My Pre Pre-Season Player Preview
September 15th, 2009 | by jruss |This is my first official article here on WarriorsCourt.com and I’m pretty excited. Just so you know a little bit about me, I was born and raised in the Bay Area and grew up a W’s fan. I started really getting into the team during the Run TMC years. Then of course, I endured the long draught when we had teams where the best player was Donyell Marshall or when we traded away the pick to the Hawks when they took Jason Terry (I went to the University of Arizona) for a “proven” point guard in Mookie Blaylock, which was doubly painful because Mookie ended up being a scrub and JT has been money, just like he was at Arizona.
But through it all – including the most amazing playoff win against Dallas (perhaps one of my best sports fan moments ever with the exception of Arizona’s 1997 National Championship), I have remained a die hard fan. So I thought I’d start out my first post of the year looking at each player on the roster (as of Tuesday, Sept. 15 because who knows who will be on the roster tomorrow) and provide a very brief analysis of each person from a true fan’s perspective along with my JRuss rating of up to 4 Hoops (similar to a movie rating). I’m going alpha order here…
Andris Biedrins – The Latvian Lover keeps getting better each year. He still can’t make a basket if he’s not right under the rim but he’s pretty smooth (hence the ‘lover’ nickname) and he can definitely rebound. Rating: 3 Hoops
Speedy Claxton – Haven’t actually seen him play since the last time he was on the W’s. Always been fast and…well…fast. If he’s our fourth or fifth point guard, I’m fine with him. Rating: 1.5 Hoops
Stephen Curry – It’s hard not to get wrapped up in the hype. In my mind, he looks exactly like Monta but he shoots from half court. I’m gonna have to give him an incomplete until I see at least one pre-season game. Rating: N/A
Monta Ellis – Boy how the times change. Two years ago, I would have bought his jersey. Then he turned into a semi whiny punk. I’m being a bit hard on him, but if he plays the “2″, I think we’ll be in better shape. Rating: 2 Hoops
Devean George – It’s tough when you have always disliked a player then he gets traded to your team. I will always miss Marco and am not really sure what this guy will give you. I think I’d actually prefer Austin Croshere. Ouch! Rating: 1 Hoop
Stephen Jackson – “Captain” Jack up three pointers on the fast break. Hit rating would be much higher if he hadn’t just milked an extension and then asked for a trade. Rating: 1.5 Hoops
Acie Law – Again, jury’s out a bit but based on his box scores during summer league, I’d be happy to trade him for Lucie Lawless. Rating: 0.5 Hoops
Corey Maggette – Oh Corey, I remember when the W’s signed you and the biggest praise was on the time you spent in the gym. I watched one game where I kept wanting you to pass. Then you passed it out of bounds. Much easier to take coming off the bench. Rating: 1.5 Hoops
Mikki Moore – Seems like a pretty decent signing, vet’s minimum. Sweet hair, 7′ tall, 3rd string center. I’m ok with it. Rating: 2 Hoops
Anthony Morrow – Stud in the making. Don’t let this guy go anywhere. I’m a big fan – and I love the gap. Rating: 3 Hoops
Anthony Randolph – Double stud already made. This guy is going to be a monster. He’s my favorite player strictly based on the way he blocks someone then looks like he’s gonna cry. Love him!! Rating: 3.5 Hoops
Ronny Turiaf – Solid. Solid. Solid. I cringe when he shoots outside jumpers. Glad he’s on our team ’cause when he was on the Lakers, he always had career games. Rating: 2.5 Hoops
C.J. Watson – I would not have been heartbroken if we traded him for a draft pick. But, he’s one of our only PG’s in the W’s system with actual experience. I’m ok with him. Rating: 2 Hoops
Brandan Wright – No idea what to say about this guy. He is a true enigma. You really have no idea what he’s going to do or give you. Definitely some flashes here and there. Jury’s still out though. Rating: 1.5 Hoops
So there it is. As the season rolls on, I’ll be updating my ratings. Feel free to challenge me on any of my analyses or ratings. I love a good, meaty dialogue. Can’t wait to get this thing started!
Tags: acie law, Andris Biedrins, Anthony Morrow, Anthony Randolph, Brandan Wright, C.J. Watson, Corey Maggette, Devean George, Golden State Warriors, Mikki Moore, Monta Ellis, Ronny Turiaf, Speedy Claxton, stephen curry, Stephen Jackson
