Official 2013 Off Season Thread

[VASFfan]

Per Mark Jackson the Warriors 52nd pick this year, Ognjen Kuzmic will be playing with the Warriors in the Summer League. I haven't seen or heard much about him but he's 23, 7-1" and 231lbs. Doesn't look like he's much of a difference maker, but at least they can take a good look at him against fringe NBA players.

This was the only video I found of him:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eh_AtCNZJaI

Here are his most recent stats from overseas:
Ognjen Kuzmic Player Profile, baloncesto, basquetbol, basquet, FIATC Joventut, International Stats, Game Logs - EUROBASKET

Interesting. Every once in a while, I checked out his stats and he didn't seem horrible but numbers don't tell you as much as seeing someone actually in action. (Note my subtle anti-Moneyball dig.) Have no idea what kind of competition he was facing. But was curious if he was an actual prospect or just another guy. If they're bringing him over, I guess they're at least curious about him. If nothing else, you can't teach 7'1".

Even if he's got some skills, I wonder if they might just stick him in Europe again or let him sit on the end of the bench and watch and learn. We've already got Bogut and Ezeli and (hopefully not but probably) Biedrins.

 

[Heathbar012]

Interesting. Every once in a while, I checked out his stats and he didn't seem horrible but numbers don't tell you as much as seeing someone actually in action. (Note my subtle anti-Moneyball dig.) Have no idea what kind of competition he was facing. But was curious if he was an actual prospect or just another guy. If they're bringing him over, I guess they're at least curious about him. If nothing else, you can't teach 7'1".

Even if he's got some skills, I wonder if they might just stick him in Europe again or let him sit on the end of the bench and watch and learn. We've already got Bogut and Ezeli and (hopefully not but probably) Biedrins.

Even just another big body at practice, so Bogut can sit back in the ice bath and direct the D from the sideline.

 

[CitySushi]

Interesting. Every once in a while, I checked out his stats and he didn't seem horrible but numbers don't tell you as much as seeing someone actually in action. (Note my subtle anti-Moneyball dig.) Have no idea what kind of competition he was facing. But was curious if he was an actual prospect or just another guy. If they're bringing him over, I guess they're at least curious about him. If nothing else, you can't teach 7'1".

Even if he's got some skills, I wonder if they might just stick him in Europe again or let him sit on the end of the bench and watch and learn. We've already got Bogut and Ezeli and (hopefully not but probably) Biedrins.

I have a feeling that this is basically the Warriors doing advanced scouting to see if he's made any progress from when they first drafted him. I really don't see any reason for them to sign him this year unless he completely wows at the Summer League. All indications so far look like we're going to ride out Biedrins and Jefferson's contract to have cap room in the Summer of 14'. If that's the case, Kuzmic is just another redundant piece that adds to our looming luxury tax.

If I had to guess I would say this is basically a try out for a contract for 2014. Stashing him for another year seems to be optimal at this point.

 

[CitySushi]

My objection to Larkin isn't about athleticism or shooting, it's more that he's a smurf. We've already got a smallish point, I don't think we want someone who's even more vertically challenged. But that's my bias.

I agree with you 100% on the size. I just don't love the current Free Agent market for backup PGs right now, which makes Larkin at least intriguing to me.

 

[Heathbar012]

I agree with you 100% on the size. I just don't love the current Free Agent market for backup PGs right now, which makes Larkin at least intriguing to me.

Worth buying an early-to-mid second round pick? Better than DJ Augustin for one year @ 4mil with a team option for 2014-15? After five games and a little bit of film (small sample size, I know), I see Larkin as a 2 trapped in a PG's body. An even smaller, slightly more athletic Austin Rivers.

Augustin's defense and shooting are suspect, but he can pass and penetrate light-years beyond any of the available rookies (to name one FA). After Trey Burke, this isn't a very impressive draft for guards (I see McLemore as a 3. If you see him as a 2 and love Oladipo, that could sway my opinion a little bit, but I think we agree there is mostly roster depth in this draft, for now.) The post players look impressive, but they are all pretty raw, skinny and, thus, that much more difficult to predict success (as usual).

Certainly, there are always surprises, and maybe Larkin or Goodwin will be one of those. However, I'm not too worried about the Warriors' not having a pick in this draft. I agree that purchasing an early second round pick could be helpful, but I think it would be more beneficial to replace Jack (and possibly Landry) with veteran players that have proven strengths in places of need. Granted, there isn't a lot of money available to do that, but, for what Golden State is looking for, I see better fits in the FA and RFA pool than this particular draft.

 

[CitySushi]

Worth buying an early-to-mid second round pick? Better than DJ Augustin for one year @ 4mil with a team option for 2014-15? After five games and a little bit of film (small sample size, I know), I see Larkin as a 2 trapped in a PG's body. An even smaller, slightly more athletic Austin Rivers.

Augustin's defense and shooting are suspect, but he can pass and penetrate light-years beyond any of the available rookies (to name one FA). After Trey Burke, this isn't a very impressive draft for guards (I see McLemore as a 3. If you see him as a 2 and love Oladipo, that could sway my opinion a little bit, but I think we agree there is mostly roster depth in this draft, for now.) The post players look impressive, but they are all pretty raw, skinny and, thus, that much more difficult to predict success (as usual).

Certainly, there are always surprises, and maybe Larkin or Goodwin will be one of those. However, I'm not too worried about the Warriors' not having a pick in this draft. I agree that purchasing an early second round pick could be helpful, but I think it would be more beneficial to replace Jack (and possibly Landry) with veteran players that have proven strengths in places of need. Granted, there isn't a lot of money available to do that, but, for what Golden State is looking for, I see better fits in the FA and RFA pool than this particular draft.

No in your scenario I would much rather pursue Augustine (as I listed him as one of the guards I was interested in, in my first post). The problem lies with the rest of the field. Larkin was just one prospect that intrigued me, not a guy I see as a solution to the Warriors back up pg needs.

The benefit of buying into the second round is that none of the picks are guaranteed. You can sign the guy for a one year contract with multiple team options. If he doesn't work out, you can cut your losses and still have your cap room. If one of the backup PG's you're looking at draws a hard line with a 2 year 8M contract, would you be willing to use up 4M in cap space or have the flexibility to use that money in next years Free Agency. It's all things that Myers and the rest of the management crew will go over in their scenarios.

 

[Heathbar012]

No in your scenario I would much rather pursue Augustine (as I listed him as one of the guards I was interested in, in my first post). The problem lies with the rest of the field. Larkin was just one prospect that intrigued me, not a guy I see as a solution to the Warriors back up pg needs.

The benefit of buying into the second round is that none of the picks are guaranteed. You can sign the guy for a one year contract with multiple team options. If he doesn't work out, you can cut your losses and still have your cap room. If one of the backup PG's you're looking at draws a hard line with a 2 year 8M contract, would you be willing to use up 4M in cap space or have the flexibility to use that money in next years Free Agency. It's all things that Myers and the rest of the management crew will go over in their scenarios.

Definitely, and it's nice to finally be able to trust them with those decisions. Personally, as scary as it potentially can be, I don't mind being on the hook for that second year. For one, it would likely be a Landry/Rush situation where there is a team or player option. Even if it isn't, Biedrins and Jefferson come off the books that year, so there is more wiggle room. Third, I think there are some good fits in the FA market. Nothing flashy, of course, but players that will definitely bring more to the table, earlier than most second round picks.

I'm usually all for the future and financial flexibility, but this crop of draft-eligible players is very underwhelming to me. I would be happier with spending 2 years and $6-7 mil (player option for the second year) on Randy Foye (a 2 in a chubby PG's body ) than spending $2-3 mil on drafting Larkin, Goodwin, Canaan, Kabongo, etc. I know you were just comparing two prospects, and we're not really disagreeing on assessments. I'm just pointing out that, given the Warriors' current construction, I would be happier if more of the focus were on evaluating what would fit from an underwhelming FA class (at the top, still hold that there are some good bargains out there, especially with the new CBA) than an underwhelming draft class. That opinion would have been different 2-4 years ago.

 

[CitySushi]

Definitely, and it's nice to finally be able to trust them with those decisions. Personally, as scary as it potentially can be, I don't mind being on the hook for that second year. For one, it would likely be a Landry/Rush situation where there is a team or player option. Even if it isn't, Biedrins and Jefferson come off the books that year, so there is more wiggle room. Third, I think there are some good fits in the FA market. Nothing flashy, of course, but players that will definitely bring more to the table, earlier than most second round picks.

I'm usually all for the future and financial flexibility, but this crop of draft-eligible players is very underwhelming to me. I would be happier with spending 2 years and $6-7 mil (player option for the second year) on Randy Foye (a 2 in a chubby PG's body ) than spending $2-3 mil on drafting Larkin, Goodwin, Canaan, Kabongo, etc. I know you were just comparing two prospects, and we're not really disagreeing on assessments. I'm just pointing out that, given the Warriors' current construction, I would be happier if more of the focus were on evaluating what would fit from an underwhelming FA class (at the top, still hold that there are some good bargains out there, especially with the new CBA) than an underwhelming draft class. That opinion would have been different 2-4 years ago.

After looking at the free agent market again, there actually are a few more names that I originally thought would be out of the Warriors price range that may end up being and option for them. There aren't many teams out there looking for starting PG's and legit cap rooms to sign guys. I see Atlanta, Detroit, Milwaukee, Dallas and Utah all having room to sign starting PG's. Other than that teams will be looking to sign back up PG's at back up PG prices. If given the option between teams now, the Warriors have become a destination that can compete. Also I think an added benefit will be how well Jack did with the Warriors and how much run he was given. It gives a guy who's trying to maybe play for his next contract some added incentive as well.

 

[Heathbar012]

After looking at the free agent market again, there actually are a few more names that I originally thought would be out of the Warriors price range that may end up being an option for them. There aren't many teams out there looking for starting PG's and legit cap rooms to sign guys. I see Atlanta, Detroit, Milwaukee, Dallas and Utah all having room to sign starting PG's. Other than that teams will be looking to sign back up PG's at back up PG prices. If given the option between teams now, the Warriors have become a destination that can compete. Also I think an added benefit will be how well Jack did with the Warriors and how much run he was given. It gives a guy who's trying to maybe play for his next contract some added incentive as well.

THIS. Well-put. It's nice to have options.

 

[CameronFrye]

Per MT2, he said it sounds as if Myers might be planning to stand pat with this roster. Obviously some changes will be affected by Landry and Jack, but there aren't really any plans to overhaul the roster or make any big splashes. I think this may have to do with GSW being a black hole for NBA players. Previously the only guys we could ever get were the selfish number getters looking to increase their pay on to their next contract or over paid under producing players. I'm thinking Myers is factoring all this in for next years free agency.

Sorry guys. I started another thread before I saw this one.

The Dubs are going to "stand pat" because they have almost no choice. They will likely have a cap number of around $70 mil for the upcoming season and 11 guys under contract. This ASSumes that Jack and Landry both opt out of their deals. They are going to have to sign a few guys to vet minimum salaries and hope those guys can contribute. They'll definitely need a point guard and possibly another backup center as well.

Plus, the Dubs traded away both picks in the upcoming draft - the first rounder in the Notebook Williams deal and the second rounder in the _avi_ Lee deal.

Barring a huge mega deal for some sign-and-trade FA (ain't gonna happen) the Dubs really have no choice but to keep the roster they have.

Now after the 2013-14 season is over, Golden State is going to be a HUUUUUUGE player in the market.

 

[Ray_Dogg]

Will Lacob buy the 13th pick?
Sources: Mavs likely to trade No. 13 overall pick - Dallas Mavericks Blog - ESPN Dallas

 

[TobyTyler]

Not a huge Dwight Howard fan. He is bad for team chemistry. Maybe if Lee and Bogut both come back heallthy we will have a good enough inside presence to be able to compete with the big boys like San Antonio and OKC.

 

[ColinCoby]

Will Lacob buy the 13th pick?
Sources: Mavs likely to trade No. 13 overall pick - Dallas Mavericks Blog - ESPN Dallas

This team is young enough! We need athletic vets!

 

[justforkicks]

This is the trade I proposed in the Dwight Howard thread and I wanted to keep running with it.

Bogut, Klay, RJ(Amnesty fodder), S&T Jack for Dwight and Blake or Duhon.

Warriors starting 5:
Curry, Rush, Barnes, Lee and DH12.
Bench:
Blake or Duhon, Bazemore, Draymond, Ezeli, Beans

Ideally they'd sign:
PG: Jose Calderon or Shaun Livingston (veteran minimum) - I don't like Duhon and Blake.
SG: Tyreke Evans ($6mil - might need to waive Rush's option) or Tony Allen ($4 mil)
SF: Corey Brewer ($2mil) or Dominic McGuire (minimum) - need another perimeter stopper.
PF: Elton Brand or Kwame Brown (veteran minimum) - Older PFs that can play spot minutes and defense.

Draft:
Buy a late #1 or early #2
Select PF Tony Mitchell (North Texas) - Somewhat raw, super athletic, great defender and a decent shooter. He'll need to be coached up.

 

[Ray_Dogg]

As we knew, Bieds is opting in:
Biedrins exercising option, returning to Warriors | CSN Northwest

 

[TobyTyler]

As we knew, Bieds is opting in:
Biedrins exercising option, returning to Warriors | CSN Northwest

Why wouldn't he? He gets paid 9 Mil a year to sit and watch NBA games from the best seat in the house.

 

[CameronFrye]

Why wouldn't he? He gets paid 9 Mil a year to sit and watch NBA games from the best seat in the house.

Right next to Richard Jefferson, who gets the honor of playing 1:30 a game.

 

[justforkicks]

Will Lacob buy the 13th pick?
Sources: Mavs likely to trade No. 13 overall pick - Dallas Mavericks Blog - ESPN Dallas

If that's the case, I think Cody Zeller is the perfect fit behind Lee.

 

[TobyTyler]

Right next to Richard Jefferson, who gets the honor of playing 1:30 a game.

Since Old man Jefferson has to play 90 seconds a game he gets that extra 2 million over Biedrins.

 

[Hambombs]

This is the trade I proposed in the Dwight Howard thread and I wanted to keep running with it.

Bogut, Klay, RJ(Amnesty fodder), S&T Jack for Dwight and Blake or Duhon.

Warriors starting 5:
Curry, Rush, Barnes, Lee and DH12.
Bench:
Blake or Duhon, Bazemore, Draymond, Ezeli, Beans

Ideally they'd sign:
PG: Jose Calderon or Shaun Livingston (veteran minimum) - I don't like Duhon and Blake.
SG: Tyreke Evans ($6mil - might need to waive Rush's option) or Tony Allen ($4 mil)
SF: Corey Brewer ($2mil) or Dominic McGuire (minimum) - need another perimeter stopper.
PF: Elton Brand or Kwame Brown (veteran minimum) - Older PFs that can play spot minutes and defense.

Draft:
Buy a late #1 or early #2
Select PF Tony Mitchell (North Texas) - Somewhat raw, super athletic, great defender and a decent shooter. He'll need to be coached up.

Looks good. Although i think Landry could stay. I also would love Tony Allen or tyreke Evans on this team