Summer League Does Vegas: Raptors-Warriors

(07/19/2008)

6:28

Matt Moore:

La-Dee, Da-Dee, we likes to party. We'll rock your Summer League till you're Gosh Darn Sorry.

Saturday July 19, 2008 6:28 Matt Moore

6:31

Matt Watson:

Hello! We're sitting courtside watching the Raptors and Warriors.

Saturday July 19, 2008 6:31 Matt Watson

6:31

Matt Watson:

Just got done watching the Knicks and Bobcats in the first game.

Saturday July 19, 2008 6:31 Matt Watson

6:31

Matt Moore:

I have to say, Nathan Jawai is great. I know I'm the only one that sees it, but two years of development on his footwork, and he could be terrifying.

Saturday July 19, 2008 6:31 Matt Moore

6:32

Matt Moore:

Or as I like to call it, the "Not Head-Tattooed Knicks" versus the Team that makes my eyes bleed.

Saturday July 19, 2008 6:32 Matt Moore

6:32

Matt Watson:

He's a mountain of a man, I'll give you that. At worst, he could have a Kendrick Perkins type career.

Saturday July 19, 2008 6:32 Matt Watson

6:33

[Comment From LBLB: ]

Rick Kamla of NBA TV has made no bones about the fact that he loves Anthony Randolph's game. I'm inclined to agree with Mr. Kamla. So Randolph is filling it up again for the Warriors today apparently. Is he really as good as Kamla and I think and what if so, what do the Matts see?

Saturday July 19, 2008 6:33 LB

6:35

Matt Moore:

It's 34-All, by the way. Randolph has flashes of brilliance, but he tends to press it a little bit. It's fine here, but if he wants to impress Nelson, he's got to know his role.

Saturday July 19, 2008 6:35 Matt Moore

6:35

Matt Watson:

By the way, Randolph and Wright could be twins. If they could somehow combine like Voltron, I think they'd become one Nathan Jawai.

Saturday July 19, 2008 6:35 Matt Watson

6:36

Matt Watson:

Although to be honest, I first thought of that joke yesterday while watching Joey Dorsey.

Saturday July 19, 2008 6:36 Matt Watson

6:37

Matt Watson:

Dorsey went 22 and 13 last night against the Nuggets. The guy is as big as a house in the paint.

Saturday July 19, 2008 6:37 Matt Watson

6:39

Matt Watson:

He also shot 10 of 13. Granted, all of his work consisted of put-backs and hand-offs from his guards, but still, guys can make a living and win games getting easy buckets like that.

Saturday July 19, 2008 6:39 Matt Watson

6:39

Matt Watson:

(Again, see Perkins.)

Saturday July 19, 2008 6:39 Matt Watson

6:40

Matt Watson:

Just like yesterday, Keith Closs is in the building.

Saturday July 19, 2008 6:40 Matt Watson

6:40

[Comment From LBLB: ]

Anthony Morrow missed the Warriors' first two games, but he is killing it right now. Is he legit?

Saturday July 19, 2008 6:40 LB

6:40

Matt Moore:

He's got good size and a nice shooting touch, that's for sure. He's just got to work on his fundamentals.

Saturday July 19, 2008 6:40 Matt Moore

6:41

Matt Moore:

Josh Lucas for the Raptors is itty-bitty. Belinelli has not been impressive whatsoever.

Saturday July 19, 2008 6:41 Matt Moore

6:43

Matt Moore:

Randolph showing some emotion, screams a naughy word after a missed offensive board and foul.

Saturday July 19, 2008 6:43 Matt Moore

6:43

Matt Watson:

For what it's worth, Hassan Adams is wearing the regrettable t-shirt/uni combo. I don't get it. It's the pros, get with the program.

Saturday July 19, 2008 6:43 Matt Watson

6:44

Matt Moore:

Man, Randolph's a worker. He's battling underneath. That goes a long way with the coaches.

Saturday July 19, 2008 6:44 Matt Moore

6:46

Matt Watson:

Belinelli is having a rather quiet game. I'm really bummed -- after seeing that he had filled it up for 30 and 25 earlier this week, I got pretty excited to see him play. But then in yesterday's game he had all of six points, and today has just three.

Saturday July 19, 2008 6:46 Matt Watson

6:47

Matt Watson:

Same story as last year, really. He had one big game last year and then fell off.

Saturday July 19, 2008 6:47 Matt Watson

6:49

[Comment From LBLB: ]

Where is CJ Watson? He has been a menace on defense all summer league.

Saturday July 19, 2008 6:49 LB

6:50

Matt Watson:

He's sitting with a right thigh contusion, but I wouldn't worry too much about him. Guys that actually have NBA contracts will sit out with the smallest ailments.

Saturday July 19, 2008 6:50 Matt Watson

6:51

Matt Watson:

For one, there's no need to risk anything for a meaningless game. And second, the whole point of summer league is to see unknown players get burn. Watson has a lot to prove, but the Warriors also know who he is and what he can do.

Saturday July 19, 2008 6:51 Matt Watson

6:52

[Comment From LBLB: ]

Do you what the Warriors think of Watson?

Saturday July 19, 2008 6:52 LB

6:53

Matt Watson:

I don't off-hand, but Don Nelson and Chris Mullin are in the stands -- if they're free later on, I'll try to get their impressions of their SL team so far.

Saturday July 19, 2008 6:53 Matt Watson

6:54

Matt Watson:

Watson actually played great the last two times I saw him -- he had 20+ in the last two games. That could also be why they're letting him sit now -- he's had his chance to shine already.

Saturday July 19, 2008 6:54 Matt Watson

6:54

[Comment From LBLB: ]

His ability to just get in passing lanes at the perfect moment for a steal has really piqued my interest.

Saturday July 19, 2008 6:54 LB

6:56

Matt Watson:

Speaking of the Warriors, Brandon Wright is out today with a sprained left foot. Matt Moore caught up with him for a few minutes before the game. Once MM gets back (he's talking with Elton Brown, the D-League All-Star who will probably be getting a contract with the Nuggets next week) we can find out what the heck they talked about.

Saturday July 19, 2008 6:56 Matt Watson

6:57

[Comment From JJJJ: ]

Do you think Detroit made a mistake going for Sharpe/Plaisted over Nathan Jawaii?

Saturday July 19, 2008 6:57 JJ

6:58

Matt Watson:

It's really tough to say. I've been relatively impressed with Sharpe, especially his ball-handling. When I heard he was a four in college and would be used as a three in the pros, I was nervous, but not anymore.

Saturday July 19, 2008 6:58 Matt Watson

6:59

Matt Watson:

Jawai has looked good, too, but it's way too early to say who will be the better pro. Jawai has the frame to be an absolute beast ... or the next Jerome James. I honestly don't know enough about his work ethic to say which way he'll go.

Saturday July 19, 2008 6:59 Matt Watson

6:59

[Comment From TimTim: ]

*Brandan, not Brandon

Saturday July 19, 2008 6:59 Tim

6:59

Matt Watson:

Indeed. My bad.

Saturday July 19, 2008 6:59 Matt Watson

6:59

[Comment From TimTim: ]

Matt, as a Bulls fan I have to ask- is there any way on earth Amir can guard Tyrus Thomas, or is it a lost cause?

Saturday July 19, 2008 6:59 Tim

7:01

Matt Watson:

I'd like to see Johnson and Thomas play a full-court, one-on-one game. That'd be entertaining. Both can fly up and down the court and both can jump out of the gym.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:01 Matt Watson

7:01

Matt Watson:

So I'll refuse to take the bait and leave it at that.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:01 Matt Watson

7:01

[Comment From Paroxi-WifeParoxi-Wife: ]

So, Matt, has this been a running theme that Matt Moore has been leaving you to liveblog on your own while he chats it up?

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:01 Paroxi-Wife

7:02

Matt Watson:

Nice timing -- MM just got back.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:02 Matt Watson

7:02

Matt Moore:

I'm back wife. Thanks for that.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:02 Matt Moore

7:02

Matt Moore:

Note to self: Cancel flowers.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:02 Matt Moore

7:03

[Comment From LBLB: ]

Richard Hendrix is playing for the first time today. How does the Warriors' second rounder look from courtside?

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:03 LB

7:03

Matt Moore:

Hendrix has the skill set and the body. It stunned me that he dropped that far in the draft. For a team that wants to improve so badly on rebounding, Hendrix looks like a steal.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:03 Matt Moore

7:04

Matt Moore:

He's got nice touch around the basket and he's actually got a pretty good handle. A guy that size that can drive could be something pretty good.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:04 Matt Moore

7:05

Matt Moore:

Talked to Mullin, and he said rebounding was an absolute must for them to improve. He also said he felt like they would use Bakersfield a lot more this year, which means Richard Hendrix could have some time to develop and slaughter the D-League masses. Jawai coudl be in a similar situation.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:05 Matt Moore

7:05

Matt Moore:

DNP-CD so far today for Wright, by the way. He's tired. He told me he's just ran out of steam.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:05 Matt Moore

7:05

[Comment From LBLB: ]

MM, kind of what I was thinking/expecting. Good to get a little more confirmation on what I suspected. I had figured he'd be nabbed very early in the 2nd round.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:05 LB

7:05

[Comment From TimTim: ]

One more Matt...have you heard any more Hinrich to Warriors rumors?

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:05 Tim

7:06

Matt Watson:

I haven't. Unfortunately the Bulls aren't here, so we've been unable to catch Paxson and Mullin huddled up in the stands.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:06 Matt Watson

7:06

[Comment From TimTim: ]

I just 1) can't see Monta running the point and 2) can't see Kirk playing the 2 with the Bulls

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:06 Tim

7:06

Matt Moore:

The Hinrich to the Warriors deal sounds good in theory, but I think they're happy with Monta running point, or at least seeing how it does as an experiment.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:06 Matt Moore

7:06

Matt Moore:

So basically, expect the Warriors to break the season turnover record.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:06 Matt Moore

7:07

Matt Watson:

I think Monta could give it a go, but it's definitely not his game. Chicago HAS to do somthing with that backcourt: Rose, Gordon, Hughes, and Hinrich? Too many guards.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:07 Matt Watson

7:07

Matt Moore:

Anthony Morrow's mechanics are perfect by the way.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:07 Matt Moore

7:07

[Comment From LBLB: ]

MM, Did Mullin perchance discuss when the last time he rocked a different hairstyle than his current look was? I'm guessing the answer would be "never" anyways.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:07 LB

7:07

Matt Watson:

He and Dan Majerle both look like they stepped off the court yesterday. It's unnerving.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:07 Matt Watson

7:08

Matt Moore:

I did not ask him that, but I can tell you that any chance would ruin the ease with which EVERYONE can stop to say hi to him. IT's like a family reunion here for him. He's also signing autographs, which is nice.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:08 Matt Moore

7:09

Matt Moore:

Apparently the crowd LOVES Belinelli.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:09 Matt Moore

7:09

Matt Watson:

Also, old school Pistons fans might appreciate knowing Jeff Ruland is in the building. He's a D-League coach these days.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:09 Matt Watson

7:09

[Comment From LBLB: ]

Speaking of reunions, as an IU alumni, I have to ask if the Matts know if there is any truth to the Don Nelson to Keith Smart succession possibilities. MM, re: Belinelli, what's not to love?

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:09 LB

7:11

Matt Watson:

I don't know, but that's something I might try to follow up on.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:11 Matt Watson

7:11

[Comment From LBLB: ]

Was Ruland McFilthy or McNasty?

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:11 LB

7:12

Matt Moore:

Ruland's going through a really hard time personally. He does plan to return to Albuquerque next season to coach to the Thunderbirds right now. He was suprisingly candid.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:12 Matt Moore

7:12

Matt Watson:

He and Mahorn switched on and off, right? I can't remember.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:12 Matt Watson

7:13

Matt Moore:

21 for Morrow on 9 of 11 shooting. It's a clinic.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:13 Matt Moore

7:13

Matt Watson:

I was at a Pistons game last year and saw a guy sporting a Jeff Ruland warm-up, I kid you not. I had to ask him about it, and to make a long story short, he was once neighbors with Ruland and it was an actual warmup he used to sport back in the day. I was in awe.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:13 Matt Watson

7:13

Matt Moore:

Desmon Farmer with 20 on 8/11. That guy can play. He's got a skillset thatgoes on forever.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:13 Matt Moore

7:13

Matt Watson:

Meanwhile, glad to see I'm staying on topic ...

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:13 Matt Watson

7:13

[Comment From LBLB: ]

The correct answer is Mahorn is the greatest ever and Ruland just went along for the ride.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:13 LB

7:15

[Comment From LBLB: ]

You could never sit down for dinner with Mr. Mahorn, because he would always pull the chair out from under you.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:15 LB

7:15

Matt Watson:

That sounds like him. I sat behind him on press row numerous times at Pistons games this year and all the players would come up and joke with him during the game.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:15 Matt Watson

7:16

Matt Watson:

Okay, back to Summer League stuff ...

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:16 Matt Watson

7:16

Matt Moore:

Randolph gives the Warriors the lead by two with 25 seconds left in the quarter. He's got 20 and 9. ANOTHER good game for him.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:16 Matt Moore

7:17

Matt Moore:

Farmer is just attacking the rim right now. There's not a legit big on the floor. It's Summer League time!

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:17 Matt Moore

7:17

Matt Watson:

BJ Armstrong was at last night's game. He's Randolph's agent, and he was joking with Don Nelson, asking if Randolph can be a point foward.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:17 Matt Watson

7:17

Matt Watson:

Nelson replied, "Let's wait until he gets his first assist." Cracked everyone up.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:17 Matt Watson

7:17

Matt Watson:

He has an assist today, by the way.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:17 Matt Watson

7:17

[Comment From Big PoppaBig Poppa: ]

That's funnier if it's Kirk Farmer, who was the first person that came to mind when I read that.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:17 Big Poppa

7:19

[Comment From T TT T: ]

So the Summer League plays . So these players are on the bubble or rookies.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:19 T T

7:19

[Comment From LBLB: ]

MW, I think BJ's got a legitimate point, even though they were joking. From what I've seen, Randolph has excellent handles for a kid his size, especially being only a one and done guy.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:19 LB

7:19

Matt Moore:

The Summer League Plays.
So these players are on the bubble or rookies.
The sky falls
The wind blows
Transcendence is near.
Randolph. Randolph. Randolph.
Affirmed.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:19 Matt Moore

7:21

Matt Moore:

Joey Graham is not even trying to stay within the rules. He still wants to dominate like he has been, but he doesn't want to work for it.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:21 Matt Moore

7:21

Matt Moore:

He also deliberately passed up a teammate in transition to wait for Hassan Adams to get back.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:21 Matt Moore

7:22

Matt Moore:

6-8 marcus banks on randolph . there's a scrap, banks tries to get out on the break, raptors recover, randolph hits the floater.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:22 Matt Moore

7:23

[Comment From T TT T: ]

Is this Zac Randolph ??

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:23 T T

7:23

Matt Moore:

Not unless he eats an SUV.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:23 Matt Moore

7:24

Matt Moore:

Rod Benson has decided to value the handful of minutes he's getting today. He's drawing fouls and playing aggressively. Boom Tho.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:24 Matt Moore

7:24

Matt Watson:

By the way, Boom Tho is sporting his trademark shoes.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:24 Matt Watson

7:25

Matt Moore:

Joey Graham misses a layup. Again.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:25 Matt Moore

7:25

[Comment From T TT T: ]

the Randolph for the Warriors, never heard of him then .

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:25 T T

7:26

Matt Watson:

Just drafted.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:26 Matt Watson

7:26

[Comment From LBLB: ]

So that's where Benson's been all this time. I was just thinking today that Pony Shoes' favorite blogger hasn't been heard from at the SL.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:26 LB

7:26

Matt Watson:

Yeah, he's had a bum knee.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:26 Matt Watson

7:26

Matt Moore:

MCL sprain, and they decided to get other guys' time. Let me put it this way. The time zone on his posts next year will be decidedly different from yours.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:26 Matt Moore

7:26

[Comment From T TT T: ]

why doesn't the NBA send its players to the NDBL ?? instead of sitting young players on the bench all year.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:26 T T

7:27

Matt Moore:

there's a fear from coaches about what they'll learn down there. And they don't want to spend the time to get to know the staffs. Plus, most teams have dual affiliations. So if you're affiliated with the Kings and Knicks, which coaching style do you teach? Theus? or D'Antoni? Also, they worry about the trainers.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:27 Matt Moore

7:27

[Comment From Adam JAdam J: ]

I'll blow layups for a third of what they're giving Graham.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:27 Adam J

7:28

[Comment From LBLB: ]

Poor Rod can't seem to catch on with an NBA team. Is he bolstering his chances with his minutes today?

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:28 LB

7:29

Matt Moore:

He's playing well, but honestly, he needed some more time. This is their last game. He said he's not hanging around for camp, either. There are offers elsewhere. Bismark will be crushed.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:29 Matt Moore

7:29

[Comment From LBLB: ]

MM: Is that to say he will be playing in Europe? ie: The NBA dream is going bust?

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:29 LB

7:29

Matt Moore:

Man's gotta get paid.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:29 Matt Moore

7:29

[Comment From T TT T: ]

I saw a Dallas summer league game on TV 2 years ago. maybe 50 in the stands. so is Orlando and Vegas the 2 places then ??? for the Summer League anyway

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:29 T T

7:29

Matt Moore:

The place is relatively full today.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:29 Matt Moore

7:30

Matt Moore:

Mykal Riley is undersized but can jump like a madman. He's got killer ups.

Saturday July 19, 2008 7:30 Matt Moore

7:31

Matt Moore:

Hendrix with a block. Riley with another slam! Kid's got mad ups! Warriors lead by 2, 4:35 remaining.