By: Jordan Ramirez
In the case of the NBA Draft Lottery, you’d rather be lucky. The lottery commences tonight in Secaucus, N.J., as fifteen teams vie for the No. 1 overall pick. Fifteen of the worst teams in the NBA join in a who’s who of terrible owners, bad GM’s and recollection of previous failures. And yes, the Warriors are once again joining the party. For the 19th time since the lottery began, the Warriors will once again be putting their hopes on the bounce of a ping pong ball. Unlike previous seasons though, the franchise won’t be entirely dependent on their place in the draft this year.
On paper, this is one of the worst draft classes in years. You have your potential superstars in Kyrie Irving, Kyrie Irving and Kyrie Irving. You have your potential above average NBA players in Derrick Williams, Brandon Knight and Kemba Walker. You have your America’s Sweetheart that will have a huge fan following in Jimmer Fredette. You have your prospects from other countries that potentially could be great in Ernes Kanter, Jan Vesely and Bismack Biyombo. There’s no Derrick Rose, Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin or John Wall talent this year. The 2011 draft class as a whole is nothing to be excited about, especially where the Warriors will most likely be positioned at No. 11.
By trading away their 2012 first round pick to the Nets in exchange for Marcus Williams (“Wow” is right), the Warriors are unable to trade this year’s pick due to rules permitting teams from trading 1st round picks consecutive years. Instead of packaging this pick and Monta Ellis for a possible sign and trade deal for Nene, for example, they’re unable to do so. That’s not to say there can’t be diamonds in the rough, have a top prospect fall to them, or even the basketball gods giving the Warriors the gift of a higher pick. With the new regime in place, there’s reason for optimism, but there must also be realism. Realism that the Warriors will end up with the No. 11 pick and won’t be picking a franchise altering talent.
If Warriors fans are looking at this year’s draft as potentially putting the team over the top, they’re looking the wrong direction. Instead, the Warriors should, and will, scout the trade market and free agents to better improve their roster. Joe Lacob has consistently made his desire to make a “big splash” ever since his ownership became official. We have yet to see that splash happen, but I think we’ll finally be getting some drips this off-season. The so called “splash” begins with the hiring of a head coach first and foremost. Their selection of head coach sets their mindset for the draft, trades, free agency and any potential future moves. The decision of coach is clearly the team’s most important of the off-season.
For a team that has participated in nineteen lottery selections, the Warriors have been rewarded with the No. 1 pick only once. The Warriors have had bad records, but apparently not bad enough. But unlike those previous teams, the Warriors won’t be looking for a franchise savior. They’ll be looking at this draft as a way of hopefully grabbing a contributor at a position of need. And really, that’s all we can ask from the No. 11 pick. If the team wants that savior, wants that face of the franchise, they’ll have to be looking elsewhere. Maybe that face is on the roster now, maybe not. That impending decision depends on their choice of coach, as that is the most crucial decision the team has this off-season. Then, maybe, the lottery won’t be such a familiar place.
Straight up, I’m going to be “that guy.” I know you meant well, but it’s time for your “there, they’re, their” lesson.
But first, you start by asking a question, then answer it with “yes.” Um, you go read what you said and explain that. Did you mean to say it is better to be lucky? Or did you mean to phrase your opening sentence something like this: “Is it better to be more lucky THAN good?”
But hey, I’m being that guy, so don’t sweat it, learn from this and move on. Just saying.
As for there, they’re and their, this goes for many of you.
There = There it is
They’re = They are good players
Their = It’s their business
Simply sound the phrase out in your head first. It’s not as hard as folks seem to think.
While we’re (we are) at it:
Your = It’s your turn
You’re = You are welcome
Post has been updated accordingly. Thanks.
warriors need to keep monta ellis.
theyll be fine with drafting one of the morris twins
The Warriors need to trade Monta Ellis to the Minnoso0ta Timberwolves for Johnny Flynn and Minnosota 1st roand draft pick
The Warriors need to trade Monta Ellis to the Minnosta for Johnny Flynn and Minnostas first pick and go get Enos Canter