The press conference to announce the Warriors’ intentions to move to San Francisco is set for Tuesday at the site of the planned location, according to multiple sources.
One of the sources, who is scheduled to attend, said at least four of the 11 city officials who signed a letter supporting the Warriors’ plans for a waterfront arena will be present at the announcement ceremony.
The Warriors are still tight-lipped on the matter, but there were several reports a tent and chairs were being set up at the site. Mercury News blogger Adam Lauridsen first broke the news that the Warriors reached a deal on a new state-of-the-art San Francisco arena. He also reported it would be announced on Tuesday.
It wasn’t the first dance between Cal’s Jorge Gutierrez and Oakland’s own Jared Cunningham out of Oregon State. But it was the first time the two matched up on such a stage – under the watchful eyes of an NBA front office.
Both served as the guards at the Warriors’ six-man workout of draft prospects Monday, which was held at the team’s downtown Oakland facility. The two went at it the entire time, much like they did matching in the Pac-12.
“The whole workout,” Gutierrez said. “He’s a great player. I played against him for three years. I always have fun playing against him. I’m always nervous to play against him.”
“I know what he can do and he knows what I can do,” said Cunningham, celebrating his 21st birthday Tuesday. “We both competed hard. … It’s up to the Warriors to say who won.”
The Warriors didn’t confirm or deny reports they have agreed to a deal for a new arena inSan Franciscoin 2017. Instead, Warriors co-owner Joe Lacob—and team spokesman Raymond Ridder—settled for an ambiguous statement:
“We are not prepared to make any announcements at this time.”
But Sunday, Mercury News fan blogger Adam Lauridsen broke the news Golden State agreed to build a fancy, new, privately funded arena on Piers 30 and 32 on the Embarcadero. Of course, in the past, the standard company line was they’re doing their due diligence as they search for a new home. But in light of the latest news, the company line has changed, suggesting an announcement is pending but they are not “prepared” to make it.
The Warriors announced Monday the team has promoted Kirk Lacob, son of co-owner Joe Lacob, to assistant general manager.
Lacob, formerly the director of basketball operations, will answer to general manager Bob Myers. The Warriors’ front office had a vacancy when Myers was promoted to general manager last month and former general manager Larry Riley was re-assigned as director of scouting. That left one fewer person in the brain trust. Myers said it was unlikely he would look outside the organization to fill the hole, making Kirk Lacob the natural fill.
Lacob has spent the last two seasons juggling a few hats — including, player personnel evaluation, draft preparation and scouting, and even advanced statistics and analysis. In August 2011, he was named general manager of the Dakota Wizards, the NBA Development League franchise the Warriors purchased, and Lacob had been overseeing the potential move to Santa Cruz.
Warriors rookie SG Klay Thompson will be playing in Las Vegas this summer. But likely instead of breaking a sweat against NBA upstarts and hopefuls, Thompson will spend a week honing his game against Team USA.
A league source confirmed Klay Thompson was indeed invited to play for Team USA’s select squad, which will help the men’s national team train for the Summer Games in London. Team USA is holding training camp from July 6-12 in Las Vegas, capped with an exhibition game against the Dominican Republic on July 12 at UNLV’s Thomas & Mack Center. Thompson reportedly will be joined by New York Knicks guard Jeremy Lin and 2012 Rookie of the Year Kyrie Irving on the Select team, which will practice against the players preparing for London.
The NBA Summer League starts on July 13 at UNLV. After an intense camp where Thompson figures to match up against Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, James Harden, Russell Westbrook and Eric Gordon, you’ve got to believe the Warriors will hold Thompson out of summer league action. Thompson will be in attendance and will practice with the team. But general manager Bob Myers already shed some doubt on Thompson’s summer league prospects even before the season ended because Thompson logged so many minutes as a rookie.
Certainly, the experience he’ll get on the Select Team will dwarf anything he can get out of summer league. Thompson, who took over the starting shooting guard spot after the Warriors traded Monta Ellis, is projected to be the least-experienced player in the Warriors’ starting lineup next season. So the potential for growth from this special invitation figures to be exactly what Thompson needs. Thompson is still developing his ability to create off the dribble. He’s still grasping the variety of ways he can score and understanding what’s a good shot. He’s still learning the intricacies of defense.
“It’s going to be great for him,” Warriors coach Mark Jackson said. “A tremendous honor. The experience of going against the best every day will pay off.”
Malone, considered one of the NBA’s top assistant coaches, was expected to be a hot commodity this offseason. Malone is under contract for two more years with the Warriors. But Golden State general manager Bob Myers acknowledged Malone would likely be a head coaching candidate this offseason.
Charlotte fired Paul Silas last week after the Bobcats finished 7-59, registering the worst win percentage (.106) in NBA history.
In his first public comments since he had arthroscopic surgery on his right ankle, Warriors point guard Stephen Curry expressed relief.
“I can have a clear mind and know that it’s going to be healthy next year and just play,” Curry said Saturday. “Thankfully, the best-case scenario happened with the scope.”
On April 25, an arthroscopic surgery performed by Dr. Richard Ferkle in Van Nuys discovered all Curry’s right ankle needed was some cleaning out. No reconstructive surgery. No torn tendon. After missing 40 games this past season with a sprained right ankle, all he needs is rest and rehab to be back on track.
It wasn’t just words, but Curry, oozed peace. His right foot and ankle was hidden by a bulky gray boot. And he needed a crutch to help him walk. Still, he was all smiles while enduring the sneaky heat of East Oakland. At a cramped gated court at Brookdale Park, full of kids jumping ever-so-close to the ankle on which next season hinges, Curry sounded vastly different than the last time he talked about his ankle.
Wouldn’t you like to have Jason Kidd as the Warriors backup to point guard Stephen Curry?
Sounds like a long shot on the surface. But it makes a lot of sense for several reasons.
* The Warriors need a certain type of backup. He needs to be a floor general. He needs to be OK with coming off the bench but ready to start in case … you know … something happens with point guard Stephen Curry.
* Jason Kidd is a future Hall of Famer who said he wants to play two more years. He said he is willing to be a backup before riding off into the sunset. Read the rest of this entry »