Tag: Golden State Warriors

The best midseason free agency additions of the last decade

After the 2020 NBA Trade Deadline, the focus of basketball transaction rumors often shifts to the potential buyout market for contenders.

After the 2020 NBA trade deadline, the focus of basketball transaction rumors often shifts to the potential buyout market for contenders.

As noted by our own Frank Urbina, the buyout market “might actually be more interesting” than previously expected. While we recently collected a list of potential candidates for a buyout, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported that the last time a buyout addition played at least 100 playoff minutes for a team that won the title was in 2011. That would be Peja Stojakovic.

Aside from him, we broke down the biggest midseason free agency addition (via amnesty clause, buyout or otherwise) of the year each season since 2009-10.

2010: LARRY HUGHES, CHARLOTTE

(Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)

Near the end of his career, former NBA guard Larry Hughes was included in a deal that sent Tracy McGrady to the New York Knicks. After the move, he was waived by the Sacramento Kings and was subsequently picked up by the Charlotte Bobcats. He played 14 games with the franchise but made just two appearances in the starting lineup. Hughes scored just 8.1 points per game during the regular season. He played all four games for the team in the postseason, too, averaging 14.5 minutes per game. But he did not make much of an impact, scoring just 6.0 points per game.

2011: MIKE BIBBY, MIAMI 

(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

During his second-to-last season in the NBA, former NCAA champion Mike Bibby played for three different teams. He started the year with the Atlanta Hawks and was then moved to the Washington Wizards. After playing just two games, he and the organization agreed to a contract buyout and joined the Miami Heat. Bibby played 26.5 minutes per game for Miami, including 12 appearances in the starting lineup. The point guard connected on his personal-best 2.5 three-pointers per 36 minutes while shooting 45.5 percent from beyond the arc. He also started all 20 games during the playoffs for the Heat. However, Bibby averaged just 3.7 points and 1.2 assists per game during these contests.

2012: BORIS DIAW, SAN ANTONIO 

(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Among all of the midseason free agency additions during the 2010s, former first-round selection Boris Diaw perhaps made the largest impact during his time with the team that signed him. The forward was waived by the Charlotte Bobcats in March 2012. However, within two days, he was picked up by the San Antonio Spurs. He started in seven of 20 games for the Spurs in the regular season and then all 14 appearances for the team in the playoffs. During the postseason, he was 9-for-18 (50.0 percent) from the three-point line. Diaw, who was originally claimed in 2012, remained with San Antonio until 2016 (winning a title in 2013) and became one of the more consistent figures in their rotation.

2013: CHRIS ANDERSEN, MIAMI

(Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images)

More famously known by his nickname Birdman, former NBA big man Chris Andersen was waived and amnestied by the Denver Nuggets in 2012 so that the franchise could avoid the dreaded luxury tax bill. After some push by head coach Erik Spoelstra, the Miami Heat signed the 6-foot-10 veteran. He played on two ten-day contracts before eventually getting a deal for the remainder of the season in 2012-13. He played in just over half of the games (42) for the team in that campaign, averaging 14.9 minutes off the bench. He helped Miami go on a 27-game win streak shortly after he was signed. But most notable was his performance in the postseason in which he made all 15 of his first field goal attempts in Game 1 through Game 5 against the Indiana Pacers. Overall, he shot a postseason-best 80.4 percent from the field en route to the Heat winning the title in 2013.

2014: DREW GOODEN, WASHINGTON

(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Former NBA forward Drew Gooden signed a five-year, $32 million deal with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2010. However, he was waived by the team using an amnesty clause back in July 2013. Gooden was picked up by the Washington Wizards in February 2014. After two ten-day contracts, he was signed for the remainder of the season by the Wizards. Gooden played 18.0 minutes off the bench for Washington, scoring 8.3 points and grabbing 5.2 rebounds per game. After playing 10 contests in the postseason for the team, he signed a new deal with the Wizards and briefly became the starting power forward in 2014-15.

2015: AMARE STOUDEMIRE, DALLAS

(Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)

Six-time NBA All-Star Amare Stoudemire was once a fixture for the New York Knicks. However, his role began to diminish during his final few years with the team. During his final 180 games with the Knicks, the big man was in the starting lineup just 50 times. He was waived by New York and was picked up by the Dallas Mavericks, averaging 10.8 points per game in 23 appearances during the regular season with his new team. The big then scored 7.8 points per game for Dallas during the playoffs.

2016: JOE JOHNSON, MIAMI

(Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)

Seven-time NBA All-Star wing Joe Johnson was a major pickup by the Brooklyn Nets in 2012. But the franchise began to change its identity during the offseason leading into the 2015-16 campaign, letting longtime point guard Deron Williams test the open market and eventually sign with the Dallas Mavericks. Johnson, who had previously scored a field goal in a record 937 straight games, did not score against the Memphis Grizzlies on February 10, 2016. He played just three more games with the Nets before his contract was bought out on February 25. Johnson was fantastic on the Heat, scoring 13.4 points per game during the regular season and 12.1 points per game in the postseason.

2017: DERON WILLIAMS, CLEVELAND 

(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Three-time NBA All-Star guard Deron Williams signed with the Dallas Mavericks in 2015. He re-signed with Dallas the following season, though Williams missed time with a toe injury. Williams was waived by the team in February 2017 and was then picked up by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Williams averaged 20.3 minutes per game in 24 appearances during the regular season for Cleveland. His best performance was a near-triple double in April, putting up 35 points with 7 rebounds and 9 assists. This ended up being his final year in the NBA, retiring after losing in the Finals to the Golden State Warriors.

2018: MARCO BELINELLI, PHILADELPHIA 

(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

Former first-rounder Marco Belinelli signed with the Sacramento Kings in 2015 after winning the NBA championship and three-point contest with the San Antonio Spurs in 2014. He was traded to the Charlotte Hornets in 2016 and then to the Atlanta Hawks in 2017. The wing was waived by Atlanta in February 2018 and then claimed by the Philadelphia 76ers. Belinelli then put up a career-high 13.6 points and 2.0 three-pointers per game. He then scored 25 points against the Miami Heat in the postseason. He also hit a game-tying buzzer-beater to send a game against the Boston Celtics to overtime.

2019 WESLEY MATTHEWS, INDIANA

(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

After an impressive tenure with the Portland Trail Blazers from 2010 until 2015, Wesley Matthews signed a four-year deal with the Dallas Mavericks. He was traded to the New York Knicks, where he played just two games for the team before he was waived in February 2019. Matthews was picked up by the Indiana Pacers, then connecting on six three-pointers against the New Orleans Pelicans later in the month. He played 31.5 minutes per game in his 23 appearances during the regular season, starting in each contest. Matthews also started all four games he played in the postseason for Indiana.

HoopsHype’s Alberto de Roa contributed research to this report

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Report: Warriors more likely to trade down than draft LaMelo Ball

Despite being one of the teams to most heavily scout him, the Golden State Warriors may not intend to draft LaMelo Ball.

The Golden State Warriors have been one of the few reported teams to scout LaMelo Ball during his time in the NBL. After being rumored to be one of the franchises planning to go take a scouting trip to Australia, general manager Bob Myers still took a fact-finding trip to Wollongong after Ball’s injury.

However, despite the scouting, Golden State may not be all that enamored with Ball. According to Connor Letourneau of the San Francisco Chronicle, if the Warriors land a top pick, drafting Ball may be far down the list.

According to league sources, the Warriors would probably try to trade down or out of the draft if they landed the top selection. The problem is that the market value for that pick won’t be nearly as high as it is in stronger drafts.

While the Warriors have scouted Ball, there have also been multiple reports suggesting that Golden State may not view prospects at the top of the draft as good fits. First, there was a report that the Warriors weren’t “infatuated” with the top prospects. There have also been reports that teams are wary of drafting Ball.

It makes sense for the Warriors to be hesitant to draft Ball considering their current roster makeup. Even after trading D’Angelo Russell, the Warriors still have Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. The trade of Russell would seem to indicate the team does not like the idea having another lead guard on the roster.

Whether it’s the fit that turns them off or the idea of forcing another guard into the rotation, Ball figures to be a lead guard that will need the ball in his hands. That’s far from the Warriors’ egalitarian style of offense.

And Golden State is a team focused on winning now that also holds a Traded Player Exception of $17 million that could be paired with the top pick to land an immediate impact player as opposed to a long-term prospect.

As great as the franchise’s track record is, Ball landing in San Francisco appears unlikely.

Injury Report: Kevon Looney (hip) questionable for Wednesday vs. Suns

In the final game before the NBA All-Star break, the Golden State Warriors could be without Kevon Looney against the Phoenix Suns.

The Golden State Warriors moved a total of six players at the NBA trade deadline, essentially turning their roster upside down. Even with players changing teams, Golden State’s injury bug remained with the team.

After balancing his new rotation over the past two games, Steve Kerr could be without one of his veterans in the Warriors’ final game before the NBA All-Star break.

Center Kevon Looney is listed as questionable against the Phoenix Suns. After signing a new deal to stay with the Warriors over the offseason, Looney has had an injury-hampered year.

The UCLA product has missed 35 games due to a neuropathic condition and an abdomen injury. Now, the Golden State big man could be out with hip soreness against the Suns.

However, if Looney cannot go against the Suns, there’s an opportunity for more Marquese Chriss minutes. Chriss has taken a bulk of the center minutes since the Warriors traded Willie Cauley-Stein, and the former Washington Husky has thrived.

The 22-year-old center has scored in double-figures in eight of his last ten games, including 26 points against the Los Angeles Lakers. In his previous two games, Chriss has grabbed nine rebounds in each contest. Chriss has also registered at least one block in six consecutive games.

If Looney doesn’t suit up against the Suns, Draymond Green could get more time at center with Eric Paschall sliding into more of a power forward role. Behind Chriss and Green, rookie Alen Smailagic could pick up the rest of the pieces inside the Warriors frontcourt.

Andrew Wiggins addresses criticisms about his play

Andrew Wiggins is one of the most highly criticized players in the NBA.

Golden State Warriors wing Andrew Wiggins is one of the most heavily criticized players in the league. Perhaps if he was drafted late in the first round or even 10th overall, that wouldn’t be the case but such is the burden of a player selected with the first overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft.

A player who has donned a nickname, “Maple Jordan,” that alludes to perhaps the greatest player of all-time. The one who left the University of Kansas with many believing he would be the best talent in the game since LeBron James.

True enough, Wiggins has been his own worst enemy at time, often settling for difficult and long jump shots within the arc — even when the league shifted to one that valued three-pointers as the quintessential jump shot. His tunnel vision hindered his playmaking ability, leading many to call him a black hole on offense. His defensive effort left plenty to be desired.

Despite all his natural talent and his physical tools, Wiggins turned in more mediocre games than you would expect from a player of his caliber and failed to lead a suddenly hapless Minnesota Timberwolves franchise to the NBA zenith he was expected to drag them up to.

One could imagine how Wiggins has felt about these criticisms but, on Tuesday, the 2014-15 Rookie of the Year put it into words. In no uncertain terms, Wiggins made it clear whose opinion he respects enough to truly deliberate on.

In essence, if that individual hasn’t played basketball at a high level, he’s not losing sleep over the criticism.

“Everyone is entitled to their own opinion,” says Wiggins, following the Warriors’ practice on Tuesday. “I feel like real ballers — real people that have been there and done that — I respect their opinion. If you haven’t been there, done that… I don’t really look too deep into it.”

A player who has averaged at least 20.0 points per game in three out of his six career seasons, took the initiative to be held accountable for his play this season and has made efforts to impact the game in other ways than scoring for at least the past two seasons, the positives of Wiggins — in both his game and his mentality — aren’t discussed nearly enough.

He’s objectively a flawed player but any fan or analyst would be hard-pressed to find a player without flaws, as Wiggins would note on Tuesday when talking about his defense and his awareness that he still has plenty of room to grow on that end of the floor.

That said, while a player like Miami Heat wing Jimmy Butler — who tried to bring the best out of Wiggins with a myriad of tactics in Minnesota — may have the type of opinion that Wiggins respects, the Canadian high-flyer is now in an environment where he’s going to be surrounded by plenty of people who can get in his ear.

Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson, all whom have helped form the core of the Warriors dynasty. Even Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, a former player who has eight NBA championships between his playing and coaching days.

Wiggins may be able to dispel the notions about his play with success in Golden State and recognizable growth along the way. However, it’s fair to wonder if he’ll put stock in the praise of the same parties whose criticism he doesn’t.

Breaking down what’s next for the Lakers, Clippers and Warriors

Discussing the Lakers and Clippers’ free-agent options, Darren Collison staying retired, Andrew Wiggins’ fit with the Warriors and more.

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On this episode of The HoopsHype Podcast, Alex Kennedy chats with Josh Martin, who is the Editorial Director of CloseUp360 and co-host of the Hollywood Hoops podcast. They discuss what’s next for the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angles Clippers and Golden State Warriors after the NBA trade deadline. Time-stamps are below.

:45: Alex and Josh discuss the Clippers’ acquisition of Marcus Morris and how much it improves this team.

3:25: The Lakers and Clippers have targeted many of the same players and this has been described as an arms race by Adrian Wojnarowski and others in the media. Will these two teams continue to battle over the same free agents and trade targets going forward?

7:00: Discussing Darren Collison’s decision not to return to the NBA this season and what that means for the Lakers and Clippers.

10:10: The Lakers are now shifting their focus to free agents such as Dion Waiters and JR Smith. Other available guards include Isaiah Thomas and Tyler Johnson. Do any of these players make sense for the Lakers?

14:45: Who should the Clippers target, if anyone, from free agency or the buyout market?

16:50: Lance Stephenson has history with Frank Vogel and the Lakers. Alex and Josh talk about whether he’d make any sense in Los Angeles.

19:50: Which team is the current favorite to win it all this season: the Lakers or the Clippers? And which team is better positioned for the long haul?

24:30: Breaking down whether the Warriors made the right decision trading D’Angelo Russell to the Minnesota Timberwolves last week. Can Andrew Wiggins take the next step and realize his full potential in Golden State?

Steph Curry, Klay Thompson played ‘rock, paper, scissors’ to decide who should introduce Andre Iguodala

Loser had to get on the mic.

Andre Iguodala returned to play the Golden State Warriors for the first time since the franchise he helped win three rings traded him last summer to the Memphis Grizzlies.

Now, he’s a member of the Miami Heat, and he got some lovely tributes from the Dubs … and both Steph Curry and Klay Thompson had to battle over who was introducing him. But it was the LOSER who had to go to center court and get on the mic.

So they figured it out the best way: by playing Rock, Paper, Scissors. Curry took his fellow Splash Brother down seemingly with ease.

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Watch: Steph Curry beats Klay Thompson in Rock-Paper-Scissors match for Andre Iguodala speech

Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson played a game of Rock-Paper-Scissors before the Warriors tipped off against the Miami Heat to decide who would give a speech for Andre Iguodala.

It was a special night for the Warriors. The second game Andrew Wiggins suited up in Golden State colors, Draymond Green coming back after a one-game absence, but most importantly, Andre Iguodala made his debut in San Francisco’s Chase Center.

The former Golden State sixth man was moved from the Memphis Grizzlies to the Miami Heat at the trade deadline, and in his second game with his new team, he laced up against his former team.

Iguodala played six seasons with Golden State, winning three championships as an integral part of the famed “death lineup,” which was a key factor in the Warriors title run.

The Warriors honored the 2015 NBA Finals Most Valuable Player in his return back to the Bay Area. Before the game started against the Miami Heat, Golden State played a tribute video featuring players and coaches speaking about Iguodala’s impact on the Warriors. The video also highlighted some of Iguodala’s best moments in Golden State on his six-year stay.

After the video, Klay Thompson took center court to give a speech about Iguodala to the Warriors home crowd. However, Thompson speaking to the Chase Center crowd wasn’t his choice; in fact — it was the opposite.

Stephen Curry played Rock-Paper-Scissors against Thompson to decide who would address the crowd.

Thompson ended up losing the first two matches with Curry using the scissors and paper technique to secure his victory, forcing the former Washington State Cougar to take the microphone.

Watch: Warriors honor Andre Iguodala with pregame tribute video vs. Heat

Andre Iguodala made his return to the Bay Area as a member of the Miami Heat at the Warriors honored him with a pregame video.

Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant may get the headlines when it comes to the Golden State Warriors title stretch, yet Andre Iguodala‘s fingerprints are all across the Larry O’Brien championship trophies.

From the moment he arrived in Golden State, Iguodala played a key role — from his time in the renowned “death lineup” to winning NBA Finals Most Valuable Player in 2015.

During his time in Golden State, Iguodala averaged 7.3 points, 3.4 assists and 3.9 rebounds while shooting 48.5 % from the field.

Now a member of the Miami Heat, Iguodala laced up against his former team for the first time in six years. Before the game started, the Warriors honored the former Arizona Wildcat with a pregame tribute video on the Chase Center jumbotron.

After the video, Klay Thompson spoke to the Golden State home crowd about Iguodala’s impact on the Warriors over the past six years.
Against the Warriors, Iguodala tallied two points, two assists and five rebounds in 17 minutes during Miami’s 113-101 win.

Draymond Green named a finalist for 2020 U.S. Olympic Men’s Basketball Roster

Michigan State alumnus Draymond Green will try to win his second Olympic medal in Tokyo, Japan and was named a finalist for the roster.

Former Michigan State Basketball star, Golden State Warriors forward, and three-time NBA champion Draymond Green has been named as a finalist for the 2020 United States Olympic Men’s Basketball Roster. Green was part of the 2016 team who won the Gold medal in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

The team is being led by Lebron James, who has three medals in his own right (2 Gold, 1 Bronze).

The final roster, who will have the honor of representing the United States in the Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, will have 12 players, so it’s not a lock that Green will be on the team. However, as a past medal-winner, I would have to think he ends up in Tokyo.

The team will be helmed by San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich.

“I’m looking forward to coaching the U.S. Olympic Team, and I’m excited about the potential and possibilities this team has,” said Popovich.  “Anyone who follows international basketball knows there are many really good players from all around the world, and therefore there are many excellent national teams. International basketball has improved so much from the days of the Dream Team. The Olympics in 2020 will be a true competition, and there are many teams that will have a legitimate shot at capturing gold.”

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Watch: Klay Thompson speaks to Warriors home crowd about Andre Iguodala

Klay Thompson spoke to the Golden State Warriors home crowd about his former teammate Andre Iguodala.

For the past six seasons, Andre Iguodala has been a critical piece to the Golden State Warriors puzzle. As a Warrior, Iguodala was a central factor in Golden State’s famed “death lineup” that brought three championships to the Bay Area.

In 2015, the start of the Warriors’ dominant run, Iguodala was named the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Alongside Draymond Green, Iguodala formed one of the leagues best defensive duos. On top of defense, the veteran forward was instrumental in elevating the game of Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry.

For the first time in years, Andre Iguodala suited up as an opponent instead of a member of the Warriors. Iguodala was moved from Memphis to South Beach at the NBA trade deadline, and in his second game since the move, he laced up against his former team.

Following a tribute video before tip-off against the Miami Heat, Thompson spoke to the Chase Center crowd about his former teammate.

Obviously, it’s a special night for Dub Nation — we got one of the greatest Warriors in the history of the organization back called ‘the swiss army knife’ — one of my favorite teammates of all-time — he made me, Steph, Draymond and Loon’s job so much easier, as well as coach Kerr and all the coaching staff, so we’re indebted to this man for what he gave us and it’s good to have you back Dre, and I can’t wait to see your jersey in the rafters one of these days.

As the Warriors struggle throughout the 2019-20 season, the return of a legendary player like Iguodala brings out memories of Golden State’s championship runs, in a down season.