How to Fix the Golden State Warriors

Posted by Phil Partington Categories: Athletes, Editorial, NBA,

Coach Don Nelson might have success in his NBA career. Heck, he might even be considered by some to be a future Hall of Fame coach. He is, afterall, only one of four active NBA coaches with more than 1,000 victories under his belt. However, whatever he’s doing in Golden State—whatever he’s been doing in Golden State—isn’t working, and it may be time for a change.

Nelson’s “small-ball” approach, where the roster is filled with numerous versatile guards and small forwards instead of larger post players, hasn’t proven itself much in past playoffs. The problem with this approach is that, while it may work for the regular season, teams tend to slow down the pace of games in order to better execute in the half-court once the playoffs start. Since the small-ball style isn’t very effective at playing half-court defense, since there isn’t much size to combat the opposition’s post players, regular season success with the small-ball style seems a moot point.

Then there’s the next big question:  What happens when the small-ball style isn’t even working in the regular season?

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2009-2010 NBA Rookies Off to Hot Start

Posted by Phil Partington Categories: Athletes, Editorial, NBA,

A number of NBA experts were quick to label the 2009 NBA Draft as a “weak” draft. However, several rookies are showing nothing but brilliance at the start of the 2009-2010 NBA season and could have a lot more to offer than many had thought. While Blake Griffin, the rookie everyone thought would win the Rookie of the Year award hands down is out for the next six-to-eight weeks, several other youngsters are making strong cases.

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2009-2010 NBA Pacific Division Preview

Posted by Phil Partington Categories: Editorial, NBA,

The Los Angeles Lakers are looking like a fantasy basketball team this year. Coach Phil Jackson has the ideal challenge of which star to play at what times. Beyond that, the NBA’s Pacific Division should be competitive in 2009-2010. Steve Nash and Amar’e Stoudemire hope to lead the Phoenix Suns back to the playoffs after a disappointing season in 2008-2009; the Los Angeles Clippers look like a playoff team on paper if they can stay healthy; the Golden State Warriors have plenty of talent, but no chemistry, defense or size; and the Sacramento Kings also hope its stars can stay healthy and the younger talent can continue to improve. Ring the bell, the fight for the Pacific Division is about to start.

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