When it became clear early last season that the Warriors will not be in the playoff hunt, fans were forced to find new targets and reasons for hope. The appearance of Stephen Curry provided a powerful impetus to the success of D-League was a feel good story and win a record Don Nelson closed the season in historic fashion. But the real silver lining loss of the season is a chance to turn it on landing impact player in this draft. Since the beginning of 2010 (or earlier), fans began to fantasize about the players who could help revive the Warriors in the 2010-11 season. This long anticipated future profits on Thursday night as ... Ekpe Udoh? We have never seen Udoh against NBA competition, or almost the NBA yet, so I'll give him the presumption of innocence. Nevertheless, my first instinct gut says that this is a classic warriors get all the wrong way. Low up (shades of POB)? Check. Undersized on-site PF (shades Diogu)? Check. Fills the position - PF - relative depth (Randolph, Wright, Tolliver potential)? Check. At first glance, it looks like we spent a high draft to select Mike Dunleavy on the player's bench rotation. Many blame that goes to the weakest of the project, and the end of the season wins, which has reduced our chances in the lottery, but I can not help but feel that we just went through a brutally ugly season, and came to the end to find our silver lining is far from brilliant.
Despite the initial let down, there are several reasons for optimism. Udoh showed solid defensive instincts and skills restored Baylor. We might use more than two skills in this command - though I worry about these skills will be minimized or less of full size (and weight) competition, particularly if Nelson gives him time in the center. He seemed to be quick learner and a high IQ basketball player - obviously, good things, but the descriptions are often hung on the players who do not have the physical gifts to dominate opponents. Finally, Udoh seems professional, really happy to be here and comfortable, with its possible role. That comfort, however, may be a byproduct occurs earlier than expected - not necessarily a bad thing, but a sign that the company is Riley and to see something in him that the rest of the NBA did not. Although Curry was very easy last year, when he had slipped, Udoh seems a bit hand.
The question that will linger for the next few days (weeks? Months?) This is what will happen next. Register in its present form even more imbalanced than it was last year. The team does not have a backup guard. All that potential small forward lack key attributes for the position (size, speed, jump shot - and this is just some of them). We have a stable raw material transmits power and not-ready-for prime-time centers. Randolph, Biedrins and Ellis may not. Nothing happened so far this season to justify the expectation that we will value in response. This is a list that needs to be rebuilt around a vision, not only deprived of his talent for cash and expiring deals. Perhaps this vision will become clear shortly, but I'm not holding out much hope, until Cohen, Rowell, Riley and Nelson can be no picture. Unfortunately, there are opportunity costs for each day, the soldiers stuck in a holding pattern. While the thunder, wolves, blazers and others make steps to improve its talent level warriors circle through the same mistakes, burning fuel on the road. I can raise 2010-11 as a further recovery of the season, but now it is not clear that they planned to build something.
Thus, Ekpe Udoh, welcome to the soldiers. We do not know where you are going to play, who your teammates or coach will be, or that the billionaire will be signing your paychecks, but hey - you made it to the NBA - all can be even worse. If you can help turn this team around from perennial mat in respectable team, you'll earn our undying love. And if not, you can join us in hanging your hopes for 2011 lottery.
