On every Warriors Outsiders show, we do a simulcast on Facebook Live. Here are some questions and comments that we didn’t get to address from the last couple shows.
But first, just a quick thought on Steve Kerr and the Warriors coaching staff. ...
We all heard Kerr be critical of himself and his coaching thus far, following the loss to the Pistons this last week. Rightfully so, as there were some apparent schematic issues, mostly involving offensive spacing and lack of 3-point opportunities.
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SIGN UP HERE And while it should come as no big surprise, NBA social media has been ablaze criticizing Kerr for these very things throughout the beginning of this season.
In defense of the coaching staff, they were heralded for the Warriors’ impressive 10-1 start to the season, and then the minutia of strategy began being closely analyzed and criticized once the team lost Steph Curry and Draymond Green to injury. When all is said and done, however, this might end up being the most difficult season that Kerr and the Warriors coaching staff has been dealt, in terms of game plan and strategy.
With a very young, inexperienced bench and a starting lineup that already has missed their two best fast-break catalysts for half of the new season, the staff has been forced to scramble to find creative ways to get the team scoring. The fast pace and deep shooting that had been the Warriors’ calling card has been adopted by the entire NBA, and now the staff is forced into either being the best at the strategy they originated, or counterpunch with a new game plan.
You take all of that, and I haven’t even reached the hardest part yet: eventually integrating DeMarcus Cousins into the Warriors’ star-studded lineup, which will be a MUCH harder task than many assume. It will take some time, and there definitely will be some headaches before they finally figure it out. IF they figure it out. Judging by their track record, you assume Kerr and the staff will.
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It will be possibly the most difficult season for them, but I think they’re up to the task.
Now, to your questions and comments ...
Mark Barrenechea: “Loon with the midrange, awesome to see"
Mark is right — it definitely was awesome to see Kevon Looney make a couple mid-range jumpers Monday night against the Hawks.
Looney does many things well, especially on defense, but he has underrated skills offensively, too. His timing and spacial awareness is impressive, and he’s a little more athletic than many people assume. When you couple those attributes with his length and his soft hands, Looney can be a threat around the hoop. But if Looney can see growth in his mid-range game, he could be an even bigger help to a Warriors offense recently in need of spacing.
To be effective in shooting from mid-range, Looney doesn't need to have David West-type accuracy. But if he were to take a couple shots from 15 feet out each game, and make at least one of them, then all of the sudden the defense no longer can leave him alone. And that will clear defenders from the hoop, openings lanes for Durant, Curry, Draymond, etc.
James Burroughs: "When’s Draymond coming back"
As an Outsider, I just rely on what I hear/read from insider Monte Poole, Kerith Burke and all other on the beat. Kerr told the media that Draymond will not be available during the road trip, which ends Friday, but that doesn’t mean there has been a setback with his injured toe.
Draymond is confident that his toe has healed, and now it’s all about getting him back in game shape. The training staff has shown it will be overly cautious in rehabilitating injuries, as they probably held Stephout a couple more games than necessary to be extra confident that his groin had healed.
Unless something was wrong, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Draymond back on the court early next week on the next homestand.
John Del Van: "Denver nuggets think they are the golden state warriors"
I really enjoy watching the Nuggets. While they’re definitely a different team than the Warriors, after a win in Toronto to make their record 16-7, the Nuggets seem like the real deal.
And to think, they’re doing most of their damage early this season without Will Barton (Warrior Killer), and with a roller-coaster season from Jamal Murray and Isaiah Thomas yet to play a minute. It wouldn’t be surprising to see them finish in the top three record-wise in the Western Conference.
Anne Coddington Muller: "We all need Warriors Outsiders shirts!! Been waiting for years for them!"
I'm sorry, Anne! We definitely want to see some FINALLY get made this year. You'll be one of the first to know :)
Reggie Mallorca: "Who's better at hoops? Grant or his bro?"
Definitely me, Reggie. I think he would agree with that. But when we were younger, he was better than me.
Now a lot of people wonder who would win between Drew and I in some 1-on-1 basketball. And the answer is sadly Drew, even after multiple hip surgeries. But I'll say this — the talent gap is closer right now than it ever has been before!
Marie Doriliz Velez: "Guys go to live questions!!!"
We try to see and answer as many questions in the Facebook Live chat room as possible during the show. We love the conversations, and we remember the names of everyone who keeps returning. Feels like a little Facebook Live family.
But for questions we miss and don't address, be sure to check these follow-ups because I'll go back and answer some like this!
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