| The Fans Speak Authored by Payam Jahromi - May 1, 2005 - 3:34 pm
I decided to change it up a little and see what Warriors fans from the RealGM forums want the team to do this off-season.
The way the season ended, optimism is high and fans are impatient. Since the off-season will be closely examined, beginning with the draft lottery on May 24 and continuing with the draft on June 28, trades and free agent signings, I wanted to get the fans take.
Do they want the Warriors to bring everyone back, or would they rather see another big trade? If so, who should they trade and what type of player should they get?
I also wanted to know if they believe Mike Montgomery is the guy to make the team a contender, and what it would take for the Warriors to get back to the playoffs and to ultimately become a title contender.
I got over 20 responses (thanks to those who replied), and although it’s not a huge sample, it’s an idea of where Warriors fans stand. Without further ado, here are the results:
What should the Warriors do this off-season?
Make a trade: 47%
Do nothing: 26%
Other: 26%
Didn’t say either way: 1%
Based on his first year, do you think Mike Montgomery is the coach who can make this team a contender?
No: 47%
Yes: 26%
Didn’t say: 27%
3. What does this team need more than anything to become:
A. A playoff team
Keep core together, add player in the draft: 42%
Health: 21%
Good chemistry: 11%
Low-post threat: 11%
Other receiving votes: Draft well, have a consistent Dunleavy.
B. A title contender
A dominant big man: 53%
New coach: 16%
Health: 11%
Other receiving votes: More respect from the refs, patience, good drafting, and (my personal favorite) get Run TMC back in shape.
Also, the majority of people who wanted a trade preferred to trade Murphy over Dunleavy and Pietrus. Trading Murphy would be more difficult because of his contract, but it’s interesting how he has reached “doghouse” status among Warriors fans. Early last year Dunleavy was that guy.
The Playoffs
- Rockets/Dallas – series tied 2-2: The most entertaining series in the first round. Dallas has regained the home-court advantage, which is good news for Houston. Seriously, the Mavs might win 4 straight.
- Spurs/Nuggets – Spurs up 2-1: So much for the Nuggets being unbeatable at home. I really felt the Spurs were in serious trouble after game 1, but they damaged Denver’s confidence after game 2 and regained control of the series after game 3.
- Kings/Sonics – Sonics up 2-1: If Sacramento wins game 4 tonight, it’s anyone’s series.
- Suns/Grizzlies – Suns up 3-0: The Suns are making a statement. Even as a No. 1 seed, I don’t know if many considered them a serious threat to win it all. If they sweep Memphis tonight, they will be well rested for either Dallas or Houston. And they’ll beat either one.
- Heat/Nets – Heat up 3-0: Like Phoenix, Miami is making a statement. The Nets had great games from Kidd and Carter and still lost game 3. If Miami doesn’t complete the sweep tonight, game 5 is a lock.
- 76ers/Pistons – Pistons up 2-1: Impressive game 3 win by Philly. I thought Detroit would sweep. Philly can really make it interesting with a game 4 victory, but I just don’t see how they can win the series, or even send it to a seventh game.
- Wizards/Bulls – Bulls up 2-1: The Bulls are surprising me without Curry and Deng. Neither team has playoff experience, and whoever wins will be Miami’s lunch next round, but I’ll go with the team with home court advantage.
- Pacers/Celtics – series tied 2-2: With apologies to all Boston or Indiana fans, but talk about a boring series. I can’t watch a whole game without changing the channel. Again, the winner has no chance against Detroit. Anything other than Miami/Detroit East Conf. finals is inconceivable to me. |
