Tag: Golden State Warriors

Watch: Eric Paschall scores his first points in the 2020 Rising Stars Challenge

Eric Paschall is representing the Golden State Warriors strong at NBA All-Star weekend by scoring in the Rising Stars Challenge.

Over the past five seasons, NBA All-Star weekend has been a celebration for the Golden State Warriors. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson lighting up the Three-Point Shootout, while Kevin Durant takes home Most Valuable Player during the All-Star Game.

In 2019-20 things are a bit different. With most of Golden State’s core dealing with injuries, the Warriors only have one representative at All-Star weekend in Chicago.

Although the Warriors don’t have strength in numbers in Chicago, Eric Paschall is representing the Golden State brand strong in the Rising Stars Challenge.

The rookie checked into the game off the bench in the first quarter and quickly scored a bucket driving the lane.

Paschall may not be the favorite to win the Rising Stars Challenge Most Valuable Player race. However, since being drafted in the second round of the 2019 draft, the Villanova product has been full of surprises at the NBA level.

Paschall’s been a proven scorer throughout his rookie season, averaging 13.2 points per game for the Golden State Warriors. The key to taking home MVP in an All-Star game is filling the stat sheet. For Paschall, getting on the board early is critical.

Watch: Klay Thompson has surprising result in mini hoop carnival game

Klay Thompson is one of the league’s best shooters, but he could only go 1-of-4 at the carnival in a Pop-A-Shot game.

Klay Thompson is one of the premier players in the NBA, but what makes him a fan favorite with the Golden State Warriors is relatability.

Whether it’s playing rock-paper-scissors or subbing in as Golden State’s sideline reporter — whatever Thompson is doing has a way of bringing out a smile to anyone is watching.

Thompson’s latest adventure off the court led him back to shooting basketballs, yet, it wasn’t on your standard hoop. Thompson was out with his girlfriend Laura Harrier, and the two came across a Pop-A-Shot game.

While knocking down a couple of shots on a mini hoop with small basketballs may seem easy, the former Three-Point Contest champion struggled.

Thompson, one of the best shooters in the NBA, could only shoot 1-of-4 in a game of Pop-A-Shot. Although Thompson didn’t win a stuffed animal prize, his loss at the mini-hoop only added to his legend off the court. Carnival games can even be hard for NBA All-Stars.

Thompson hasn’t played a game in the 2019-20 season as he recovers from a knee injury he suffered in the 2019 NBA Finals. Thompson has been around Golden State consistently alongside his fellow Splash Brother Stephen Curry, who’s also sidelined due to injury.

Both are progressing through rehabs, but maybe a loss in Pop-A-Shot will provide some extra motivation down the road in Thompson’s return to the NBA court.

Andrew Wiggins is making things easier for the Warriors defensively

Steve Kerr told reporters in Phoenix Andrew Wiggins is making things easier for the Golden State Warriors on the defensive end of the floor.

With Golden State holding the worst record in the Western Conference and their playoff hopes inexistent, the key focus the Warriors’ second half of the season is getting to know Andrew Wiggins.

The 2014 No. 1 overall draft pick was acquired on trade deadline day in a blockbuster deal that sent D’Angelo Russell to the Minnesota Timberwolves. After the All-Star break, Wiggins will have a spotlight on him as he grows into a role with his new team until the remainder of the season.

As Wiggins tries to fit in with his new team, his impact on the defensive side of the floor is making things easier on the Warriors, according to Steve Kerr.

After the Warriors 112-106 loss to the Phoenix Suns, Kerr spoke to reporters about Wiggins’ defensive prowess.

The one thing we’ve been able to do is just plug him in on the opponent’s best player. That alone just allows us to set up our defense better. Tonight he was on Booker; he was on LeBron the first game. Because of his size and length, we can just put him on the opponent’s best guy and then match up from there, so it makes our defensive matchups easier.

Wiggins registered three games as a member of Golden State since the trade and has stuffed the stat sheet in each contest. The former Kansas Jayhawk has punched scoring totals of 24, 18 and 27, adding multiple 3-pointers in each contest.

While Wiggins as a scorer is noted, his defense is what’s standing out in Golden State. In his short sting with the Warriors, Wiggins has been tasked with guarding All-Star caliber players like Devin Booker, LeBron James, and Jimmy Butler.

Wiggins tallied career highs in both steals (6) and blocks (4) since being traded to Golden State.

Wiggins is slated to slide in next to a pair of the league’s most dangerous scoring threats in Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson once they return healthy. Adding Wiggins’ defensive ability to the mix gives Golden State a formidable duo on both ends of the court with Draymond Green in the lineup.

As Wiggins continues to develop his role with the Warriors, adding him to the core alongside Curry, Thompson and Green could project Golden State back into the playoff conversation as soon as next season.

Top high schoolers who may reclassify, eventually enter 2021 NBA Draft

Many believe the NBA Draft will feature a stronger prospect pool in 2021 than what the 2020 class will offer. But it may get even deeper.

Many believe the NBA Draft will feature a stronger prospect pool in 2021 than what the 2020 class will offer. But it may get even deeper.

Our mock draft for 2021 featured blurbs on several high school juniors who have already reclassified to forego their senior seasons, including Terrence Clarke (Kentucky), Devin Askew (Kentucky) and JT Thor (uncommitted). Another high school junior who narrowly missed the cut was Cam Hayes, who committed to North Carolina State.

However, we believe that the topic of reclassification will become even more pressing in the coming few weeks and months. Perhaps one reason why high school juniors may want to join a class that is already loaded is the following year could become even more crowded.

It is fairly well known that the NBA may allow high school seniors to enter the draft in 2022 for the first time since Amir Johnson was selected in 2005. That means that the draft class will feature all of the usual college prospects as well as an influx of high school talent as well.

There would be an incentive, then, for top high school juniors to find a way to separate themselves by potentially showcasing what they are capable of when playing against NCAA talent. Scouts and executives are more familiar with evaluating college basketball players than high schoolers.

As such, here is what you need to know about the high school stars that are most rumored to join the ranks of the Class of 2020 and then potentially be eligible to be selected in the 2021 NBA Draft.

JONATHAN KUMINGA

Forward, 6-foot-8, The Patrick School (New Jersey)

Background: Jonathan Kuminga is considered, nearly unanimously, the best high school junior in the country. He averaged 20.8 points per game on the Nike EYBL Division B circuit in 2019, showing his prolific scoring ability. Kuminga also had the second-most points per game (27.4) among all players in the Peach Jam Tournament last year. As recently noted by SB Nation’s Ricky O’Donnell, the forward could be a top-five pick in the 2021 NBA Draft if he chooses to reclassify. He will participate at the Basketball Without Borders Global Camp during All-Star Weekend in Chicago.

NCAA: Back in October, the top prospect announced that he was not going to reclassify. However, that has not quieted any of the speculations that he will forego his senior season and play college basketball next season. He narrowed his collegiate decision to ten schools in November 2019. Kuminga also had an official visit from Kentucky head coach John Calipari in January. Corey Evans of Rivals believes Duke could add Kuminga via reclassification to their Class of 2020. Evans has called his recruitment “fluid” so though the talk of him reclassifying was once silenced, it could easily change.

Mousse Cisse | Moussa Diabete | Franck Kepnang | Charles Bediako | Zion Harmon | William Jeffress |

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Andrew Wiggins raving about time with Warriors: ‘It’s a blessing’

Andrew Wiggins has been exactly what the doctor ordered so far in his time with the Golden State Warriors. Both sides of thankful for his change in scenery.

Andrew Wiggins is playing about as well as anyone could have expected for the Golden State Warriors.

Averaging 23.0 points, 4.0 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.7 blocks per game in his first three contests with his new club, all while shooting 57.5 percent from the field, 53.3 percent from three and 71.4 percent on free-throws (on 7.0 attempts per game), the oft-criticized for underwhelming and underachieving as a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves has been an ideal fit at small forward for the Warriors.

It’s not just his physical tools — the length, size and athleticism — but it’s the way he plays.

A slasher who glides to the rim and finishes in traffic with a deft touch. Who can spot-up and knock down and open three-point shot (he’s shooting 37.0 percent on catch-and-shoot threes this season, per NBA Advanced Stats).

As an increasingly willing passer.

Just picturing him beside Splash Brothers Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson and the space they’ll open up on driving lanes with their gravity, along with the one-on-one opportunities that’ll be provided to him, you can see how much more effective and efficient he’ll be. How much the Warriors can accomplish if Wiggins keeps up this level of play (and effort).

Wiggins, well-aware of the criticisms levied at him, considers it “a blessing” to be with Golden State in the “new chapter” of his life.

Per NBC Sports’s Logan Murdock:

“Any time you enter a new chapter in life, you want to do better,” Wiggins said following the defeat. “You never want to go back to how stuff was before. This is a blessing.”

Wiggins would discuss the appeal of playing for the Warriors in greater detail, noting the difference between the ball and player movement of Golden State’s system compared to that of Minnesota.

“It’s been great… I feel like I’ve been adapting pretty well and guys have been helping me. But you get easier baskets like this. Basketball is fun, everyone is looking out for each other, unselfishly and everyone is trying to get each other open. So it’s a great feeling.”

He even defends the opposing team’s best wing players, whether it’s LeBron James, Jimmy Butler or Devin Booker. The Timberwolves, after acquiring forwards Robert Covington and Jimmy Butler in recent years, didn’t provide Wiggins with that challenge.

The former Rookie of the Year appreciates it. More than that, really.

“It’s a great challenge and it’s only going to make me better… Guarding the best guys in the league and seeing their tendencies. It’s only going to make me better so I love it.”

Wiggins has five steals in his Warriors debut and four blocks against the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night.

The Warriors have, so far, made the right decision. He and the team’s progress will be closely monitored for the rest of the season, especially when Curry returns. However, early returns on their trade deadline blockbuster deal have been nothing but positive for Golden State and that makes them scarier than ever when considering the impending returns of Curry and Thompson, along with their potential top-three lottery pick.

Steve Kerr says ‘the fit is there’ for Andrew Wiggins and the Warriors

After scoring 27 points against the Suns, Steve Kerr praised the fit of Andrew Wiggins with the Warriors.

The NBA trade deadline opened up a new edition of the Golden State Warriors. While Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson are still the headliners, D’Angelo Russell is now with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

In a blockbuster deal that moved Russell out of Golden State, Andrew Wiggins became the newest member of the Warriors. Since the trade, the spotlight has shined on the 2014 No. 1 overall pick.

In three games with Golden State, Wiggins has fit the bill, scoring 18 or more points in each contest. Wiggins has been proficient shooting the basketball, hitting 23-of-40 from the field, good enough for 57.5 %.

Adding more than just scoring, Wiggins has stuffed the stat sheet, registering multiple assists, rebounds, steals and blocks in his opening stint with Golden State. The former Rookie of the Year has done it all.

Against the Phoenix Suns, Wiggins played his best game yet, tallying 27 points, five assists, four rebounds and a career-high four blocks.
The former Kansas Jayhawk racked up his game-high 27 points efficiently, shooting 9-of-14 from the field and 3-of-4 from beyond the arc.

After the game, Steve Kerr praised Wiggins’ fit with the Warriors to reporters in Phoenix.

The fit is there. The position is so needed for us, given the losses in our roster over the last couple of years. He’s been a perfect fit, and he’s been playing well. He’s got to keep getting better, and we’ve got to keep pushing him.

Kerr references Wiggins’ fit at the 1:49 mark in the link below:

Wiggins will have the remainder of the season to get comfortable with Kerr’s system and find his role in Golden State. However, when Stephen Curry returns from injury, things will start to ramp up.

Once the two develop an on-court relationship, Warriors’ evaluators could have a glimpse at what their future rotation will look like.

Lineup Update: Rookie Jordan Poole gets start at point guard vs. Suns

With D’Angelo Russell now on the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Golden State Warriors are in need of a new point guard, and against the Phoenix Suns, Rookie Jordan Poole got the start.

The impact of the NBA trade deadline is still making waves throughout the Golden State Warriors. The Dubs sent out six players via trade before the deadline passed, overhauling their roster for the second half of the season.

With several players moved, the Warriors have had to recreate their rotation with new players getting increased roles. One of those players is rookie Jordan Poole.

Trading D’Angelo Russell has left the Warriors without not only their starting point guard but their leading playmaker. Without Russell, Steve Kerr has leaned on rookie Ky Bowman, but against the Phoenix Suns, Poole got an opportunity to start at point guard.

Poole has had an up and down rookie season. However, in his last three games, Poole’s played 22 or more minutes and scored in double figures off the bench in each. Against the Miami Heat, Poole showed off his ability to get to the line, knocking down six free throws on six attempts. Poole added six boards and two assists against Miami.

With the Warriors record sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference, the rest of the season will be about development. Giving Poole a chance to take over ball-handling opportunities could give the 20-year-old a boost in confidence during his rookie year. Poole at the helm of the offense will also provide Golden State a better look at finding the right role for the former Michigan Wolverine in the future.

Steve Kerr on Devin Booker’s All-Star Game snub: ‘I voted for him’

Steve Kerr said he voted for Devin Booker to make the 2020 NBA All-Star game and was disappointed when the Suns’ guard didn’t get the nod .

For the first time in years, the Golden State Warriors do not have a member of their team participating in the NBA All-Star Game. While the 2019-20 edition of the Warriors may not have a player competing at an All-Star level, the Phoenix Suns have a different argument.

Joining the Warriors on the outside of All-Star weekend is Suns’ shooting guard, Devin Booker. The Kentucky Wildcat product is averaging 26.4 points, 6.3 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game. Booker is shooting a career-best 49.9 % from the field, adding 36.2 % from beyond the arc.

Booker has been a centerpiece for the Suns’ steady improvement, leading them to 21 wins before the All-Star break. Over the past four seasons, Phoenix has had win totals of 19, 21, 24 and 23 for the entire year.

However, Booker’s efficient season wasn’t enough to get a nod to the 2020 All-Star game in Chicago.

The Golden State Warriors’ head coach, Steve Kerr was an advocate to get Booker into the game and was disappointed when the Suns’ shooting guard didn’t get a bid from the Western Conference. Before Golden State tipped off against Booker and the Suns, Kerr told reporters in Phoenix that he voted for Booker to get into the game.

I agree with them on the All-Star part — I voted for him, and I’m not just saying that cause we’re playing against them tonight — I’m not saying that to butter him up. I think he’s had an All-Star year; I think he’s been fantastic — the efficiency, the Suns’ overall improvement — I think he’s played a huge role in it, and I was disappointed for him. I don’t know him, but just watching him — he’s an All-Star player. It happens every year though — you get a couple of guys left out, and you think, ‘well, they deserved it’ and then you look at the team and go, ‘everybody on the team pretty much deserved it too’— so it’s never an easy math equation.

Although their coach is a fan of Booker’s game, it’ll be Golden State’s final challenge before the All-Star break to slow him down. Damion Lee, Jordan Poole and Ky Bowman will be tasked with containing Booker on his All-Star revenge tour.

A quick stop in Phoenix will be the Warriors’ final chance to end their current three-game losing streak before the All-Star break.

Stephen Curry participating in practice, will be re-evaluated March 1

The Golden State Warriors have an encouraging update on two-time NBA MVP Stephen Curry.

He’s almost back.

According to NBCS Authentic’s Logan Murdock, Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has announced that superstar point guard Stephen Curry will be re-evaluated on March 1 after breaking his hand on October 30 in a game against the Phoenix Suns. The comments were made prior to the Warriors’ matchup against the Suns on Wednesday night.

Per Kerr, Curry — who has said he plans to return to the court in early March — has been participating in 5-on-0 non-contact drills. He was seen getting up shots at Arizona State University’s practice gym on Wednesday, lending credence to the belief that he’s on schedule to make his prediction come to fruition.

“He’s just doing more and more stuff,” says Kerr. “He usually comes in before our group and just gets more conditioning in. He’s jumped into some our non-contact, offensive, 5-on-0 stuff but he’s coming around… we’ll have a more thorough update March 1.”

“Everything’s going smoothly. He’s just trying to build his conditioning base and keep getting better.”

Curry has played in just four games this season and his injury, combined with Klay Thompson’s torn ACL and Kevin Durant’s free agency departure, have led to Golden State’s humbling stumble down the Western Conference mountaintop. The Warriors recently traded guard D’Angelo Russell — an All-Star last season — for former first overall pick Andrew Wiggins in a move that Kerr made better sense for the team in terms of fit.

However, Golden State won’t have an opportunity to test Wiggins’ fit — at least alongside Curry — until the spring. Likely early March, by the looks of it.

Steph Curry’s executive produced “JUMP SHOT” to release in April

Steph Curry is an executive producer on the upcoming documentary “JUMP SHOT.”

Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry is arguably the best shooter ever, and as a future Hall of Famer, he’s helping to educate basketball fans on the man who pioneered the jump shot that rules the modern game.

Curry is an executive producer on the documentary, “JUMP SHOT,” which will be released for one night only April 2 in more than 250 movie theaters across the country. The film is being released by Unanimous Media, a media company Curry co-founded.

The documentary tells the story of Kenny Sailors, a basketball player who was an innovator of the jump shot at the University of Wyoming. Sailors passed away in 2016. He was 95.

Sailors and the Cowboys won the NCAA Championship in 1943, but Sailors’ basketball life didn’t last too long after that.

A World War 2 veteran, he played three seasons in the old Basketball Association of America, which merged with the National Basketball League in 1949 to form the NBA. Sailors played two seasons in the NBA, but his story isn’t well known.

“The film not only explores his impact on the game, but his calling and all the different places that took him, whether it was serving in the military, or playing in the NBA, or being with his family,” Curry said, per a press release sent to Warriors Wire. “There’s so many people like myself that don’t know Kenny Sailors, and I’m proud to help share his story with the world.”

The documentary will feature interviews from Curry and Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant, along with basketball legends such as Dirk Nowitzki, Nancy Lieberman and Clark Kellogg.

The movie made its premiere in 2019 at the SXSW Film Festival, and it also earned an award at the deadCENTER Film Festival.

Tickets are currently on sale for the one-night event, and they can be purchased at the movie’s website.

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