I'd be upset if Yi turned out to be a major disappointment or anything less than an all-star if we're giving up Jrich for a #4 or #5. The bright spot is Yi's potential is greater than Richardson's because he's a big player. Basketball is a big man's game and it might be worth the risk if Yi offers something that few teams can match up with. The other thing is as much as I like Richardson, he can only get you so far with being an undersized scoring forward that tries to emulate a guard. Sucks for Richardson, though. He spends money out of his own pocket (his contract is pretty reasonable IMO) to apologize to fans for why they suck (reasons outside his control because we had a Dun, Murphy, Foyle frontline and a coach that preferred to play halfcourt with those guys) and a point that would rather shoot all the time because he couldn't create. He's also our third best playoff contributor and probably the #2 or #3 scoring option and we're getting rid of him for a guy that may be a project? I don't mean to knock the Chinese league, but they are no Serbia-Montenegro in terms of guys jumping to the nba. Outside of Yi, there's probably few guys that test him adequately enough. Yi could be in over his head the first few years and those years we can't afford to step backwards on a crapshoot. We gotta gain momentum. If we give up Richardson it would be a huge moral dilemma to me. He just gets shafted after being dedicated to the fans and the organization... Then we'd have to find some scorer on the cheap like Mo Petersen or Quentin Richardson to replace him.
Well, let's keep two things separate. 1)JRich has been the heart and soul of this team, and has had several outstanding seasons 2)Yi has been blowing the roof off his workouts -- he came out of nowhere -- he is a 7-footer who is showing amazing quickness and athleticism, dribbling cross-overs on his way to high-flying jams. Yi is also showing that he is a knock-down outside shooter, and has a playful confidence to boot. This kid is for real. Of course the "leap" to the NBA is a challenge, but IMO Yi looks like he has the potential to dominante in the NBA at some point. I'm not saying I endorse the trade. But just because we don't want to lose JRich doesn't mean we have to bash Yi's potential -- this guy is showing day after day that he is amazing in workouts.
Playing against a set of folding chairs doesn't count, though. I want to see this guy in 5 on 5 against future nba players or future nba training camp invites. The thing I worry about is if this guy has problems finishing or shooting, his dribbling and dunking won't matter. He doesn't have a low post game yet and his body doesn't seem like it could do it. But then again Chris Bosh... What was that guy? 220 lbs? He seems to do the Tim Duncan thing quite well.
Mmm... Is this another Gasol-Rahim trade or Owens-Richmond trade... I have to say I am interested in this trade, not because we are trading Richardson or drafting Yi, but because we get to dump salaries and receive something in return. As I mentioned for couple thousand times, our finance is bad, and we simply cannot resign both Biedrins and Monta while staying below luxury threshold. In ideal world, we would love to find Foyle's new home for expiring contract. But for obvious reason, nobody seems to willing to take his 19 mils/2 years contract. And, even if we actually find a sucker, I mean another team's GM, it's only one year fix. If we ever plan to resign Davis, we still have to find a way to dump at least one of Richardson, Harrington, Jackson, Biedrins or Monta's contract. And, that's providing that we do not add another significant contract. Other teams know that, and they will circle us to take an advantage. That's why I am interested in this deal, because we actually get something valuable for dumping big contract. By no mean this will help the team in short run, and I would hate to see Richardson go. But, for our future finance, this deal will solve number of issues. Of course, will Boston do? That's another story...
Man, all this trade talk about the Warriors trading Jason Richardson for Yi and Theo. I really like Jason Richardson and I think that he is a great person and has been with us even throughout the crappy times. Though, I do kinda what to get him out of here to gain some contratc space. Though Yi might not even be what some people are expecting.
<div class="quote_poster">custodianrules2 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">The thing I worry about is if this guy has problems finishing or shooting, his dribbling and dunking won't matter.</div> That's what I'm saying though, CR2. OF course we haven't seen him in live NBA 5-on-5. That doesn't mean he's a complete unknown. There ARE certain things you can gauge, prior to live season action. Of course, sometimes it won't matter, and you'll accidentally end up with a bust. But Yi is not a complete unknown. To your worry about his finishing and especially shooting, here's what Chad Ford notes: <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">...At the Home Depot Center, trainer Joe Abunassar interrupted a discussion of the players he's training to say, "Wait until you see Yi. There isn't a drill I could come up with that Yi couldn't excel at." Noah was giving love, too. "Where did that guy come from?" Noah asked when I asked him about his workouts with Yi. "That's something to behold." That "something to behold" walked into the Velodrome at the Home Depot Center at around 11 o'clock on Tuesday to unveil the mystery. It was worth the wait. After a brief warm-up, Yi began his shooting drills. He rarely missed. He got great elevation on his picture-perfect jump shot -- high release, elbow in, nothing but net from both inside and outside the 3-point line. Nevada's Nick Fazekas, a draft prospect known for his shooting stroke, followed suit on the set shots, but started to lose ground to Yi once the players moved to shooting off the dribble. For Fazekas, the accuracy started to waver a bit. The needle didn't move for Yi. And Noah? His shaky jumper found the basket, but his form looked even worse when he was matched up in shooting drills with Yi and Fazekas. Yi handled the ballhandling drills with the same aplomb. He got low to the ground, showing impressive balance and control on spin moves to the basket. Fazekas could do some of that too, but at a pace far slower than Yi. Noah kept up the pace with Yi, but without the consistency. Noah was all over the place, for both the good and the bad. None of this came as a shock, given the basketball system in China. Yao likewise showed an amazing set of fundamental skills when he crossed the Pacific. Since he was 15 years old, said Yi, he's been put through five-hour daily practice sessions. Noah, in contrast, said he taught himself how to shoot and never really knew there was anything funny about his shot until he exploded onto the scene as a sophomore at Florida. As we saw again in the playoffs this year, for all his skill, Yao Ming lacks NBA speed, agility and explosiveness. Yi, on the other hand, is reputed to be a good athlete -- fast and bouncy. But until now, that rep has been based primarily on what he's shown against lesser players in China. So what's he got? One way to find out was to see him next to Noah, a very athletic big man. Could Yi keep up? It didn't take long to get the answer. After the shooting drills were over, Yi, Fazekas and Noah went through a drill in which they took the ball at the top of the key, cut right or left, were given one dribble and then had to finish around the basket. While Fazekas labored to get to the rim from that distance, Noah had no problem, as expected. He finished every time with either a finger roll at the rim or a dunk. Yi's performance was more surprising. I had to change angles to make sure it wasn't an optical illusion. As Yi finished at the rim, his elbow was often at or just below the rim. His elbow. Whether he kissed the ball high off the glass or finished with a dunk, his explosion off the floor was impressive. Not impressive like Tyrus Thomas, mind you. But for a 7-footer, he could really explode. Yi continued to impress in full-court sprints, flying up and down the court. His pull-up shots around the basket looked nearly impossible to block, thanks to his impressive 7-foot, 4?-inch wingspan. He also possesses great lower body strength, which should help him hold his position on the post. His upper body appeared to need work, but given his good frame and the progress he had already made in his daily workouts, it appeared that he was well on his way to filling out. At 246 pounds, Yi is nearing his prime playing weight. Whether in the post, on the wing, or in the open floor, Yi looked as impressive in workout conditions as any elite NBA draft prospect I've come across in the last five years. Purely in terms of talent and tools, I have no doubt he's the third-best prospect in the draft....</div> OF course Yi isn't a sure-fire All-Star, but then again NO Draft Pick is (with rare exceptions). You can only do your pre-draft homework and trust your instincts. From what WE DO know about YI, he's proving he's for real. He outclassed Nick Fazekas in shooting drills, a guy who shot 57% FG, 43% 3PT, 85% FT (albeit as a post player). He also outclassed Noah from long range, which is no suprise. The trade is interesting depending on who else we get in return. I love JRich but we all know we are deep at G, thin at F, and more importantly -- strapped salary-wise. From a business perspective this trade does make some sense.
Wow, thanks AO. Sounds impressive. I didn't know he bulked up and that his leg strength has been improved. That's definitely a good sign. I really liked reading about the guy's sense of balance and agility. Shooting off the dribble or fadeaway is important for those mostly finesse types because nba defenders don't give much daylight when it comes to footspeed and physical defense. For Yi to be a star he's got to have some moves that are hard to defend. Sounds like he has some.
Absolutely -- I posted part of the article before -- I thought you read it. basically, Ford raves for 3 pages about how Yi is blowing away the competition with his pin-point outside shooting, awesome handles (for a 7 footer), sweet moves and high flying dunks. Sounds like a Chinese Nowitzki with hops. In a separate interview with Yi, I think I hear him crediting Judo for his lower body base. It would make sense -- from the videos he seems to have a very solid lower base (like Yao). Also, he says he's been working out like crazy (hoops wise) since he was a kid. let's see, here.... This is a Pau Gasol comparison from NBADraft.net: <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">NBA Comparison: Pau Gasol Strengths: Good ball handler who has no problem taking opposing defenders off the dribble … Great finisher around the basket as he is capable of making some impressive dunks on the break … Fundamentally sound player with a decent basketball IQ and court awareness … Rarely does Jianlian force the issue, instead he let’s the game come to him … Unlike many players his size, he is a great free throw shooter …Runs the floor especially well considering his size ... His perimeter shooting is very impressive as he can stretch the defense out to 18-20 feet comfortably … While he doesn’t own many back to the basket moves, Jianlian possesses a consistent turnaround jumper in the post … Does a great job of using his long body and athleticism to make an impact on the boards … Passes out of double teams well due to his court vision and awareness … Excels in an open court offense that promotes fast breaks thanks to his mobility and leaping ability … Rarely gets intimidated when physical play occurs … Although he has been on the NBA draft radar for quite some time, and may be a few years older than his listed age, he appears to still have considerable upside … Defensively he is a solid help defender due to his lateral quickness and wingspan … Possesses quick hands that can disrupt passing lanes … </div>
<div class="quote_poster">wtwalker77 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Chad Ford said in his blog today that the big rumor going around the Eurocamp is the Warriors offering Richardson and the #16 to move up to #4 or #5. It's unclear whether the following are the actual rumored deals or just what Ford himself came up with, but here are the rumored deals: Memphis: it would be for the #5, Stromile Swift, and Damon Stoudemire. Boston: it would be for the #4 and Theo Ratliff's expiring contract if it's Boston. That's too high a price to pay to get Yi in my book.</div> Yeah..I think Ford thought we had 16.. Boston has 5,Memphis has 4. I have NO confidence Yi is anywhere near what we need-even 2-3 years down the road. Is he a tough rebounder? Sounds more like Peja minus the range,a jump shooter who's dominant in a league with hardly any NBA prospects. If Nellie/Mullin REALLY love what they saw-and saw enough....well...maybe it happens and maybe it even works. Having nothing but rumors--I sure won't trade J Rich and pay Theo $12 mill to sit in the jacuzzi a season.
Hey REREM, I had that same attitude about Yao and Pau Gasol before Yao and Gasol proved me wrong. I say take the gamble if it doesn't cost us the big 5 (Jrich, Ellis, Sjax, Biedrins, Baron). If we want a sure thing we gotta get in the top 3 in a deep draft. But anything after in most drafts it's like we either gamble on a college ready, what you see is what you get Shane Battier type of guy or a converted SG from forward Jrich who probably isn't ready to play that position. I think the GMs should gamble a bit on guys like Yi or Brandon Wright (if the W's pull a surprise trade).
<div class="quote_poster">REREM Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I sure won't trade J Rich and pay Theo $12 mill to sit in the jacuzzi a season.</div> One thing to remember is that we desperately need cap relief to extend monta and beans.
<div class="quote_poster">wtwalker77 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I believe Ainge considers Jefferson to be even less available than Pierce. First of all, I hate the idea of trading Richardson for anything less than another proven, young, near all star. But, if the Warriors HAD to make a deal with Boston, I could see it being something like Richardson and O'Bryant for Ratliff, Green, Powe, and the #5. Boston has a lot of nice young assets, so there would be a lot of room to tinker. Basically, it'd be Richardson and O'Bryant for the #5, Ratliff, and a couple of players who aren't named Pierce or Jefferson.</div> That's a good move for us. While Theo expires...you pay him some massive $ for a year. Tellfaire's become a joke--no chance I'd accept that. Green and Powe mean we have some decent outcome. I think at least we have to add our 08 rd one,slightly offset by them adding their 08 rd 2
<div class="quote_poster">wtwalker77 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Chad Ford said in his blog today that the big rumor going around the Eurocamp is the Warriors offering Richardson and the #16 to move up to #4 or #5. It's unclear whether the following are the actual rumored deals or just what Ford himself came up with, but here are the rumored deals: Memphis: it would be for the #5, Stromile Swift, and Damon Stoudemire. Boston: it would be for the #4 and Theo Ratliff's expiring contract if it's Boston. That's too high a price to pay to get Yi in my book.</div> 2 deals to pass on. Even if we keep #18....we pay for some other guys trash removal. The Warriors would have to be mighty taken by whatever they can learn about a guy who's avoided any direct comparison with any other draft prospect
If we are heading for the right direction financially, I would not touch KG deal. After all, we just made PO, and we have young core. The problem is that we are not. In this current direction (assuming that we are not paying luxury tax), we can't sign both Biedrins and Monta, and in two years, we cannot resign Davis either. Obviously, we can't maintain both Davis and KG's contract in long term either. But, if we can't maintain our core group in long term due to financial problem, I don't mind taking a chance with KG. If we can get him for Richardson, Harrington, Monta and picks... Of course, we definitely won't trade both Monta and Biedrins though...
The one thing that keeps the KG thought alive in my head is that the major media hasn't picked up on it. When was the last rumored trade actually executed by Mullin? Answer to that one, there hasn't been one. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> If we can get him for Richardson, Harrington, Monta and picks,,,</div> Oh man, if that's what it took, I'd jump all over it. I'd assume we'd sign Barnes or Pietrus in that case, and maybe Azuibuke, call up Kosta, and draft another 2. If Mullin resigns Barnes to a mid-level exception type of deal and draft a 2, then I'll start to think that something's in the works.
After watching the NBATV report on Yi, I am withdrawing support to get this guy. First I question what his age actually is. I have seen it as being 19 and 22. I also kind of get the feeling that he may be another Skita. I am definitley a bit hesitant about trading Jason Richardson for this pick, right now. Also if he has a Yao Ming type of mentality, I don't know if he is what this team needs, especially if we trade JRich to get that deal done.
<div class="quote_poster">Clif25 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Also if he has a Yao Ming type of mentality, I don't know if he is what this team needs, especially if we trade JRich to get that deal done.</div> Reports say he is very diferent from Yao -- he's confident, playful, has already begun using English instead of Chinese while living near LA, apparently listens to hip-hop, overall it seems like he's got that outgoing star personality, while Yao is more of a mechanical introvert.
http://draftexpress.com/viewarticle.php?a=2126 <div class="quote_poster">Quoting "draftexpress.com":</div><div class="quote_post">Who Slipped? -Yi Jianlian seems to be losing some momentum from what we are hearing. His agent?s decision to overplay his hand and take complete control of his draft destiny may be backfiring at the moment, as he?s has been forced to not only expand the group of teams they?d be ?willing? to consider, but have also abandoned the policy of not allowing him to workout competitively against other players. The Lakers (#20) and Clippers (#14) were in to watch Yi workout last week, while Golden State (#18) on Monday and recently-added Philadelphia (#12) on Tuesday jumped into the picture as well. You can follow his entire workout schedule here. In contrast to his first workouts, Yi is now competing against a live body?Harvard?s Brian Cusworth. Jianlian?s people may have underestimated their ability to dictate exact terms to NBA teams regarding who he will work out for and in what context. Being in Los Angeles for so long and refusing to do any type of competitive workout has obviously raised some red flags in the eyes of teams about exactly what Jianlian might be hiding from them. No NBA person we?ve spoken to has been able to recall a player refusing to attend either the physical-only portion of the pre-draft camp or make any type of visit to the facilities of the NBA team looking to draft him (for a competitive or solo workout, or even an interview). That means it?s almost certainly going to be an uphill battle to try and force a General Manager (who is probably already on the hotseat) to risk their job on a player who is widely considered to be a project with a difficult transition ahead of him. Unknown international draft prospects in the past may have been able to benefit from not being as scrutinized as heavily as their American counterparts, but in this day and age, that advantage is quickly evaporating. An online scouting service that over half of NBA teams subscribe to for example?Synergy Sports Technology?has posted comprehensive video footage of 32 games and 639 individual possessions Jianlian directly participated in over the past year, putting him on equal footing with every player in this year?s draft. Having had the opportunity to watch much of that footage these past few days, we personally came away somewhat underwhelmed. We?ll be posting our detailed thoughts as well as some video footage of our own shortly. </div> For some reason the more I hear/read about this guy the more I think of Skita. Perhaps Chris Mullin is behind Yi's agent's decision to not work Yi out against other players so that he may actually fall to the Warriors at 18. I wouldn't be surprised if he fell like that one PF from Poland who was supposed to go in the lottery, but ended up falling to the second round I believe. I had to go search for his name. But he is Maciej Lampe. Surprisingly he is still young. He is 22. http://www.nba.com/playerfile/maciej_lampe/index.html Anyhow with how his stock may be going, he may fall to the Warriors. Thus there would be no trade needed to get him.
<div class="quote_poster">Clif25 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Anyhow with how his stock may be going, he may fall to the Warriors. Thus there would be no trade needed to get him.</div> IMO There's NO way Yi falls out of the top 10. The only questions about him are the same questions about every other prospect -- will he able to take his game to the next level. I mean, we don't know that about any player, with few exceptions. But if you put all pros/cons of every player on a chart, you'd be a coward if you didn't take a chance on Yi with a top 10 pick. His upside is worth the risk, IMO. I mean, Kevin Durant just tested as the WORST athlete in the draft (didn't prepare himself for the workouts). You can bet GMs are still willing to take him in the top 3, hands down.
<div class="quote_poster">AlleyOop Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">IMO There's NO way Yi falls out of the top 10. The only questions about him are the same questions about every other prospect -- will he able to take his game to the next level. I mean, we don't know that about any player, with few exceptions. But if you put all pros/cons of every player on a chart, you'd be a coward if you didn't take a chance on Yi with a top 10 pick. His upside is worth the risk, IMO. I mean, Kevin Durant just tested as the WORST athlete in the draft (didn't prepare himself for the workouts). You can bet GMs are still willing to take him in the top 3, hands down.</div> There is some truth to this, but when you are from the Chinese Basketball league, you better at least work out against someone for the scouts. I believe Kevin Durant was NCAA Player of the Year. That is much more proven than a 22 year old (or however old he is) coming from China with hype. If Don Nelson and Chris Mullin think he is the real deal, and if Yi's stock is really falling, then perhaps the Warriors can refrain from doing such a big trade of JRich for the 5th pick just to get Yi. Perhaps with the two second round picks the Warriors could do number 18 and one of the other second rounders to move up a few spots to grab him. All I am thinking is that Yi, a tall, athletic, shooter, and very unproven reminds me of Skita. And I was one of the people who was intrigued by Skita when he was in the 2002 draft. The only reasons why I could think Dan Fegan is doing this for Yi is because Yi has some major flaws in his game (the author of that assertion even noted that after watching footage of him the last few days that they he came away "somewhat underwhelmed") that he wants to hide or he is trying to get his stock to fall to later in the first round to play in perhaps a better Chinese demographic areas like the Bay Area and Los Angeles.
