim Kawakami’s hate-hate relationship with the FO, Adam Lauridsen’s eloquent sadness, Geoff Lepper’s web savvy wit, and Marcus Thompson II’s dogged pursuit of the craziest beat ever).  I love all you guys, and I don’t care who knows it.

Youtube’n It

WarriorsWorld TV ft. Anthony Morrow

Baron Davis runs New York

Who’s Blacker? Charles Barkley vs Snoop Dogg

How long have you been a warriors fan?

I’ve been a fan ever since I met my boyfriend – that’s almost 10 years ago. He’s the one who got me hooked on Warriors basketball. I remember getting so annoyed because he was into the Warriors more than he was into me. I would get mad at him and ask “Why do you even like this team…they’re always losing anyway” and he would just shake his head and say “you don’t understand”. One day, I decided to give in and enjoy watching a game with him (I did play organized basketball in my younger years up until high school so I understood the game well enough to follow it) – once I got to know the team and see how exciting they can be, despite all the losses, I grew to love ‘em. Listening to Tim Roye, Damon Bruce, Fitz, Barnett, etc. made it even more enjoyable. To fast forward…my boyfriend currently finds it weird that I know more about what’s going on with the Warriors than him.

Fav. Current Warrior? Why?

Am I allowed to have TWO favorites? If so, I choose Kelenna Azubuike & CJ Watson. I just have this thing towards D-Leaguers…jk. I like the both of them because they play hard and are unselfish. FYI, did you know Azubuike means “masculine” in Ingbo/Nigerian…!? Well that just defines him well. Buike is built to be a strong player. I love how he never gives up on plays and plus he’s one of the better defenders on the dubs (and one of the cutest! …yea yea I said it!). Pretty much the same goes for CJ Watson. This guy is capable of changing the game just when you need it. His quickness and ball handling skills so clean. I love watching him play. Buike & Watson seem to improve every year. It just sucks that their injuries, this season, are holding them back from shining even more. But just like a true fan should…I’ll always be a fan no matter what.

Fav. All time Warrior? Why?

I would have to say Jason Richardson. He was the heart and soul of the team during his time here. I watched his game improve from the time the Warriors drafted him (when he was a raw high flyer) to actually helping the team reach the playoffs. I loved his dunks, three pointers, dedication towards the team, and unselfish play during those lean years. I remember his heartfelt address to the fans at the end of the 2006 season when he apologized for the team not making the playoffs. It was sad to see him go, knowing that he really wanted the best for this team.

Fav. Moment?

C’mon now…of course when the Warriors humiliated the Mavericks in the ’07 Playoffs. There’s so much to love about the Warriors during that time – An 8th seed (underdog) team beating and eliminating the 1st seed (who had an amazing winning year) team…PRICELESS!; The warriors and their chemistry was one of its best; “We believe” brought out the 6th man in the fans which was AMAZING; and of course the Baron Davis dunk over Andrei Kirilenko…Epic Moment!

It sucks to know that this favorite moment/playoffs experience has become a distant memory for most Warrior fans.

Worst moment as a Warriors fan?

This current season has been bringing out some of the worst moments. You can find MANY ups and downs. It’s really hard times being a fan right now. It’s tough to see the majority of the players being injured. It’s frustrating that this team with so much talent and promise has not been able to have a full healthy squad so far in this season.
But if I had to pick one moment…it would be when I found out that Richardson got traded!! In retrospect, however, the trade opened up the door for other Warriors to shine.

What are your feelings on the current Ownership/Management of the Warriors?

Ownership will be tested at the end of the current season with the number of quality free agents that will become available. As far as their recent moves…Jackson leaving, drafting Stephen Curry are both pluses. Jackson’s departure has allowed the team chemistry and ball movement to both improve, not to mention has made Monta an all-star and “head leader.” Curry improves every game and seems like a solid pick up. Neither of these things translate into wins because half the team is injured and that’s not managements fault (right?). The one move I question is firing Mullin from GM position. Mullin seemed to have the team going in the right direction…

You’re named Warriors GM, How would you improve the team? What changes do you think need to be made?

Nellie ball is entertaining and the players buy in to it because it’s fun and entertaining. But there has to be a balance to run and gun. Perhaps adding a perimeter defender would help – say Raja Bell? Oh man you just can’t judge this team right now due to injuries. Since injuries are currently our biggest weakness, how about hiring a new trainer?

You can bring any current NBA player to the Warriors, who would it be?

No strings attached?! Then give me LEBRON – best player in the NBA. More realistically, a big man to help Monta like C. Bosh. We’ll have to give up a lot though – one or a combo of Andris, Randolph, Curry? Bosh provides big inside presence on both sides of the ball, although it’s really tough thinking of dropping any of our guys.

Finish the sentence, When the warriors win the championship, I will…..?

…have tears of happiness! This win would mean that our loyalty as fans has FINALLY been awarded.

Do you Visit Warriorsworld.net?

But of course! The best thing about this site is that it’s for the fans!! It’s a place where fans can get up to date news and great interviews on their favorite players and Warriors related…what more can a Dub fan ask for!? Spread the word….warriorsworld.net!!

BIO: I’m a 29 y/o female from Daly City, CA. I recently graduated from nursing school and I’m looking forward to that RN job. I’m into crafty things such as scrapbooking. I’m also a big foodie who loves trying new spots. I love spending time with family, friends, and the boyfriend of course. You could find me on Twitter over Facebook anytime!

I created @GSWarriorsTime (http://www.twitter.com/gswarriorstime) so GSW fans can see what other fans are tweeting during the games and maybe connect with each other. I met some good people through that account and you can too…shout out to my GSW Tweet Fam!

If you want to know more about me…visit my sites – I may be a bit random but hopefully interesting:

• http://msjesiree.blogspot.com
• http://www.facebook.com/jesireeb
• http://www.twitter.com/jesiree
• http://www.twitter.com/gswarriorstime

If you would like be highlighted in your own Fan Feature, email me at Rasheed@Warriorsworld.net or hit me up on Twitter.

Latest installment of WarriorsWorld TV brings you Warriors Guard Anthony Morrow, check out the video and drop a comment!

Warriors World

Another week of the NBA season done which means another injury to a Warriors player.  The latest Warrior to hit the injured list is Anthony Morrow.  Morrow suffered a sprained MCL in the first quarter vs Milwaukee and  is expected to miss 2-4 weeks.  Morrow joins a long list of Warriors players on the injured list which has transformed the team into a glorified NBA Developmental team.

Call it bad luck, a coincidence or anything else which you feel is an accurate explanation for the Warriors injuries woes but it goes deeper than just bad luck.  The Warriors more than any other team in the league have their players playing out of position which forces them to guard bigger players on a nightly basis.  The constant banging on both ends takes a toll especially on players who are not the biggest bodies to begin with.  The Warriors prefer lean players as they fit into Nellie’s system better than bigger bulky players.  The downside is when the team goes small which is a very common and forces players to match-up with bigger bodies on both ends of the court.  All of it adds up and the end result is injuries upon injuries which devastates your team and causes a loss in moral as well as chemistry.

The Warriors called up Cartier Martin last week from the D-League and this week they welcome Anthony Tolliver of the Idaho Stampede to Golden State.  Tolliver is a big-man who can stretch the floor evidenced by his love for shooting from beyond the arc as nearly half his shots have come from long distance.  Tolliver should be in uniform and playing in today’s matinee vs the Chicago Bulls.

Youtube’n It

Martin Luther King Jr.

NBA players speak on MLK Jr.

Older video of players speaking on MLK Jr.

Garibaldi paints MLK Jr. at Warriors Game

How long have you been a warriors fan?

I’ve been a fan since I was 8, which was the time I started to play organized basketball.  I grew up watching Mully, Hardaway, and Sprewell. “Spree for three!”

Fav. current Warrior? Why?

Kelenna Azubuike. Ever since he got swooped up from D-League he’s improved each year.  You never see him complain about PT or anything. He just goes out there and works hard each night. You can tell he’s a dedicated team player no matter what the record indicates.  That’s what it’s about and exactly the type of attitude we need to move forward in the right direction.  Heal up soon Buike!

Fav. all time Warrior? Why?

My Favorite Warrior of All-Time/My Life-time would have to be BD.  There were a lot of players that I’ve seen come and go on this team, but he sticks out the most.  He only spent a few years in the Town, but he made a big impact!  When you think Warriors in the 2000s-era, you’ll think BARON DAVIS.  He helped bring new life to the organization.

Fav. moment?

Definitely in 2007, the Game 6 win at home VS the Mavs!  It was history in itself beating out the team with the best record that year, but the thing that I won’t forget was the energy at the Arena that night.  It was indescribable, and yes, AMAZING!   The Arena took on a life of its own.  It was a great win for every basketball fan in the Bay.  I’m glad I got to take part of that moment.  I remember I had tickets to a concert that night but I had a quick change of plans because I knew that night was the night, and it did not disappoint.

Worst moment as a Warriors fan?

When the 06-07 squad got dismembered.  It started with J-Rich getting traded and it had you thinking, “WTF are they doing?”  We ended up with a really good 07-08 record, but it wasn’t enough to slip into that last playoff spot.  Then we slowly lost core players from the playoff squad and you could just see that everything was slowly going downhill.  We signed a few people in 08, but so far the production hasn’t been close to equal all the money we put on the table.  It’s disappointing.

What’s your feelings on the current Ownership/Management of the Warriors?

I don’t know where their head is at.  There have been so many bad decisions, from draft picks to trades, you name it.  As a fan, you definitely feel frustrated when you look at where they’ve been and what could’ve been. They need to focus back on winning and being a successful, respected organization.  This has probably been the most frustrating year so far.  The season didn’t start off well with Jack being unhappy with the organization.  And even with all the drama, it was sad to see him go.  My word to the current Warriors front office: If you don’t have any interest or are at a loss for new ideas or decisions on where to lead this team, then I think it’s time you let it go.  It’s time for someone else to take the reins.  The Bay Area fans deserve it!

You’re named Warriors GM, How would you improve the team? What changes do you think need to be made?

I would look into bringing in some veterans or role players who can run with the Dubs style and pace.  I love that we’re a run and gun squad but we need more pieces to complete the puzzle and get us back to winning consistently.  Monta can be a leader if he wanted to but I feel he needs someone to help lead the way with him and share the role.  BD had that strong presence, and the current roster lacks that type of leadership.  Also, as I’ve been saying for the past couple years, we need a big man!  Nellie small-ball is not gonna win us enough games to reach the playoffs or allow us to consistently beat the stronger teams in the league.

You can bring any current NBA player to the Warriors, who would it be?

Kevin Durant. He’s an up and coming superstar, and his game fits the Warriors style.  As a young player he has that confidence and ability to do big things for a team.   He’ll serve as another threat offensively and help grab boards, drop a few dimes, and get some steals.  But realistically, if there opportunity is there, I would def like to get Amare or Bosh.  I got love for Biedrins, but I don’t like money and time wasted due to injury.  2008 was a year of impulse signings and bad multi-million dollar decisions.

Finish the sentence, When the warriors win the championship, I will…..?

Cry tears of joy and enjoy it!  Then have Ribs ‘N Things cater the celebration party.  I’ll make my dad wear a Warriors t-shirt, hat, jacket, sweatshirt, etc. wherever he goes for a month.  He’s from SoCal and loves his Lakers so that’s gonna be a good one.

Do you Visit Warriorsworld.net?

Definitely!  It’s a great site and a place where true Dubs fans can hear honest words on their team.  The interviews are great!  Looking forward to more great work!

Bio

Jasmine is 23 years old, born and raised in San Francisco (The City).  She is currently working and in school pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice.  My career goal is to impact the community to strive for the better and to make a positive impact in the lives of the youth and families.  I love R&B, NBA, and experiencing different cultures. Love life!

Favorite Quote: “The sun is somewhere shining even when it rains.”