Curry Signs Amidst Front Office Turmoil

Like most Americans in this wretched economy, the Warriors are in over their head. Reliable sources around the Bay Area confirm recent reports that Warriors owner Chris Cohen is looking to sell this team, and its likely to be a drawn out process.

Other news that makes Warriors fans uncomfortable are recent rumors the Warriors could be dumping off Andris Biedrins to the Suns for Amare Stoudamire, only to have Amare for a year and be rid of Biedrins' and the 5 years remaining on his contract and allow the Suns to get a great player in a repo like deal. It would be better to get rid of Stephen Jackson and Corey Magette, but no one wants them. It's never that easy.

Some positive news for the Warriors is the recent signing of rookie Stephen Curry. Curry's contract, which was finalized Wednesday Jul. 8, is reported to be close to $12.7 million over four years.

The future of this club remains blurry, but there are some talented young players that will bring the people out to Oracle. The 2006 "We Believe" band wagon fans may thin out, while those of us from the Antawn Jamison, Bimbo Coles, and Vonteego Cummings days will be last fans standing.

Summer League Tip-Off Friday

This Friday, Jul. 12, the Warriors play the Houston Rockets in the first game of summer league and all eyes will be on highly acclaimed rookie Stephen Curry. Other notable Warriors joining Curry in summer league play are Anthony Randolph, Anthony Morrow, and newly acquired A.C. Law.

Keith Smart will assume the coaching duties without Don Nelson. Last year, Nelson handed the reins to Smart for a game during the regular season and let Smart call the defensive plays from the sideline on another occasion. Expect Smart's coaching responsibilities to expand more this season, as Nelson gets older and more involved in pulling the strings in the front office.

Keith Smart should be the leading candidate for Nelson's job in the near future, he has put in the time and has earned the respect of the players on this team. The Warriors coaching staff needs to provide solid leadership to make sure Monta Ellis doesn't turn into an Allen Iverson, team chemistry killer. Monta will come into this season with a chip on his shoulder, no doubt, and it's critical Don Nelson makes Ellis buy into a future in Golden State.

The Warriors will play five summer league games, with the last game on Thursday Jul. 16. And to Prepare for the upcoming NBA betting season, check out Bodog Sportsbook Review.

Warriors Need Leadership

I really hope the Warriors get a new owner by October, when next season begins. Talk about a situation where there are way too many incompetent chiefs and misled Indians. Warriors fans are some of the best in the NBA...How the hell have we tolerated such poor products season after season?

The unrest in the front office has trickled down to the floor and held the Warriors back from establishing their presence as a power in the Western Conference. It's not like the fans have stopped supporting the team and lack of talent coming into the organization is no excuse. Why do we still continue to believe when the basketball world refuses to take us seriously? It's because Bay Area sports fans are loyal, intelligent sports fans and it will be all the more gratifying when the Warriors can pull it together and get to the next level. Until then, the reality is the Warriors need more than just a power forward. They need to get serious about winning, which starts at the top.

Check out Doc's Sports Blog for unique views and opinions on sports betting!

Artest, Turkoglu Find New Homes

Ron Artest is the newest member of the Lakers and Hedo Turkoglu will be with the Blazers this upcoming season. By picking up Artest, the Lakers will most likely not resign Trevor Ariza, who's agent must have asked for too much during negotiation. Ariza is a very good complimentary player that gives you solid defense, but he has not yet established himself as a 'go-to' type of player.

Turkoglu is a great pick up for the Blazers and will help this young, deep team get further into the playoffs this season. Led by my favorite non-Warrior, Brandon Roy, the Blazers will benefit from having a veteran like Turkoglu and another player that can hit big shots under pressure. Great move.

Rumor has it that Warriors owner Chris Cohan could be selling the franchise, according to the latest report in Tim Kawakami's blog, due to problems with the IRS. I'm not sure what type of buyers could be suitable during this current recession. (There can't be many Mark Cuban dot com millionaires lurking) Under Cohan, the Warriors have made one trip to the playoffs in 14 years.

To make your sporting experience more interesting, check out Betus sportsbook review!

Cavs Interested in Artest

Around the NBA with WRD

Reports indicate the Cleveland Cavs are interested in signing Ron Artest, after recently acquiring Shaquille O'Neal. These moves (if Artest signs) would be answers to the Celtics' Paul Pierce and Orlando's Dwight Howard. More importantly, this is the last year for Cavs GM Danny Ferry to give LeBron a chance to win an NBA title. Personally, I think LBJ will depart after this season, even if the Cavs win it all.

The Detroit Pistons were busy yesterday, as they signed free agents Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva. The acquisition of Gordon indicates the Pistons may be interested in shopping Rip Hamilton. Villanueva will have the privilege of studying under Rasheed Wallace, as both players share traits in the sense they are both 6'11" and can shoot from three point range. Who will be the new coach? Reports indicate Avery Johnson is the front runner for the position.

In Lakerland, signing Trevor Ariza is the largest concern, as Ariza's defense was key to winning both the Conference and NBA Finals. The busy Cavs are considering Ariza along with Artest, but the Cavs will not be able to match whatever the Lakers offer.

Stay tuned for more Warriors off-season reporting. I have a feeling Larry Riley and his puppeteer Don Nelson are not finished...

Check out Doc's Sports free parlay calculator feature to help improve your odds.

Where Does Maggette Fit?

Warriors' swingman Corey Maggette completed successful surgery on his wrist in Los Angeles today. Maggette began the year in coach Nelson's starting five, but made himself into an efficient "point a minute" scorer in the sixth man role over the course of the season.

The addition of Stephen Curry creates more complication to Nelson's guard impacted roster and begs the question: how will Maggette get his minutes this season? Granted, he had some terrific games where his scoring off the bench carried the team through some poor shooting nights and his rebounding gave the undersized line up a boost, especially with Biedrins sitting for a few stretches.

While Maggette brings scoring and rebounding, he also has some tendencies that negate his productivity. Maggette is one dimensional. He is most effective when he takes his man off the dribble and goes strong to the rim, as he looks to create contact and shoot free throws. This can be good when the Warriors are doing that thing where they try to live on the perimeter. The other side of the Maggette coin is a player that clots the circulation of the basketball. I hate to use the example, but look at the Lakers on offense. They constantly set up passing options, the ball doesn't stop unless it's in Kobe's hands, and even Kobe has a back up plan when the double comes. Maggette has no passing capability or any kind of knack to create for his team mates. When he gets the ball, there is no reading the defense, he just lowers his head and tries to beat the defender to the spot.

The other part of Maggette's game that killed the Warriors last season was his terrible three point shooting, an example of bad shot selection.

I would much rather see Azubuike, Belinelli, and Morrow get playing time over Maggette. Maybe Belinelli could build some trade value and the Warriors could pad the front line. Magette would be perfect for playoff contender, like the Cavs, Spurs, or Hornets, coming off the bench to provide instant scoring.

The Warriors don't need Correy Maggette, they need someone who needs the ball less.

Curry Part of Future

This just in! Stephon Curry is here to stay, or at least Nellie is playing up the cards in his hand to possible trade partners. Those potential partners are the Suns and, less likely, the Knicks.

I hate the idea of giving up Biedrins, even if its for Amare. Stoudamire will produce on offense, but who will grab defensive boards? Turiaf?

The other concern about integrating Curry into the Warriors offense is working in with established scorer and quasi anointed point guard Monta Ellis, who understandably feels insecure and threatened by the skilled young new comer. It's not offense, but defense that will be in trouble with Ellis and Curry in the backcourt.