Are any Warriors players indispensable? You could ask that another way -- which player should the Warriors build the team around?
The answers to those questions used to be simple -- Monta Ellis. He was a unique player with great, lightning-fast moves to the hoop, an unstoppable guy. But that was before he ruined his ankle. And now his ankle is stiff again and, honestly, no one knows if he ever will be the player he was going to be. So, if I were starting a team I would not start with him, couldn't take the chance.
Andris Biedrins: I think he's the most valuable Warrior right now. He has nice moves to the hoop, he passes the ball, he plays defense, although bigger stronger centers have their way with him. He is a valuable NBA center.
If I were projecting for the future I'd say -- more like guess -- Anthony Randolph has the most potential. He's athletic, fast and he's a good rebounder for his size and strength. The problem is we don't know much about him because Don Nelson refused to play him for a while and instead played Rob Kurz and Anthony Morrow. Why?
If I were building a team for tomorrow I'd take a chance and begin with Randolph.
Agree about Randolph and Ellis. Don't agree about Biedrins though. His offense is pretty bad and he gets bullied by big centers on D. He is a good rebounder. During his injury absence, it became apparent that Turiaf is a more valuable NBA center than Biedrins. (4-1 record with Turiaf as starter)
Canseco how can you say Andris's offense is pretty bad? He is 5th in the league in field goal % with .566 and is the 8th highest scoring center in the league and only 1 player Dwight Howard averages more rebounds a game at the center position. I think Andris and the warriors will have a great relationship over the next few years. Could you imagine the teams that would want Andris to be their starting center? I could name alot!
He has no jumper and probably never will. He has like two moves to the basket, and everyone in the league learned them months ago. (Spin move to left baby hook) He is a great rebounder and pretty good at slipping the screen. Good at offensive putbacks. Good in transition, good hands but not very good at posting up or creating his own offense.
Remember,
Andris does all his work sometimes being the only Warriors big man on the court. Just imagine if he had a semi-legitimate power forward at his side.
They Warriors ask ALOT of Andris. How many crazy Steven Jackson passes does Andris snag per season?
Lowell, agree with your thoughts on Randolph. Ellis and Biedrins are not untouchable, but the bigger problem is the coach and team ownership/management. Until they get a GM who knows what he is doing, and a younger coach who is willing to play his youth, this team is going in circles. Nelson's reliance on small ball and his vets, will never produce a playoff winning team, and Cohan and Rowell are clusless.