-The Warriors beat the New Orleans/OK City Hornets and on KNBR this morning we heard the word "playoffs" being mentioned in reference to the Warriors this season. We'll let Basektball Chris handle that one, but how many seasons now have the Warriors gone on a run in December/January and had people thinking this might be the year? Let's just say the season ain't official 'til Baron Davis goes down. And Tim Kawakami agrees. Meanwhile, are the Warriors better without J-Rich?
-And speaking of playoffs, Mike Nolan is dreaming a little playoff dream too.
-The Raiders autopsy is just beginning.
-Bruce Jenkins reemerges from his surfing trip to applaud the Zito signing, mainly from the standpoint that Mr. Mellow will dig the vibes more here than in New York. In response, El Lefty mocks away.
-Marshawn Lynch is going pro.
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Well, the Warriors are better off without this year's J-Rich. They could certainly use last year's J-Rich.
The Warriors still have a decent chance at the playoffs, but like you said it all comes down to keeping Baron healthy. The only locks in the West are Utah, Phoenix, Dallas and San Antonio. But I think Kobe/Jackson will lead the Lakers to the playoffs and AI/Carmelo will get the Nuggets there too.
I think the Rockets and Hornets will fall short because of injuries... while Portland, Memphis (despite the return of Pau Gasol) and Seattle (Ray Allen can't do it alone without Rashard Lewis) are too young/inexperienced. That leaves the Warriors, Clippers, T-Wolves, and Kings fighting for those last 2 spots. The only reason that the T-Wolves are in the conversation is because of Garnett, but I don't think he'll be enough (unless Foye busts out in the second half). The Warriors have a good chance, especially if Sacramento combusts because the Artest/Bibby situation. And the Clips just don't seem to have the drive this year.
I think the Warriors just have that little extra something because they feel disrespected, and Baron is displaying the will power that J-Rich showed last season.
If Baron can stay healthy I really think they are going to make it this year (along with the Clips)
What I like about Nelson ball (beyond the running and exploting mathups and posting Baron) is it is a true meritocracy. Contacts don't matter. Barnes is outplaying Dunleavy so he plays. Foyle doesn't listen so he doesn't. A more conventional coach would still be running Dunleavy and Murphy (when healthy) and maybe even Foyle out there. Nelson plays those who preform and calls the others ones out when they deserve it