| No Trade, No Playoffs Authored by Payam Jahromi - February 26, 2006 - 11:12 pm
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Sure, the Warriors are technically still in the playoff hunt, four games behind the Lakers for the final spot.
But let’s be real. The Warriors aren’t making the playoffs.
Again.
The only hope was for Chris Mullin to make another blockbuster trade before the deadline as he did a year ago, but that didn’t happen.
I’m not saying Mullin should have done something no matter what. Chances are, other teams were offering overpaid veterans in exchange for the Warriors’ good young talent. So I’m not necessarily faulting Mullin.
But that doesn’t change the fact that the Warriors’ playoff-less streak will reach 12 seasons. Unlike the past couple years – when everybody knew they had no chance at the playoffs – this one hurts.
Entering the season, there was a different buzz around this team, the expectations were sky high, and this was the year the Warriors were supposed to matter.
Instead, it’s been the same old story.
The Warriors still have 27 games remaining. To make the playoffs, they will likely need somewhere in the neighborhood of 43 wins. That means a 19-8 finish. With 15 of the 27 games on the road.
Not happening.
It would be one thing if the Warriors were only chasing the Lakers. But there are three other teams between them and L.A., and the Timberwolves are only a half game behind the Warriors.
If there’s a bright spot, it has been the play of the youngsters, or as Bob Fitzgerald calls them, “the kiddie core.” (God I hate that nickname.)
Andris Biedrins and Monta Ellis are playing well and have been getting more minutes lately. (By the way, Ellis’ 16 points against the Spurs was the high for either team.)
I think both guys will eventually become excellent players. But they’re 19 and 20 respectively. They won’t help you win games now.
I didn’t expect any moves before the trade deadline, but if and when the Warriors miss the playoffs, I seriously doubt this same roster will be back next year. That includes the head coach, but that’s a whole ‘nother article.
In the meantime, it’s important to find out which pieces are the most important, who is expendable, and gear up for the draft – for the 12th straight year.
If you have any questions or comments, you can reach me at pjahromi@sbcglobal.net |
