Category: Warriors

Report: Warriors ‘aiming’ to trade veterans, not D’Angelo Russell

With the NBA trade deadline looming, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported the Warriors are “aiming” to trade veteran pieces, not D’Angelo Russell, who they brought to Golden State for a reason.

The minute D’Angelo Russell arrived in Golden State in the 2019 offseason, there’s been speculation if the Warriors would trade the 23-year-old All-Star, or build around him as a featured piece.

Nearly halfway into the 2019-20 season, the Russell question is still being asked. However, clarity is starting to build with how Golden State plans to navigate through the upcoming trade deadline.

According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the Warriors are aiming to “make moves on the edges” that include veteran pieces like Alec Burks and Glenn Robinson III.

The Warriors are aiming to make moves on the edges, and several veteran players, such as Glenn Robinson III and Alec Burks, have been discussed in deals, according to league sources.

With consistent playing time, both Burks and Robinson have been steady contributors for the Golden State Warriors in 2019. They could each fill roles on contending teams, whether as a scoring threat or a defensive piece.

Burks, in his eighth NBA season, is averaging 15.3 points per game in 29.2 minutes per contest. Burks has come off the bench and started for Steve Kerr’s offense this season. With injuries popping up and down the Golden State roster, Burks has been one of the team’s leading scorers throughout the season, registering nine games scoring 20 points or more.

Robinson III has been one of the Warriors’ most consistent figures throughout the season, starting in every single game except one. The former Michigan Wolverine has been solid defensively, but where he’s impressed is on the offensive end. Robinson’s shooting an efficient 46.2 percent from the field, adding 12.2 points per game, all above his career averages.

If the Warriors decide to trade Burks and Robinson III, the door will open for them to sign their pair of impressive two-way guards, Ky Bowman and Damion Lee, to full-time roster spots.

Charania reported the Warriors aren’t seeking out a deal that involves Russell, unless something “blows them away.”

Rival teams that have talked to the Warriors say that the franchise is not searching for a D’Angelo Russell deal, unless it is one that blows them away.

Charania mentioned that Golden State executives want to see how Russell fits next to a healthy core that features Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green.

Russell is averaging 23.2 points and 6.0 assists per contest on 43.3 percent shooting from the field in his first year with the Warriors. However, Russell’s only had the opportunity to play alongside Curry four times this season due to injury.

As the days tick away till the 2020 NBA trade deadline on February 6, more of the Golden State Warriors’ future roster questions will be answered.

At only 19 years old, rookie Alen Smailagic impressing fellow Warriors

Damion Lee had nothing but praise for the Warriors Serbian rookie, Alen Smailagic four-games into his NBA career.

Where were you when you were 19-years old? A tough question to answer that was asked to Golden State Warriors teammates after their 99-84 loss in Minnesota.

One Warrior won’t have to remember that far back, as he’s living out his final year as a teenager in the NBA with Golden State. A week ago, Alen Smailagic made his not-so-long awaited NBA debut when he entered the game against the Phoenix Suns.

Now, after four games, the rookie is living up to the magnified hype he’s played under since being drafted No. 39 overall in the 2019 NBA Draft.

Since being recalled from the Warriors’ G League affiliate in Santa Cruz, the Serbian ranks as the third-youngest player in the NBA— a change of pace for a team with a heavy veteran presence over the past five seasons.

Injuries initially put Smailagic’s debut on hold, but now they’ve opened the door for his arrival. In each performance, he’s impressed not only the Warriors’ fanbase but his fellow teammates.

After the Warriors loss to the Timberwolves, G League-to-NBA veteran, Damion Lee praised the Warriors rookie to reporters, saying there’s a bright future ahead for Smailagic.

At the end of the day, this is only his fourth NBA game, him just learning still growing— obviously, there’s a pace difference between the G League and the NBA — him coming into his own — I mean, at the end of the day, he’s 19, he has a lot of basketball ahead, there’s definitely a bright future for him.

Lee said it’s crazy to think that Smailagic should’ve been graduating from only high school last summer. However, it’s valuable for him to get this type of experience while he’s still developing.

It’s crazy, you can see it in his frame— he has the frame to put on weight — it’s just learning the NBA game, continue to learn, continue to develop — he’ll come into his own, it’s good for him to get this experience at such a young age.

Fellow rookie Eric Paschall told reporters he believes Smailagic is playing well despite his young age for the speed of the NBA game.

Smailagic has scored four or more points in every game he’s entered for Golden State this season. In each game, he’s shown a new skill; whether that be rebounding, banking home three-pointers, or dishing out dimes, the rookie is quickly becoming a fan favorite.

Smailagic’s play even got the attention of two-time NBA MVP, Stephen Curry. Against the Phoenix Suns, Smailagic put a smile on Curry’s face after fighting for a rebound and cashing-in the putback layup.

Smailagic’s minutes might be tapered back once D’Angelo Russell, Willie Cauley-Stein and Kevon Looney return. Still, for now, the rookie is seizing every opportunity he has while he’s up with Golden State’s big club.

It wouldn’t be a surprise if the Warriors decide to reassign Smailagic back to Santa Cruz at some point, as his development still has ways to go, but if he can continue to impress at this pace, Golden State has to consider making the Serbian a significant part of their future.

Timberwolves blitz Warriors in first game of new decade, 99-84

Lack of three-point shooting hurts the Warriors in their attempt to steal a win in the first game of 2020 in Minnesota.

2020 started much how 2019 ended for the Golden State Warriors— a loss with a limited bench. For the second straight game, the Warriors were without D’Angelo Russell (shoulder), Willie Cauley-Stein (illness), Kevon Looney (abdomen) and it showed.

The Warriors have battled with Minnesota in their first two meetings, in the final matchup of the season, it was a different story. The Timberwolves dominated the shorthanded Dubs to start their 2020 with a lopsided loss, 99-84.

The Timberwolves have struggled from three-point range this season, yet they were able to outshoot Golden State from downtown by a wide margin. Minnesota shot 13-43 from three, while the Warriors only made three total three-pointers on 20 attempts.

Similar to beyond the arc, Minnesota dominated the glass, out-rebounding the Warriors 52-43. Minnesota especially hurt the Warriors on the offensive glass, stealing 17 offensive boards to Golden State’s seven.

The Warriors will have another chance to grab their first win of 2020 over the weekend when the Detroit Pistons travel to Chase Center for the first time.

Slow out of the gate 

The Warriors started the game on a downwards trajectory, getting outscored 34-19 in the first period of the game. Two Timberwolves, Josh Okogie and Shabazz Napier almost combined to outscore the entire Warriors roster in the first quarter. At the same time, Golden State’s leading scorer, Alec Burks, only registered five points.

The Warriors couldn’t stop the Timberwolves scoring in the first quarter with Minnesota shooting 50 percent from the field on 13-of-26 shooting while adding four three-pointers, more than Golden State had all game.

Omari Spellman shakes the earth 

While it was a sloppy game overall for the Golden State Warriors, Omari Spellman provided one of the highlights of the season in the fourth quarter.

The Villanova product caught the ball at the three-point line and used a shot fake to drive the lane then slammed down a vicious one-handed dunk over former Warrior, Jordan Bell.

Bell fouled Spellman trying to go for a block, giving the Warriors the chance to cut the Timberwolves lead down to single digits. Golden State couldn’t complete the comeback, but Spellman’s dunk provided a moment that will get shown on repeat on sports highlight shows across the country.

Smailagic tracker

Alen Smailagic played in his fourth straight NBA game registering 16 minutes against the Timberwolves. Smailagic had seven points, three rebounds, a steal and an assist, registering a team-high plus nine in Minnesota.

Each time the 19-year old Serbian is on the floor, he flashes a new skill, with tonight being his passing ability. Smailagic drove into the lane and found a rolling Eric Paschall for an easy dunk.

Steph Curry and D’Angelo Russell represent Warriors in All-Star voting

Stephen Curry and D’Angelo Russell named in the top-six for the Golden State Warriors in the first round of All-Star voting.

Over the past five seasons, the Golden State Warriors have dominated NBA All-Star weekend. Whether it’s Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson battling in the three-point shootout or Kevin Durant running the floor with Draymond Green in the All-Star Game, the Warriors have been heavily involved throughout the weekend.

While things have changed with Durant moving to Brooklyn and the Warriors struggling at the bottom of the Western Conference, one thing remains the same— NBA fans still want to see Golden State represented in the All-Star game.

Two Warriors were named in the first round of All-Star voting on Thursday, with Stephen Curry and D’Angelo Russell both ranking in the top-six for Western Conference guards.

Curry, who’s only played four games in the 2019-20 season due to injury, ranked fourth amongst Western Conference guards with 191,149 votes. Curry won’t be able to participate in All-Star festivities because of his hand injury, but seeing his name near the top in votes is a nod to the former two-time MVP’s impact across the league.

Curry only trails Luka Doncic, James Harden and Damian Lillard in the West guard voting. Two slots behind Curry is another Warrior backcourt mate, Russell, at 122,499 votes.

Russell has taken on the responsibility of Curry in his first season in Golden State and has impressed. Russell’s averaging 23.2 points and 6.0 assister per game on the season, shooting 43.3 percent from the field— all rank above his career averages.

Injuries have hampered the Ohio State product’s season, causing him to miss 14 games this season. Still, when healthy, the former Brooklyn All-Star has been a tremendous scoring threat for Steve Kerr’s offense. Russell’s registered seven 30-point games on the season, including one 52-point burst against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Two familiar names were missing from All-Star voting with Thompson and Green, not cracking the top-10 in either forward or guard category. Thompson hasn’t played a game this season as he rehabs from an ACL injury while Green has dealt with his own set of injury concerns throughout 2019.

The Warriors are in a transition year as their core is on the mend with injuries. However, with the early return on voting naming two Dubs, there’s still a chance Golden State is represented at All-Star weekend in Chicago.

All-Star voting continues through January 20, with starters announced January 23, and reserves named January 30.

Injury Report: pair of Golden State starters ruled out in Minnesota

The Warriors will be without both D’Angelo Russell (shoulder) and Willie Cauley-Stein (illness) when they head to Minnesota.

New year, the same story for the Golden State Warriors. An injury bug that tore through Golden State’s 2019 is continuing through the Warriors roster in 2020.

Golden State will be down two-starters when they play against the Minnesota Timberwolves in their first game in the new year. The Warriors have ruled out both Willie Cauley-Stein and D’Angelo Russell for the second consecutive game.

Russell will miss his 14th game on the season after colliding with Mavericks, Slovenian star, Luka Doncic. Russell injured his shoulder on the collision against the Mavericks Saturday night. The All-Star guard was down on the floor for several minutes, but later returned to the court after a quick trip to the locker room.

Although Russell was able to return against Dallas, his sore shoulder lingered, causing him to miss two-straight games and counting. This will be the Louisville’s native third injury into his first season in Golden State, as he’s missed time with a thumb and ankle injury prior to his shoulder.

The Warriors will miss Russell, who’s lit up the Timberwolves in their previous two meetings, scoring a combined 82 points against Minnesota this season.

Joining Russell on the injury report is starting center, Willie Cauley-Stein. Cauley-Stein will miss his second-straight game with flu-like symptoms. Golden State Warriors sideline reporter, Kerith Burke reported earlier that the Warriors have an illness going around their lockerroom with Omari Spellman also missing time with an illness.

The final entry to the Warriors’ injury report is Kevon Looney. The Warriors’ center has dealt with a bevy of injuries throughout 2019, with his latest being abdominal soreness. Looney’s missed time due to neuropathy earlier in the year and now abdominal pain, adding to his 21 missed games on the season.

Without Russell and Cauley-Stein in the rotation, the Warriors leaned on Alec Burks, Glenn Robinson III and Damion Lee. The trio all scored 20-points or more against San Antonio.

Minnesota will be without their All-Star centerpiece, Karl-Anthony Towns and with Cauley-Stein out, Marquese Chriss could play a more featured role in Steve Kerr’s offense. Against San Antonio, the Washington product tallied seven points with 11 rebounds and five assists in 34 minutes.

The Warriors have battled the Timberwolves in their previous two contests, splitting the series on the season. However, each game had Russell leading the way with heavy scoring numbers; without him, someone will have to step up in Minnesota.

Stephen Curry pays tribute to NBA Commissioner Emeritus David Stern

Warriors All-Star, Stephen Curry took to Twitter to pay tribute to NBA Commissioner David Stern after his passing was announced on Christmas Day.

While the rest of planet earth is ringing in the New Year, the basketball world is in mourning. On New Year’s Day, NBA Commissioner Emeritus, David Stern died of a brain hemorrhage at 77-years old.

Stern was known as a legend across all of basketball, changing the game into what we know it as in 2020. Stern’s accomplishments go from eliminating tape delay in the playoffs to launching NBA TV and NBA.com media platforms.

Stern was an advocate of the NBA turning into a global game, creating league offices across the world, which was new for his time. The Hall of Fame commissioner charged forward, taking the NBA into new cities across the United States and Canada.

Stern was on full display every June when the NBA draft rolled around each offseason. In 2009, Stern would make an announcement at the draft podium that would change the life of one Davidson Wildcat standout, and Warriors’ fans everywhere.

The Warriors selected Stephen Curry out of Davidson with the seventh overall, and Stern, on cue, announced the pick, introducing the future champion to the world.

After the announcement of Stern’s passing, the now two-time Most Valuable Player went to Twitter to pay his respect to the late commissioner.

Before Stern retired in 2014, Curry averaged 20.3 points, 6.7 assists and 4.1 rebounds per game. Curry’s signature three-pointer was just getting started while Stern was in office, with the marksman shooting 44 percent from beyond the arc over that time.

Along with Curry, other members of the Warriors have paid their respect to the former commissioner. Steve Kerr, Bob Myers and Rick Welts have all chimed in on the impact of legacy Stern’s left in the NBA.

Warriors react to the passing of NBA Commissioner Emeritus David Stern

Member of the Golden State Warriors weighed in on the passing of NBA Commissioner Emeritus, David Stern.

NBA Commissioner Emeritus, David Stern has died at age 77 on New Year’s Day from a brain hemorrhage that he suffered back in mid-December.

The NBA would not be the product it is today without the influence of Stern, his laundry list of accomplishments as commissioner is unprecedented for its time.

During Stern’s tenure, the basketball world launched things like the Draft Lottery, the G League, NBA TV, NBA Cares and the WNBA. Stern was influential in the NBA’s expansion to broader media markets, along with marketing strategies that launched the new wave NBA product that we know today. In his time, Stern turned the NBA from a basketball league to a global phenomenon.

After his passing was announced, several members of the Golden State Warriors weighed in on Stern’s legacy.

“I think David Stern probably made a bigger impact on the game than any non-player in the history of the NBA,” said Warriors coach Steve Kerr.

Coach Kerr said everyone is debt to Stern for the vision he had to set the league on the course to where it’s at currently.

“We all, everybody in the NBA—we all owe him a great debt of gratitude, for his service, for his impact and for everything he’s done for our individual lives.” Kerr stated in a video tribute.

Stern’s praise from the Warriors didn’t stop with Kerr, as President of Basketball Operations, and General Manager, Bob Myers spoke about the late commissioner’s influence on the NBA.

“He formalized and structured what we see now in the NBA,” said Myers. “He modernized the NBA—he had a strong sense of conviction—kind of a force of nature type personality to move the league in a direction where he wanted it to go.”

Warriors President and Chief Operating Officer, Rick Welts said it’s hard to imagine a world without Stern.

“I don’t think there’s any doubt that he is the single most important individual in the history of the NBA,” said Welts. “His 30-year term as commissioner’s work before really created the foundation that we have enjoyed to this day, as this special NBA that we are.”

In a statement regarding the passing of Stern, the Warriors called the Hall of Fame Commissioner Emeritus and “icon.”

Stern is survived by his wife Dianne, their two sons, Andrew and Eric, along with the entire NBA fraternity.

Draymond Green on best four-game streak from beyond the arc since 2017

After nailing two shots from beyond the arc against the Spurs, Draymond Green is making three-pointers at his highest rate since 2017.

Contrary to the Golden State Warriors stumbling in their past two games, the team’s playing their best brand of basketball in the 2019-20 season. Over their last six games, Golden State has registered four wins, and they only dropped the past set to the San Antonio Spurs in late overtime finish with a limited roster due to injury.

Over their recent uptick in play, every part of the team’s game has grown. Golden State’s defense is playing better, they have some depth for the first time all season, but they’re still finding a way to replace Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson’s shooting appeal.

While that’s a tough task to conquer for anyone, one unlikely Warrior has been heating up from three-point range over his last four games.

Former Defensive Player of the Year, Draymond Green has hit multiple three-pointers for the first time since the 2017 NBA Playoffs. Green didn’t have multi-three point efforts across four consecutive games in all of the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons.

Green’s last four-game swing making multiple threes, lasted from game three of the opening round of the Western Conference playoffs in Portland to game two of round two versus the Utah Jazz. Green made 14 3-pointers on 53.8 percent from beyond the arc in that span.

Green’s hit two shots from beyond the arc in each of his last four games, starting with the Warriors Christmas day victory over the Houston Rockets. Green’s 3-pointers during the Holiday-tilt each came at dramatic moments in the game, swing momentum in Golden State’s favor.

Green’s second three on Christmas day felt like the final dagger the Warriors needed to complete their upset win, not to mention, the former All-Star lit the Chase Center crowd into a frenzy.

Green’s followed up his 20-point Christmas day performance, with four straight double-digit scoring nights, shooting 6-of-20 from beyond the arc in that span.

It’s no secret the Warriors are a better team when Green’s able to step out and knock a long-distance shot, Golden State has won three of its nine games when the Michigan State Spartan product can hit a three.

Green will have an opportunity to build on his hot three-point shooting in 2020, when the Warriors play Minnesota for their first game in the new decade.

Warriors drop ball on New Year’s Eve, falling 117-113 in San Antonio

The Warriors close out the decade with an overtime loss to the San Antonio Spurs, 117-113.

Even with the magic of a new year on the horizon, the AT&T Center is a house of horrors for the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors have struggled to find wins in San Antonio, only winning three games in 31 attempts since the opening of the AT&T Center in 2002. With three key players hitting the injury report before tip-off, things weren’t any easier.

D’Angelo Russell (shoulder), Willie Cauley-Stein (illness) and Kevon Looney (abdominal soreness) all didn’t suit up for San Antonio putting the Warriors at a disadvantage from the start.

Even with a shorthanded rotation, Steve Kerr’s squad battled the Spurs down to the win in their last game of the decade, falling in overtime 117-113.

The Warriors took a two-point advantage into halftime, but Patty Mills and LaMarcus Aldridge didn’t go down easy. The Spurs lead going into the final period. However, a valiant effort from rookie Alen Smailagic, Damion Lee and Alec Burks forced the game into overtime.

In the extra period, the Warriors’ light rotation started to catch up with them, as they had no answer for San Antonio backcourt of Mills, Dejounte Murray and Bryn Forbes.

Countdown to GR3

After bouncing around the NBA in his young career, Robinson III looks like he’s found a home in Golden State. Robinson continued his career season during the Warriors’ New Year’s Eve date with the Spurs, adding 25 points on 10-of-17 shooting from the field.

Without Russell, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, Robinson turned into Golden State’s lead scoring option in San Antonio. The Michigan Wolverine product gave the Warriors a chance to steal a game in San Antonio with his play in the first half. Robinson paced the Warriors in the first half, scoring 18 of his points early.

Lee closes out 2019 making a case for a full-time roster spot

Two-way contract guard is putting in the Warriors in a tough place with his hot play of late. Lee’s solidified himself as the Warriors shooting guard to start 2020, but only has limited time left on his 45-day, two-way contract.

Lee is doing everything he can to make a case for him to stick around with the big club for the remainder of the 2019-20 season, with his game in San Antonio being the perfect example.

Lee tallied 20 points on 8-of-13 shooting from the field, adding seven rebounds and two assists. Lee played solid defense down the stretch while hitting a few clutch shots in the fourth quarter, including a three as the play clock expired.

Alec Burks leads Warriors into 2020

Similar to Robinson III, swingman, Burks stepped up with Russell out and got buckets. Burks carried the Warriors down the stretch, nailing several big shots to add to his game high-28 points. The Colorado product was on fire from beyond the arc, hitting four of five shots from long range.

Burks’ stellar play of late could force the Warriors to make a tough decision with the veteran. To start 2020, trading Burks now, or keeping him as a piece for when Curry and Thompson’s return will be a question the Warriors’ front office will have to answer.

49ers Nick Bosa’s favorite sports moment of decade hurt the Warriors

If you’re a Bay Area sports fan, Nick Bosa may be pulling your heart in different directions, after stating his favorite sports moment of the decade.

Bay Area sports fans have been spoiled with championships over the past decade. The San Francisco Giants and Golden State Warriors have registered multiple championship titles across the past 10 seasons in the Bay Area.

Both the Giants and the Warriors are going through transition periods in 2019. Yet, another Bay Area sports franchise is taking the championship torch and running with it.

On Sunday, the San Francisco 49ers beat the Seattle Seahawks in week 17 of the NFL season to seal their first NFC West division title in years. The 49ers now own the number one overall seed in the NFC playoff bracket and will have home-field advantage through the tournament.

A large part of the 49ers’ success has been due to their tenacious defense, and in the middle of it all is their rookie first-round pick, Nick Bosa. Bosa’s added nine sacks in the regular season, and became a fan favorite with the “49ers’ faithful.”

While Bosa may help people forget about the Warriors’ 2019 struggles, his basketball takes might make Bay Area sports fans look the other way.

Bosa did an interview with NBC Sports Bay Area’s Ian Williams, and was asked what his favorite sports moment of the decade was— his answer wasn’t pretty for Warriors’ fans.

“Gotta go with Kyrie’s three against the Warriors,” Bosa answered.

A crippling shot that ended the historic, 73-9 season for the Warriors in loss, but it wasn’t just the game that made that night special, it was HBO’s “Game of Thrones,” as well.

“That was a good night too—that was the ‘Game of Thrones’ Battle of the Bastards episode—so, that was just a great night of television.”

Bosa, originally from Florida, attended Ohio State University for college and was a freshman when the Cavaliers knocked off the Warriors in game seven of the 2016 finals.

Digging back into Bosa’s twitter, it looks like he predicted the Cavaliers extending the 2016 Finals with the Warriors to seven games after Cleveland’s win in game three.

After Bosa stated Irving’s shot was his favorite sports moment of the decade, the rookie sack specialist admitted he knew he was going to be in hot water in the Bay Area.

“But yeah, I’m probably going to get in trouble for that—I’m no basketball fan, but that was fun to watch,” Bosa told NBC Sports Bay Area.

If Bosa can lead the 49ers to their first Super Bowl appearance since 2012, it could mend the gap between his favorite sports moment of the decade, that came at the expense of the Bay Area’s basketball team.