Fans still debate, speculate and hypothesize about which one
should go and which one should stay. But in his season-ending chat
with the media Friday, Warriors executive vice president of
basketball operations Larry Riley effectively ended the debate
regarding Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry.
OAKLAND
Fans still debate, speculate and hypothesize about which one should go and which one should stay. But in his season-ending chat with the media Friday, Warriors executive vice president of basketball operations Larry Riley effectively ended the debate regarding Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry.
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“They’re our guards,” Riley said. “Anybody is tradable in this league. But those two guys are our guards, and we’re making plans to move forward with them.”
Riley said unless the Warriors get a knock-your-socks-off offer, priorities for improvement are size, depth and defense. The challenge will be adding those pieces without cashing in their biggest chips.
Curry, the second-year point guard, is arguably the most desirable commodity because of his youth, potential and rookie contract.
Ellis, after consecutive seasons averaging at least 24 points and five assists per game, has established himself as a dynamic and reliable scorer—though the $33 million over three years he is owed lowers his trade value.
Since the Warriors are rolling with two 6-foot-3 guards in their backcourt for the foreseeable future, they have to use their other, less-valuable assets to acquire their needs. And they clearly have needs.
Golden State was out-rebounded by 4.26 boards per game, worst in the NBA. The Warriors were 27th in points allowed (105.7) and 20th in field goal percentage defense (46.7). They gave up 100 points or more 59 times (losing 42 of those games), second-most behind Minnesota.
Part of that is the result of the Warriors’ small backcourt, which sometimes leaves them at a disadvantage on defense. But instead of giving up Ellis or Curry, Riley said the Warriors prefer to buffer their guards’ weaknesses.
“I’ve got to help our defense,” Riley said, “or we can’t get to the playoffs. We need that defense behind Monta and Steph. We’ve got to help them out.”
Riley said part of the answer is getting more size in the middle. Even if the Warriors somehow resurrect center Andris Biedrins’ career, Riley said they still need to add a big man, preferably one with a defensive mentality who can cover for their undersized backcourt.
Riley also said he needs help for the bench, specifically a third guard and a reliable wing player. Led by their dynamic starting backcourt, which was the highest-scoring in the league, and forward David Lee, the Warriors—according to Riley—are just a few pieces away from the postseason. He said they can’t afford to miss on any of those acquisitions.
How are they going to get those players? Riley said he hopes to nab one in the draft. Golden State is currently slotted to have the 11th pick, though there’s a slim chance that could change with the draft lottery.
Riley said he expects the Warriors to be able to sign one free agent. Any other additions will have to come via trade. But without dangling Ellis or Curry, what the Warriors can get seems limited.
“Both of those guys really are well regarded around the league,” said Bob Myers, who was introduced Friday as the Warriors’ new vice president of basketball operations and will be an integral decision-maker in any roster additions. “That’s a dynamic backcourt. You don’t always have to give up your best players to get better. Sometimes it’s possible to keep your core intact and improve. That’s what good teams do.”
To be certain, Riley was never going to say one of his starting guards has to go. And he stopped short of saying either was untouchable. But he made it a point to say Curry would be here awhile and that he would grow at the point guard position for a long time.
And Ellis?
“It’ll take a great trade,” Riley said, “for Monta Ellis to be gone.”
— Story by Marcus Thompson II, Contra Costa Times
