Warriors need a point guard to spell Davis down the road
Contra Costa Times
Article Launched: 12/31/2007 02:57:42 AM PST
The Warriors, once again, are in need of a reserve point guard now that they've learned Troy Hudson is possibly out for the season after unavoidable hip surgery.
In Hudson, the Warriors hoped to address one of their notable weaknesses -- a backup for starting point guard Baron Davis, who has a history of injury and is playing a lot of minutes already this season. That need has suddenly resurfaced now that Hudson is expected to go under the knife in the coming days.
So, how can the Warriors refill this hole? Glad you asked. Here are some feasible options:
Carlos Arroyo, Orlando Magic: He's a pretty good playmaker and, with seven NBA seasons on his resume, has a fair amount of experience. His outside shot is sketchy, but he's a solid passer and floor general. Also, Arroyo's used to life as a backup having played behind Chauncey Billups in Detroit and Jameer Nelson in Orlando.
He's making $4.1 million this year, the final year of his contract. So he should be motivated. The Magic, with Nelson and Keyon Dooling (wouldn't mind him, either), can afford to trade Arroyo and might be willing to do so for Golden State swingman Mickael Pietrus, perhaps the Warrior most likely to be offered.
The drawbacks? Arroyo has a history of run-ins with coaches, and Don Nelson has a history of clashing with guys who have attitude problems. There is some risk such a move would effect the Warriors' chemistry. Plus, Orlando might want more than Pietrus, which could be too much.
Earl Boykins, free agent: The former Warrior is there for the taking and he would have no problem fitting into the Warriors offense. He is instant offense off the bench, fits into the uptempo system and he can shoot. Plus the fans loved him last time he played in Oakland.
The drawbacks? He wants way too much money. He's sitting out now because he reportedly won't sign for less than the midlevel exception (around $5 million a year) and he wants a multiyear contract. He walked away from a $3 million option with Milwaukee. Another obstacle is his size. At 5-foot-5, he might even be too small for the gimmicky Nellie, who likes his guards big.
Smush Parker, Miami Heat: Coach Pat Riley is through with Parker and admitted he's been trying to trade the former Los Angeles Laker. Remember, Miami almost had Pietrus and wanted him (and Pietrus would love to go there) this offseason. So Parker for Pietrus is reasonable. Parker is fast enough to fit in the Warriors' style of play, and his defense pressure would come in handy. At 6-foot-4, 190 pounds, he has all right size. He's athletic and he's cheap, making just $2.2 million this year.
The drawbacks? He's clashed with Phil Jackson and Riley, so he could bring some attitude problems. He's not a good shooter (currently shooting 31.5 percent from the floor, 25 percent from 3-point range), which doesn't work with the Warriors offense. Also, he has a $2.4 million player option for next season, so he'll be on the books for 2008-09.
Tyronn Lue, Atlanta Hawks: He's shooting 45 percent from 3-point range this year. He's perfect for the Warriors. He has experience (this is his 10th season) and he's low risk (getting $3.5 million, will be a free agent at season's end). The Hawks have four point guards not counting combo guard Joe Johnson -- Lue, Anthony Johnson, rookie Acie Law, Salim Stoudamire -- so they can afford to move Lue. They'd probably like Pietrus, as they are always looking to add to their swingman collection. They might even take Warriors center Patrick O'Bryant.
The drawbacks? Lue is not a true point guard. He's more of a guy who plays next to a shooting guard who operates as a point guard while Lue defends the opposing point guard.
Steve Francis, Houston Rockets: Sounds crazy, huh? Let's start with the drawbacks, since that's what comes to mind immediately. He's one of the league's most notorious head cases. He's often injured. He has steadily declined in production over the last few years. He can't even get playing time in Houston.
So why would he be an option?
Imagine a playmaker with Francis' athletic ability coming off the bench in Nelson's system. Imagine if he's healthy and motivated by a chip on his shoulder. The Warriors could catch lightning in a bottle. He only has a one-year deal for $2.3 million, so he's low risk.
OK, so the last one is a little out there. But only a certain kind of player is going to walk in and get minutes for Nelson. He has to be able to shoot, create offense and keep up with Golden State's high-octane pace.
The Warriors could end up standing pat and going with what they have. Stephen Jackson and Matt Barnes could do the point-forward thing for which Nellie is known. Rookie Marco Belinelli could get some minutes at the point or the Warriors can keep force-feeding point guard duties to Monta Ellis.
Either way, most agree, Davis just can't keep playing 40 minutes a night.
Contact Marcus Thompson II at
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