| Thinking Big Authored by Payam Jahromi - June 19, 2005 - 9:39 pm
| Current Featured Columns | | Final Thoughts On The 2008 NBA Draft This year's draft was decidedly more calm and casual than the Oden/Durant showdown, which made for a more candid and personal experience.
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It puts less pressure on Chris Mullin to draft for need, and in my opinion, gives him a better chance of drafting the right player.
So the question is, what should and will they do? There are different theories on this. Some say they should look big and draft the best available center or power forward while others believe in the “best player available” theory, regardless of the position.
Usually, I tend to lean towards taking the best guy available no matter what he plays. But this year seems different. The Warriors have a plethora of SG/SF-type players. I really like Danny Granger, but unless you’re planning to trade Mike Dunleavy or Mickael Pietrus, that pick wouldn’t make much sense.
That is why I believe the Warriors should set their sites big and get some help in the paint. Or use the draft the choice as part of a package to get a big man.
I certainly don’t want anything to interfere with the development of Andris Biedrins and his minutes, but he’s 19 and isn’t ready to do it all himself. Adonal Foyle is a nice change of pace guy who can energize your team with shot-blocking. But that’s all he is, nothing more nothing less.
The Warriors need a big man, and this draft has plenty of them.
I don’t know much about Johan Petro, Fran Vazquez, Martynas Andriuskevicius, or even the highschooler Andrew Bynum, but I’m sure Mullin does, and one these guys could end up being really good. The Warriors should go for it.
This is no time to play it safe.
Channing Frye fits the PF/C mold I’m describing, but I don’t think the Warriors should bother with a guy who has at times been labeled “soft.” That’s the last thing they need. Also, if it’s true that Isiah Thomas really likes Frye, that’s more reason not to take him.
Taking a big man will be a greater risk, but what if the risk pays off? Biedrins was a big risk, and after one season I’d say Warriors fans are very happy that decision was made.
The point is, the Warriors are in a position to aim high. They can make the safe pick, hope to stay healthy next season and possibly be a No. 7 or 8 seed, then get bounced by one of the top dogs in the first round. Or they can take a risk, take a big man and possibly be a legitimate contender in a couple years.
I know I’m being greedy. For a team that hasn’t made the playoffs in 11 years, that should be the primary focus. But simply making the playoffs is not enough. I want more, and the fans deserve more.
They should aim for the playoffs and beyond. The Suns had a nice roster a few years back when they took a risk on Amare Stoudamire with the No. 9 pick – the same pick the Warriors have. Three years later, they had the best record in the league.
If St. Jean were drafting, he would take the safe guy, or the guy everybody else says he should take. So far, Mullin has been the anti-St. Jean. I hope that continues.
I can be reached at pjahromi@sbcglobal.net. |
