jozef wrote:Romulus wrote:I do think this Suns game is probably the most important of the season. It signals the end of Draymond Green playing a key role. The Warriors can now move on and I actually think that will be good for them. It was also a good thing that Kerr decided to bench Klay and Wiggins in the 4th quarter. I know it's been reported that Klay had a melt-down on the bench, but this had to eventually be done. Honestly, the young guys -- Moody, Podz, & Kuminga -- have all outplayed Klay & Wiggins and deserve more minutes and to play with the game on the line. No, you don't close the door on Wiggins and Klay, you continue to give them minutes and hope they get better. But whoever plays is out there because they've earned it. At least, that's my sincere hope. Kerr can't go back now and if he does then this team will fall apart.
I'm also hoping this helps free up Curry, that he'll play more with these young guys, learn to trust them, and they'll all learn to do what's best when it comes to winning games.
You overevaluate the success of young guys against Phoenix backup lineup. Last night vs Nets Eubanks was -18 in 4 minutes. Simply there is a big difference between starters and backups in the league. Overall Moody, Podz and Kuminga are worth of backup minutes and complementary roles but they still miss skills of a primary offensive option. It is still not there and you can see it in many plays right in that Suns game. It would not free up Curry, it would frustrate him cause there is obvious lack of concept.
The league is simply full of tall athletic guys at C position and guards and wings who are hungry to play their hearts out on Splash Brothers defense. All teams see there is no Warriors center able to dunk on them, make shots inside or challenge any shots and they all feel confident that they would prevail over Warriors in a result. Eubanks easily blocked Saric twice, Goodwin and Gordon scored layups and one on him, that's simply horrible athletic disadvantage. Can you ever imagine Looney and Saric dunking on somebody or block a shot with an authority? No, you cannot, it would feel crazy. Still you want a successful NBA team...
There is still a hope that Warriors could win it all: they could beat small ball Sacramento, Murray and Michael Porter Jr could get injured, Lively could get injured, etc., small ball Miami could somehow get in the Finals... but overall GSW either finds a center or they die in a false hope that they can outshoot the opponents solely from perimeter.
And Draymond suspension will make it hard to even stay in playoffs race.
I appreciate your response. And yeah, I certainly get the value of backups versus starters. But Moody at this point is better than Klay. What does Klay give you? Moody is a better defensive player. Moody is a more consistent shooter. And also, Moody doesn't force shots and when he's in there's just a better flow to the offense. Freeing Curry up means he doesn't have to placate pouty, struggling players like Klay and Wiggins. Now, yes, Moody, Podz, Kuminga -- even if they play well -- aren't going to take you to the promised land. This team isn't winning a title. And there likely is going to be blowback from Klay and perhaps even Wiggins if they're coming off the bench.
It's a complicated mess. But what I think will happen is a team that while limited, flawed, will at least be watchable. This year has been miserable, frustrating. Instead of worrying about wins, often Kerr has spent his time trying not to upset egos.
I'm hoping this all leads to a few simple improvements: Curry can be Curry again, the young guys will get real minutes, sometimes start, and make great improvement. That's a step up from where things stand now. And at least it should be a product the fans can follow and feel like some progress is being made.
