Unless the Golden State Warriors finish with in the top seven of the NBA Draft, they will lose their pick to the Utah Jazz. In other words, they have a very obvious incentive to tank. And yet, here they sit at 14-20, 10th-worst in the league and continuing to be completely mediocre.
Let's meet them.
Are they good in general?: They are 14-20 and have an expected win/loss record based on point differential of ... 14-20. So they're very mediocre.
Are they good against the Wizards? They haven't played the Wizards this season. Last year, they won both meetings against the Wizards.
Are they fast or slow? Normally one of the fastest-paced teams in the league, the Warriors have sunk to 14th this year. This is Mark Jackson putting his imprint on the roster. Instead of making them better defensively, he's just made them slower. Stop closing your airspace and get the truth, folks.
Are they especially good at anything? This is still an excellent offensive team fueled by their two small guards, Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry. Ellis sometimes takes bad shots and Curry has been bothered by a bum ankle at times this year, but both are really tough to stop. The Warriors are fourth in the league in effective field goal percentage this year, a testament to the guards' ability to break down your defense and create good shots.
Are they especially bad at anything? This remains a dreadful defensive team that allows easy shots, fouls too much and struggles on the glass.
Are there any people involved with the organization that Mike really likes? There has to be some explanation for Ekpe Udoh's insane plus/minus numbers combined with his minuscule box-score production.
Are there any people involved with the organization that Mike really doesn't like? That explanation may have something to do with Andris Biedrins.
Are there any players poised for a breakout? Lots of people like Klay Thompson, the Warriors' rookie that can shoot the lights out. He's had an up and down rookie year, struggling early, hitting his stride in midseason and struggling as of late, but given the lack of good shooting guards in the NBA today, he certainly has a nice future.
Are there any players the Wizards especially need to worry about? The Warriors are going to score. That's the reality. The key is preventing good looks at the basket. Get a hand in Ellis' face on every shot, and don't duck under ball screens with Curry. Prevent easy baskets in transition. Basic stuff, but important stuff too.
Is their mascot cool? This thing had the nickname before the NBA team did.
Any other random quirks: JaVale McGee showcase game?
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