RealGM Basketball Wiretap

Warriors Willing To Pay Tax Next Season, No Longer Searching For Blockbuster Move

Mon, 20 May 2013 19:28:18 EDT

The Golden State Warriors have never paid the luxury tax, but their strong showing in the 2013 NBA Playoffs further confirms the new ownership's willingness to consider it.

"When you start from a place of winning, you may venture into the tax if it does help you win and it’s worth it," said Bob Myers. "But you have to be smart about it, you have to be prudent about it.

"But we’ve shown last year–I can tell you, it was a decision we made with Carl Landry, with his signing, and re-acquiring Brandon Rush. Do we want to go into the tax? And the dialogue our front office had with our ownership was, 'Are you comfortable going into the tax? And we cannot promise that we’ll be able to get out of the tax.'

"And ownership answered in the affirmative. “Go, if you think Cal Landry and Brandon Rush are going to be important to this team, go get ‘em.”

"I imagine it’ll be the same directive this summer."

The Warriors also have appeared to move beyond the desire to make a major franchise altering move. Golden State pursued a trade for Chris Paul in December of 2011.

"I think a sense desperation has passed," said Myers.

"I think that–whereas when you’re trying to do anything to get over the hump you do sometimes chase things that may be difficult to acquire. Whereas now, doesn’t mean we’re satisfied, it doesn’t mean we think our work is through, but we can be prudent and patient with opportunities as they come along."

Harrison Barnes Enjoyed Playing Small Ball Power Forward

Fri, 17 May 2013 19:56:16 EDT

Due to the injury to David Lee, the Golden State Warriors were forced to be inventive and play Harrison Barnes minutes at power forward.

Many in the media had proposed that Barnes play as the Warriors' small ball power forward previously in the season in order to space the floor due to their lack of playmakers able to get to the basket off the dribble.

"It was fun to kind of play that style," said Barnes. "We’d never really done that before this season. Really, I’d never really played that at Carolina. I’ve always been so accustomed to having two bigs, especially fixtures on the block.

"So just to be able to play that spread out basketball, kind of drive and kick… it was fun to have four people who could handle the ball, just get out on the break, we all had different mis-matches. It was exciting."

Source: Warriors Believe Purchasing Draft Pick An Option

Fri, 17 May 2013 12:06:03 EDT

The Golden State Warriors believe they can purchase a first or second round pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, according to a source.

The Warriors' first round pick belongs to the Utah Jazz.

The Warriors acquired an extra first round pick last season from the San Antonio Spurs by taking on the salary of Richard Jefferson. Golden State selected Festus Ezeli with the pick.

Lillard, Davis, Beal, Waiters, Barnes On 2013 All-Rookie First Team

Tue, 14 May 2013 14:39:00 EDT

Damian Lillard headlines the 2013 NBA All-Rookie Team as a unanimous selection.

Bradley Beal, Anthony Davis, Dion Waiters and Harrison Barnes joined Lillard on the All-Rookie First Team.

On the All-Rookie Second Team is Andre Drummond, Jonas Valanciunas, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kyle Singler and Tyler Zeller.

Curry Underwent Anti-Inflammatory Injection Before Game 4

Sun, 12 May 2013 20:02:12 EDT

Stephen Curry received an anti-inflammatory injection in his ankle before Game 4. 

Curry played 39 minutes in the Golden State Warriors' 97-87 overtime win over the San Antonio Spurs.

Curry re-injured his ankle in Game 3.

Stephen Curry Considered Game-Time Decision For Game 4

Sat, 11 May 2013 21:31:28 EDT

Stephen Curry is a game-time decision for Sunday’s Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals, due to a sprained left ankle.

Curry is receiving around-the-clock on treatment on his sprained ankle, which he tweaked with less than five minutes remaining in Game 3.

"He'll play," Klay Thompson said. "No question about it. He will play through anything. He's got heart."

Danny Green, Spurs Treating Curry Like 'Mini Kevin Durant'

Sat, 11 May 2013 11:30:07 EDT

Danny Green has held Stephen Curry to 1-of-15 shooting in Games 2 and 3 of the San Antonio Spurs’ second-round series against Golden State.

"It's a great (challenge) man," Green said. "We treat him like a mini Kevin Durant. Obviously he's not as tall or as lethal attacking the rim, but he can finish, has floaters, has all types of stuff, a quick trigger. He's a scorer – a true scorer.

"He's one of the best scorers we have in the league now. And for me to be able to guard him that tough – they have me guarding him and telling me to step up to this challenge – is big for me. I'm defending the way they tell me to defend him. You know, long story short, just stay connected to him. Stay in his airspace and try to make him uncomfortable."

Curry is a combined 12-of-37 over his last two games.

Mark Jackson: Trading Monta Ellis Helped Change Warriors' Culture

Thu, 09 May 2013 18:20:21 EDT

Mark Jackson was asked on Thursday how the Golden State Warriors' trade of Monta Ellis for Andrew Bogut, which created more opportunities for Klay Thompson.

“It helped change the culture," said Jackson. :Obviously it was easier to pull the trigger because we knew what we had in Klay and it was time for him to be a starting two-guard. And he does everything right.” 

Jackson was asked for anything specific in how the trade helped change the culture.

"You know," said Jackson.

Jackson called Ellis the third best shooting guard in the NBA when he was hired.

Klay Thompson 'Felt Like Steph' During Game 2

Thu, 09 May 2013 17:48:13 EDT

Klay Thompson had 34 points and 14 rebounds in the Golden State Warriors' 100-91 win over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 2 on Wednesday.

Thompson had 29 points while shooting 7-for-8 on three-pointers in the first half.

"I felt like Steph Curry out there," said Thompson on Thursday.

"We're in the driver's seat right now. We control our own destiny. I feel like this is our time."

Teams Had Won 392 Straight Games Up By 16 With Less Than Four Minutes Left Before Warriors' Collapse

Tue, 07 May 2013 13:28:25 EDT

The Golden State Warriors had 16-point lead with less than four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter of Game 1, but the San Antonio Spurs went on an 18-2 run to force the game into overtime. 

The Spurs eventually won the game in double-overtime on a Manu Ginobili three-pointer.

Teams up by 16 points at the four-minute mark had won 392 consecutive games.

Jarrett Jack Shut Down Extension Talks, Wants To Experience Free Agency

Fri, 03 May 2013 11:10:05 EDT

Jarrett Jack shut down contract extension talks with the Golden State Warriors back in January.

Jack will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season.

Playing in the final year of his contract, Jack averaged 12.9 points and 5.6 assists and finished third in the Sixth Man of the Year voting.

Jack has upped his production in the postseason, averaging 18.8 points and 7.0 assists, including 52.6 percent shooting from the field and 90.6 percent shooting from the free throw line, all higher than his regular season averages.

David Lee Active For Game 6 Despite Torn Hip Flexor

Thu, 02 May 2013 22:41:38 EDT

David Lee is active for the Golden State Warriors in Game 6 against the Denver nuggets.

A source tells CBS Sports' Jeff Goodman that he could play 8-10 minutes.

Lee tore his hip flexor in Game 1 and was ruled out for the season.

The Warriors are 3-1 without Lee in the lineup in the playoffs.

Mark Jackson Fined $25,000 By NBA

Thu, 02 May 2013 19:43:44 EDT

Mark Jackson has been fined $25,000 for making public comments in an attempt to influence the officiating.

Jackson said that the Denver Nuggets sent 'hit men' to rough up Stephen Curry.

76ers To Interview Mike Malone, Hornacek

Thu, 02 May 2013 10:35:16 EDT

The Philadelphia 76ers will interview Mike Malone and Jeff Hornacek for their head coaching vacancy, according to sources.

Malone is currently an assistant with the Golden State Warriors, while Hornacek is an assistant with the Utah Jazz.

Malone has been a candidate for several NBA head coaching jobs and is currently the top-paid assistant in the league.

The 76ers are also strongly considering Brian Shaw and would be interested in Lionel Hollins should he become available.

David Lee To Wait One More Week Before Making Decision On Surgery

Wed, 01 May 2013 22:05:25 EDT

David Lee could still undergo surgery to repair his torn hip flexor, according to a source.

Lee will wait one more week to see an additional specialist before making a determination.

Lee injured his hip in Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs.

Warriors, Nuggets Accuse Each Other Of 'Dirty Plays'

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 23:21:50 EDT

Mark Jackson accused the Denver Nuggets of taking cheap shots at Stephen Curry during the Golden State Warriors' loss in Game 5.

Jackson said that Denver people warned him of what would take place with "inside info".

"They tried to send hit men on Steph," said Jackson. "It wasn't magic, they outplayed us."

Curry agreed that he seemed targeted by the Nuggets.

Kenneth Faried responded to accusations from Jackson with a similar sentiment.

"They play dirty every night. They have targeted me," said Faried.

Curry, visibly frustrated following the game, also engaged in a verbal altercation with a fan while exiting through the tunnel.

Mark Jackson Won't Rule Out Coaching Jason Collins, Talks Christian Values

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 15:37:58 EDT

Mark Jackson was asked on Monday to respond to Jason Collins' disclosure of his status as a gay man.

Jackson, who works for openly gay team president Rick Welts, has received attention for his ubiquitous Christianity as head coach of the Golden State Warriors.

"As a Christian man, I have beliefs of what's right and what's wrong," replied Jackson. "That being said, I know Jason Collins, I know his family and I'm certainly praying for them at this time."

Jackson was asked if Collins would be welcomed on the Warriors.

"If he had game. If he could help this team. Right now, he can't help this team."

Welts spoke to the media after Jackson.

"(Collins) absolutely will receive more opportunities," said Welts. "More doors will open than close."

The NBA community has been overwhelmingly supporting of Collins' announcement to Sports Illustrated.

ESPN's Chris Broussard said some players he spoke to told him privately that they might be uncomfortable playing with Collins.

Jarrett Jack, Agent Reassure Warriors He Wants To Re-Sign

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 01:09:42 EDT

Jarrett Jack and his agent have re-enforced to Golden State Warriors management that he wants to re-sign with the organization this offseason, when the guard will become a free agent.

"Hopefully, I can stay right here," Jack said. "I told my agent. I’m sure he spoke to the powers that be that I have desires to stay right here and help this franchise grow to the best of its ability.

“I think it’s just a perfect marriage. My teammates, the camaraderie we have, I like my role. I like what I’m able to bring to this team. Could I go somewhere and it would be bigger, but we might not be playing for as much? I try to make it a perfect marriage. The economics, that’s going to take precedent at times, but you also want to be happy. That’s the most fulfilling thing I have playing on this team.”

Jack has been a vital reserve for the Warriors all season and is averaging 19.7 points and eight assists in three playoff games.

"Could I go somewhere else and [start]? Yeah," Jack said. "But I like who we have here. I like the role that I’m in and am comfortable in. If it’s able to work out, I would love to be back here.”

Stephen Curry Receiving Treatment For Ankle Sprain, 'Probably' Will Play Game 3

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:54:51 EDT

Stephen Curry acknowledged his sprained left ankle is worse than originally thought, but said he "probably" would be able to play when Golden State hosts the Denver Nuggets on Friday in Game 3 of their opening round playoff series.

"There's nothing I can do right now, just try to manage the swelling and hopefully get it right by tomorrow night," Curry said. "I still have a little ways to go, but it should it should be all right."

Curry is getting intensive treatment on the ankle.

"It kind of acted up overnight after the game, and it was a little worse than I thought it would be since I was able to finish the game,” Curry said. “It's responded pretty well over the last day of treatment so I expect the same by (Friday) night."

Mark Jackson On Treatment Of Non-Christian Players: Jesus Hung Around Everybody

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 15:10:27 EDT

The way in which Mark Jackson mixes his role as head coach of the Golden State Warriors with his ubiquitous Christian faith has been a topic of media conversation in recent days following a story by Mercury News' beat writer Marcus Thompson III that was referenced during ESPN's telecast of Game 1.

The Warriors have several players who identify themselves as Christians, most notably team leaders Stephen Curry and David Lee.

Jackson was asked on Thursday whether he treats non-Christian players equally.

"(Jesus) didn't just hang around a bunch of Christians," said Jackson. "He hung around everybody."

The response echoed what he told Thompson.

"It's who I am," Jackson said. "I've watched people overcome, I've watched people accomplish, I've watched people bounce back -- all because of the Word. I've watched it work powerfully in my life. Why not use it? If I can use John Wooden's seven steps, then why can't I use Christ's words?"

Last year, Jackson was the victim of an extortion plot last year with a former stripper he admittedly had an extramarital affair with. Jackson also brought a close friend named Warren Braithwaite, who was later arrested on drug-trafficking charges, to the press conference in which he was introduced as head coach of the Warriors.

Phil Jackson Has Issue With Coaches Being Hired Without Any Previous Experience

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 10:22:26 EDT

Phil Jackson coached in the CBA and was an assistant coach for several years before finally receiving the opportunity to become head coach of the Chicago Bulls.

His path is far different than Mark Jackson, who had zero coaching experience before becoming head coach of the Golden State Warriors.

"I have some problems with guys going directly from the (television) booth to coaching, without any preparation," said Phil Jackson, who worked his way up from coaching in minor-league outposts like Albany and Puerto Rico. "It's not that easy. Doc Rivers did it, and other guys have done it, and I think Mark was prepared to do that, but it's still a shock, so to speak - the practice, preparation and the whole nine yards, when you've been sitting on the observing end of it. ...

"But I hold nothing against Mark for having the opportunity."

Landry, Bogut Played Just 53 Minutes Together During Regular Season

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 12:30:59 EDT

Andrew Bogut and Carl Landry played just 53 minutes together during the regular season, which is a low output for two of the Golden State Warriors' top seven players.

Landry's success this season has come when paired with David Lee, who is out for the season with a torn hip flexor.

Bogut was limited by injury, but the fact that the Warriors held him and Landry to just 53 minutes nevertheless is a clear indication they concede the pairing is far from optimal.

Landry will likely assume a bigger role for the Warriors with Lee out.

David Lee Had Been Concealing Bad Back Before Hip Injury

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 10:10:23 EDT

David Lee had played the last two weeks of the regular season with a considerable back pain, which he didn't want reported.

Lee tried to conceal an ice pack he uses during game stoppages with his shooting shirt.

"The only other option was to not play, and you guys who know me know that was not something I was even considering," said Lee.

Lee tore his right hip flexor when he attempted to draw contact from JaVale McGee on a drive that seemingly could have comfortably resulted in a layup.

David Lee Out For Season With Torn Hip Flexor

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 13:14:30 EDT

David Lee tore his right hip flexor in Saturday's loss by the Golden State Warriors to the Denver Nuggets and is out for the season.

While x-rays on Saturday were negative, an MRI on Sunday revealed the complete Grade 3 tear.

Lee was playing his first game in the NBA Playoffs after being in the league since 2005.

The Warriors are in their first postseason since 2007 and trail the Nuggets 1-0.

Ellis Lost Trust For Warriors' Organization Following Mullin's Departure

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 12:19:38 EDT

Monta Ellis broke his ankle in a moped accident in 2008 shortly after signing a six-year, $66 million contract extension.

Ellis received support from then-general manager Chris Mullin, but the Warriors wanted him to return an additional $500,000 beyond the nearly $3 million he had already agreed to.

The situation revealed the developing rift between Mullin, former owner Chris Cohan and former team president Robert Rowell.

Mullin left the franchise in May of 2009.

"Chris Mullin, he had my back 100 percent," Ellis says. "And they jerked him off. Then when they jerked him off because he was sticking up for me as being a guy who made a mistake or a young man who made a mistake, when they did that to him, I was totally off the organization then. There wasn't nothing I could do then, because who could I trust? The people that I could trust in the organization, you had just sent them away. It was a dark cloud from then on with the owner in that organization there."

The Warriors were eventually sold to a group led by Joe Lacob in 2010. Ellis was traded in a deal for Andrew Bogut at the 2012 deadline.

"The thing is with that, you trade me, you didn't let my agent know that you were going to trade me," he says. "The killing thing about that, I'm in Sacramento, the trade deadline is going on and I talked to them. We talked to them. They said, 'You're not getting traded. You're not going anywhere. Get ready for the game.' I'm cool with that. We were just two games out of the eighth spot for playoffs. We rolling. Everybody's jelling. We good. I get from the hotel to the gym. I'm getting dressed, the next thing you know, it comes on the bottom of the screen. One of my teammates sees it. I say, 'Nah, I ain't getting traded. They said I'm not getting traded.' At the bottom of the screen, it comes across again. I'm fitting to go out there and work out for the game. Then Mark Jackson brings me back, he tells me, 'Well, they didn't want me to tell you, but I'm going to be a man and tell you we traded you.' Those were his exact words."

Lacob was subsequently booed at Mullin's jersey retirement in Oakland during the next week, at least in part because of the unpopular decision to trade Ellis. Other reasons that played a part were the new ownership's clear wishes to relocate to San Francisco, as well as guaranteeing a playoff spot before the start of the season.

"After everything I've done for that organization, playing through injuries, going out there every night, competing every night, leaving everything on the floor, for them to do me the way they did, it stung a little bit," Ellis says of the trade. "At the same time, I put some dirt on it and moved on."

Ellis seems to prefer the culture with the Milwaukee Bucks over the Warriors.

"The difference here?" Ellis says. "You've got guys over here that actually play hard. Over there, guys didn't play hard. They didn't play hard at all. They make it out to seem like 'Monta was the selfish guy. He was always the one complaining.' But if you look at it, I was averaging five or six assists throughout my whole career, top five in steals for at least six of the eight years I've been in the NBA. What more can I do? Everything was pointed at me. Everything was pointed at Monta. But what more you want me to do? You had [me] guarding the best player every night. There's nothing else I can do."

Warriors Turned Down Pierce For Barnes, 2014 Expiring Offer From Celtics At Deadline

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 18:05:42 EDT

At the deadline, the Golden State Warriors turned down an offer of Paul Pierce from the Boston Celtics for Harrison Barnes and the expiring 2014 contract of either Andris Biedrins or Richard Jefferson.

Barnes was the seventh overall pick in last June's draft and started 81 games at small forward.

With Pierce, the Warriors presumably would have improved their short-term chances in the playoffs.

David Lee Excited For Playoffs Instead Of Shipping Cars

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 08:59:07 EDT

David Lee is making his first appearance in the playoffs after playing 577 career NBA games over eight seasons.

The Golden State Warriors are returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2007. Lee has been with the Warriors since the 10-11 NBA season.

The Warriors will play the Denver Nuggets in the first round.

"At this point last year, most of us were having the conversation about when we were heading out of town," said Lee. "Bags were packed, cars shipped out. So for us, this is really exciting. We know we have a challenge in front of us and we're ready to get started."

Dwayne Jones To Sign With Warriors

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 15:48:15 EDT

Texas Legends center Dwayne Jones will sign with the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday for the remainder of the season, agent Joel Bell told RealGM.

Jones was on a flight Wednesday afternoon to sign his contract and is eligible to play in the playoffs.

A 29-year-old, 6-foot-11 center, Jones will give the Warriors additional size on the front line heading into a likely playoff matchup against the Denver Nuggets’ strong, athletic frontcourt. Andrew Bogut has dealt with injuries throughout the season, forcing Mark Jackson to give rookie Festus Ezeli 41 starts at center.

Jones had a five-year NBA career starting in 2005 with the Boston Celtics, and he ultimately was on three other teams – including playing parts of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Finals season in 2007. He has career averages of 1.3 points and 2.3 rebounds.

Curry On Verge Of Three-Point Record

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 09:02:40 EDT

With one game remaining, Stephen Curry is just two three-pointers shy of breaking Ray Allen's single-season record of 269 made threes.

"He should be done with that by the end of the first quarter," Jarrett Jack said.

Curry is shooting 45.5 percent on three-pointers and is averaging almost 3.5 baskets from long range over the 77 games he has played.

"I don't know who second place is for the best shooter in the world," Mark Jackson said. "But he certainly has first place tied up."

Curry admits he wants Allen's record. The biggest challenge against the Portland Trail Blazers, he said, might be just trying not to think about the mark every time he shoots.

"You just hope it happens. Obviously, I know about it," Curry said. "You just try to play your game, and obviously shooting the ball is a part of it. I'm not going to force it. But it'd be nice to do it."

Andrew Bogut Has Bone Bruise In Ankle

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 12:09:20 EDT

Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut has a bone bruise in his left ankle.

An MRI revealed the injury to his surgically repaired ankle.

Bogut sprained his ankle during Golden State's loss to Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night. He sat out against the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night.

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Wed, 22 May 2013 18:17:02 EDT

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