Golden State Warriors Blog – Page 36 – NBA Blog

Danny Ainge says Stephen Curry is the best shooter he has ever seen

Now this is a fun discussion. There’s no one right answer to who the greatest shooter in NBA history is, because it’s just an opinion. But even though Stephen Curry’s NBA career still has a very long way to go, many people are answering the question by pointing in his direction. Here’s WEEI.com reporting:

Danny Ainge spent nearly eight seasons alongside Larry Bird, the man many consider the greatest shooter in NBA history, so he doesn’t say the following lightly: Stephen Curry is the best shooter he’s ever seen.

Ainge made the observation on Twitter during the playoffs, which ended with Curry’s Warriors claiming the title, and he explained himself earlier this week in an interview with WEEI.com from his Waltham office.

“I think Larry was as good a shooter as I’ve ever seen before Steph. And Ray Allen is up there, too,” Ainge said. “If anybody were to come in and tell me, ‘Larry Bird‘s the best shooter of all time,’ I wouldn’t have much argument. Same with Ray. I probably wouldn’t argue. It’s really close.”

Warriors offer Harrison Barnes extension

Harrison Barnes is good, but how good? Here’s Yahoo Sports reporting on the Warriors, who are offering a sizable contract extension to the 6-8, 225-pound small forward. Barnes has talent but is a role player on this team, so it’ll be interesting to see if the two sides can come to an eventual agreement.

The Golden State Warriors delivered forward Harrison Barnes an initial four-year, $64 million contract extension proposal, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

The $16 million annual offer wasn’t accepted, but appears to be a starting point in talks that could last until the Oct. 31 deadline for rookie extensions.

The Warriors are trying to prevent Barnes from reaching restricted free agency in July 2016, when a rising salary cap and scores of teams with financial flexibility will couple with Barnes’ burgeoning talent and potential to make him a significant target on the market.

Kevon Looney undergoes hip surgery

Golden State Warriors forward Kevon Looney underwent a successful right hip arthroscopy this morning to repair a torn labrum, the team announced today. The procedure was performed by renowned Steadman Clinic orthopaedic surgeon and hip specialist Dr. Marc Philippon at the Vail Valley Surgery Center in Vail, Colorado.

Looney will begin rehabilitation from the surgery immediately and is expected to be out a minimum of four-to-six months before returning to basketball activity.

“Kevon has his entire NBA career ahead of him and we felt that, in consultation with our medical staff, Kevon and his representatives, it was best to address the issue now,” said Warriors General Manager Bob Myers. “He will have our complete support throughout the rehabilitation process and we are confident he will make a full recovery.”

Looney, 19, was selected by the Warriors with the 30th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. In one season at UCLA in 2014-15, he posted averages of 11.6 points, 9.2 rebounds (second in the Pac-12), 1.4 assists and 1.28 steals in 30.9 minutes over 36 games, earning Second Team All-Pac-12 and Pac-12 All-Freshman Team accolades. In six games with the Warriors 2015 NBA Summer League team in Las Vegas in July, the 6’9” forward averaged 9.3 points and 7.2 rebounds in 19.7 minutes per contest.

Andrew Bogut fights through back pain for Australia

Here’s CSN Bay Area reporting on Warriors center Andrew Bogut, who is currently helping represent Australia on the court:

On Tuesday in Wellington, New Zealand, Bogut performed at a level that suggests he still has game.

The 7-foot center finished with 10 points, 10 rebounds and three blocked shots to lead Australia to an 89-79 win over New Zealand in a FIBA Oceana qualifying game that clinched the Aussies’ bid for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

And Bogut did this while fighting through same nagging back soreness that might be making the Warriors a bit nervous.

“The body felt good,” Bogut told reporters. “I was battling a few little things but if you take enough pills and things you end up getting there. It worked out all right. I felt pretty good out there. Tomorrow morning won’t be as good but we got the job done and we’re going to the Olympics.”

Draymond Green says he needs another ring

Here’s CSN Bay Area reporting on Warriors forward Draymond Green, who has declared that one championship ring isn’t enough and he needs another:

The Celtics won eight straight from 1959-66, the Lakers won in ’87 and ’88, the Pistons took home the crown in ’89 and ’90, the Bulls three-peated ’91-’93, the Rockets were champions in ’94 and ’95, the Bulls three-peated again ’96-’98 and the Lakers won three titles in a row from 2000-02.

There is a long history of repeat champions in the NBA, and Draymond wants more jewelry.

“I need to find a second ring,” he said. “That is enough motivation for me personally. I have plenty of things I want to do. I want to be great. I don’t just want to win a championship and sign this nice little contract and I’m done.

“I want to do some special things and if you want to be special, it doesn’t stop after you win one championship or sign a deal. It just starts. It’s just starting for me.”

Sixers trade Jason Thompson to Warriors for Gerald Wallace

The Golden State Warriors have acquired forward/center Jason Thompson from the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for forward Gerald Wallace, the team announced today. As part of the deal, Philadelphia also receives cash and draft considerations.

“We’re very happy to add Jason to our roster,” said Warriors General Manager Bob Myers. “He has a proven track record in this league and adds considerably to our team’s depth, which was a big key to our success last season and will be moving forward.”

Thompson, 29, owns career averages of 9.4 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 26.5 minutes over 541 regular-season games (405 starts) in seven seasons with the Sacramento Kings, hitting 49.7 percent from the field. In 81 games last season (63 starts), he tallied 6.1 points and 6.5 rebounds in 24.6 minutes per contest. The 6’11” forward/center recorded seven double-doubles in 2014-15, including his first career 20/20 game when he tallied 23 points and a career-high 22 rebounds on Jan. 17 vs. the Clippers, one of only three players to post those numbers in a game last season (DeMarcus Cousins, Kenneth Faried).

Originally selected by the Kings with the 12th overall pick of the 2008 NBA Draft, Thompson appeared in more games in the Sacramento-era than any player in team history and ranks in the top-10 in several categories on the Kings’ all-time franchise leaderboard, including games played (eighth; 541), total rebounds (ninth; 3,746), offensive rebounds (third; 1,232), defensive rebounds (seventh; 2,514) and blocked shots (sixth; 394). The Rider University product has appeared in 541 of a possible 558 games (97%) during his seven-year NBA career. Thompson was traded to Philadelphia from Sacramento, along with Carl Landry and Nik Stauskas, on July 9, 2015.

Wallace, 33, was acquired by Golden State from Boston, along with Chris Babb, in exchange for David Lee on July 27. He owns career averages of 11.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.44 steals and 29.7 minutes in 832 regular-season games (611 starts) over 14 NBA seasons with Sacramento, Charlotte, Portland, New Jersey/Brooklyn and Boston.

Warriors announce coaching staff

The Golden State Warriors will bring back all but one member of Head Coach Steve Kerr’s coaching staff that, in their first season together in 2014-15, produced a franchise-record 67 regular-season wins and the team’s first NBA Championship in 40 years, the team announced today.

Luke Walton, 35, will slide into the seat previously occupied by Alvin Gentry, who was named head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans earlier this offseason. Entering his second season as an assistant coach with the Warriors, Walton previously served as a player development coach for the Los Angeles D-Fenders of the NBA D-League in 2013-14 and as an assistant coach at the University of Memphis during the 2011 NBA Lockout. The San Diego native enjoyed a 10-year playing career in the NBA (2003-13) with the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers, capturing NBA championships with the Lakers in 2009 and 2010.

Ron Adams, 67, returns for his second season with the Warriors after helping the team finish first in defensive rating (98.2) in 2014-15. Overall, Adams owns more than 20 seasons of experience on the bench as an NBA assistant coach, including stints with the Boston Celtics (2013-14), Chicago Bulls (2003-08, 2010-13), Oklahoma City Thunder (2008-10), Milwaukee Bucks (1998-2003), Philadelphia 76ers (1994-96) and San Antonio Spurs (1992-94). During his time as an assistant coach, Adams has made 14 appearances in the NBA Playoffs.

Jarron Collins, 36, has been promoted to the role of assistant coach and will move to the front of the bench after spending the 2014-15 season as a player development coach. Prior to joining the Warriors, he served two seasons as a personnel scout for the Los Angeles Clippers. The Stanford grad played 10 seasons in the NBA (2001-11) with the Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers.

Bruce Fraser, 50, will return in his role as player development coach, working closely with the players on individual skill development. In addition to his work with the Warriors last season, Fraser previously coached at both the college and professional levels, having worked at the University of Arizona under Lute Olson (1987-90), the University of Missouri under Quin Snyder (1999-2000) and the Indiana Pacers under Larry Brown (1994-95). Additionally, he served as a scout for the Phoenix Suns from 2004-10. The Long Beach, CA, native was a teammate of Kerr’s at the University of Arizona, where Fraser played from 1983-87.

Additionally, the team announced the promotion of Theo Robertson to the role of video coordinator/player development. Robertson, who played collegiately at Cal from 2005-10, served as a video intern during his first season with the Warriors in 2014-15.

Warriors trade David Lee to Celtics

The Golden State Warriors have traded forward David Lee to the Boston Celtics in exchange for forward Gerald Wallace and guard Chris Babb, the team announced today.

“On behalf of the entire Golden State Warriors organization, we thank David Lee for his contributions both on and off the court over the last five years,” said Warriors General Manager Bob Myers. “Throughout his time with the Warriors, David was a great player, competitor and presence in our locker room as well as in the community and was a stabilizing force during a period that saw many positive changes within the organization. Most importantly, he leaves Golden State as an NBA champion. We wish him nothing but the best in the next chapter of his career.”

“We are excited to welcome David as a member of the Celtics family,” said President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge. “His proven skill set and experience on a championship team will add valuable depth to our frontcourt and a veteran presence to our locker room.”

According to the Boston Globe, “Before acquiring Lee, the Celtics had not made any significant steps forward improving their place in the Eastern Conference. They were being passed by teams such as Orlando, Charlotte, and Indiana, all of which made stirring roster upgrades over the past two weeks. Free agency didn’t work out the way Ainge and the Celtics wanted. The market value for players unexpectedly soared to the point where Atlanta’s DeMarre Carroll goes to Toronto for four years and $60 million, Reggie Jackson re-signs with Detroit for five years and $80 million, and potential Celtics target Robin Lopez agreed with the Knicks for four years, $54 million.”

Lee, 32, played five seasons with the Warriors, averaging 16.7 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists over 327 regular-season games. He had his finest season with Golden State in 2012-13, averaging 18.5 points and 11.2 rebounds in 79 games en route to earning Third Team All-NBA honors and a spot on the Western Conference All-Star squad. That season, the 6’9” forward became the first Warriors player to garner All-NBA recognition since Latrell Sprewell in 1993-94 and Golden State’s first All-Star representative since Sprewell in 1997. The University of Florida product also appeared in 26 playoff games with Golden State, making postseason appearances in each of the last three seasons, culminating in an NBA Championship this past season. Lee leaves the Warriors ranked sixth on the franchise’s all-time list in defensive rebounds (2,176) and tied for 10th, with Hall of Famer Chris Mullin, in field goal percentage (.513).

During his 10-year NBA career, Lee has averaged 14.7 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 695 regular-season games with the New York Knicks and Warriors. Originally selected by the Knicks with the 30th overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft, the 2010 Eastern Conference All-Star was acquired by the Warriors in a sign-and-trade deal on July 9, 2010, in exchange for Kelenna Azubuike, Anthony Randolph and Ronny Turiaf.

Wallace, 33, owns career averages of 11.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.44 steals and 29.7 minutes in 832 regular-season games (611 starts) over 14 NBA seasons with Sacramento, Charlotte, Portland, New Jersey/Brooklyn and Boston. Originally selected by the Sacramento Kings with the 25th overall pick in the 2001 NBA Draft, Wallace earned NBA All-Defensive First Team honors and was an Eastern Conference All-Star in 2009-10 with the Charlotte Bobcats when he averaged 18.2 points, 10.0 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.54 steals. The University of Alabama product led the NBA in steals per game during the 2005-06 campaign, averaging 2.51 thefts per contest. Wallace has appeared in 33 playoff games (17 starts), holding career postseason averages of 7.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 20.9 minutes.

Babb, 25, appeared in 14 games with Boston as a rookie in 2014-15, tallying 1.6 points and 1.2 rebounds in 9.4 minutes per game. The 6’5” guard appeared in 45 games last season with the Celtics’ D-League affiliate, the Maine Red Claws, averaging 15.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 34.7 minutes, earning All-NBA D-League Second Team honors. In 2013-14, the Iowa State product was named to the All NBA D-League All-Rookie Third Team with the Red Claws.

Warriors re-sign Leandro Barbosa

The Golden State Warriors re-signing of unrestricted free agent guard Leandro Barbosa became official today.

Barbosa, 32, appeared in 66 regular-season games (one start) during his first season with Golden State in 2014-15, averaging 7.1 points, 1.4 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 14.9 minutes per contest. He scored in double figures 20 times, including a season-high 19 points in 28 minutes versus Utah on March 21, 2015. The 6’3” guard appeared in all 21 postseason games during Golden State’s NBA Championship run, averaging 5.0 points and 1.3 rebounds in 10.9 minutes.

A 12-year NBA veteran, Barbosa owns career averages of 11.4 points, 2.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 715 regular-season games with Phoenix, Toronto, Indiana, Boston and Golden State. The Sao Paulo, Brazil, native has appeared in 96 postseason games, averaging 8.6 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.6 assists.

Warriors re-sign Draymond Green

The hustle is back in Oakland.

The Golden State Warriors yesterday re-signed restricted free agent forward Draymond Green to a multi-year contract, the team announced today.

According to the Associated Press, it’s a $82 million, five-year contract. A massive increase for Green from his previous salaries.

“You cannot overstate how important Draymond Green was to helping our team win an NBA Championship last season,” said General Manager Bob Myers, “and we are thrilled that he has decided to re-sign with us. Our ownership group, led by Joe Lacob and Peter Guber, has once again demonstrated the commitment necessary to build and maintain a championship caliber team.”

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Green said: “This is home for me… I came here three years ago not knowing what to expect. … At no point did I feel I was ready to leave this organization. I know what the future can possibly hold. Everything’s run the right way, there are endless possibilities. I want to be a part of it… We have a young group of guys committed to each other. You should see our group chats. … The feeling that you get from that I’m not sure you can get with any other team in the NBA. It’s something I wanted to continue to be a part of.”

Green, 25, appeared in 79 regular-season games (all starts) last season, establishing career-high averages in nearly every major statistical category, including 11.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.56 steals, 1.25 blocks and 31.5 minutes per contest. The 6’7” forward led the team in rebounding, ranked second in assists, steals and blocks, and ranked third in scoring. Green became just the third player in Warriors history to earn NBA All-Defensive First Team honors (joining Nate Thurmond and Andre Iguodala), and also finished second in both the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year and Most Improved Player Award voting. Among NBA leaders, the Michigan State product ranked second in plus/minus (+10.6), third in net rating (16.5) and tied for fourth in defensive rating (96.0).

In 21 postseason games en route to the Warriors first NBA title in 40 years, Green averaged 13.7 points, 10.1 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.81 steals, 1.19 blocks and 37.3 minutes per contest. He posted 12 double-doubles during the postseason, including a triple-double with 16 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists in the series-clinching victory in Game 6 of the NBA Finals at Cleveland, marking the first Finals triple-double in franchise history.

“This is truly an unbelievable and blessed day for me and my family,” said Green. “I’d like to thank Joe Lacob, Peter Guber, Bob Myers, Rick Welts, all of my teammates and coaches, and everyone in DubNation for believing in me and helping me become the player and person that I am today. In three short years I have gone from a second round pick that many doubted could play in this league to an NBA Champion, and I look forward to getting better – both individually and as a team – as we face the challenges that lie ahead of us.”

Originally selected by the Warriors with the 35th overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, Green has appeared in 240 regular-season games (92 starts) during his three-year career, averaging 6.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.11 steals in 22.3 minutes per contest. Having made the playoffs in all three of his professional campaigns, the Saginaw, MI, native has already appeared in 40 postseason games (26 starts) with Golden State, averaging 11.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.40 steals and 1.18 blocks per contest. Among franchise postseason leaders, Green currently ranks third in steals (56), fourth in blocks (47), fourth in three-pointer field goals (41), eighth in assists (148) and ninth in rebounds (321).