It makes little sense to get too excited about Anthony Randolph’s record-tying 42 points in his last summer league game, since the man whose record he ties was Marcus Banks. Marco Belinelli tossed in at least a couple 30-point games in his summer league career, too.
Still, it’s clear that Randolph is the most valuable player the Warriors have under contract, and they need to plan for a future where he’s the star of the team, no questions asked.
What do stars need? Sidekicks. At least one, but two wouldn’t hurt. Unfortunately, unless Stephen Curry blossoms into Steve Nash, 2.0 like Don Nelson hopes, there isn’t a player on the team with the right blend of talent and positional capability to help Randolph lead the Warriors to a championship.
Monta Ellis? He brings scoring and not much else.
Andris Biedrins? Randolph is a more imposing presence already, with a more varied offensive game. Biedrins does some things, but not enough to think he can help lead the Warriors to NBA Finals with a group of crafty role players.
There’s nobody else, either, unless Curry rises above his reportedly mediocre athleticism and becomes a slick-shooting distributor. Why do you think Randolph has spent his off-season joined at the hip with Anthony Morrow? Because Morrow’s the only young guy on the team besides Monta who Randolph thinks can help him win. And Randolph not only plays with a blend of frenetic athleticism the Warriors haven’t seen since LaTrell Sprewell was around, he also seems like a guy who wants to win, and soon.
One might be reading this and wonder if I’m jumping the gun with all this Randolph/championship talk, but I’m serious. Put it this way, if Chris Paul was mistakenly traded to the Warriors for Monta Ellis, they’d make the NBA Finals within four years (if they had a top-tier coach who gave any thought to defense, anyway…Jeff Van Gundy?).
Too bad for at least the next two years (unless the Warriors surprisingly use their mid-level on Ramon Sessions, but we all know the Warriors won’t be spending any more money this off-season, for a variety of reasons) Randolph will pretty much be on his own.
On his own with Nelson, who likely still has some bitterness lingering from last year’s perceived petulance from Randolph.
On his own on defense, where he’s backed up by Biedrins (who can’t guard centers) and Ronny Turiaf (far more worried about blocking shots than blocking out).
On his own on offense, where he’ll need to find ways to score based on put-backs and transition dunks, because the Warriors will still be one of the worst passing teams in the league.
Enough depressing thoughts though, since the Warriors won’t be getting a point guard (or center) anytime soon who’ll help make Randolph better on either end of the floor, and Nelson’s going to coach the team as long as Robert Rowell patrols the offices at 1000 Broadway. Even if the Warriors aren’t doing all they can to build a team that can take advantage of Randolph, at least we can take advantage of watching him. I can’t wait until November.
Revel in the glory of Ant Randolph
– A lot of smart NBA people felt like Randolph could make The Leap this season, and if his play here in Vegas is any indication that’s exactly what’s going to happen. He’s looked fantastic—really strong, really good. (HoopsHype)
– Maybe I was wrong about the Warriors needing a point guard; Curry did have 8 assists last night. “I love Stephen,” Randolph stated. “He’s a great player and shooter as you can see he’s handled himself well.” (HOOPSWORLD)
– The late-season injuries gave Randolph the chance. Randolph delivered. He has kept at it–adding muscle and working on his jumpshot… DETERMINED TO BE GREAT… and he’s so good now that he probably shouldn’t ever play another minute in the Summer League. (Talking Points)
– “I’ll give him two years,” said one NBA Western Conference executive, who said it was team policy not to comment on other teams’ players. ‘In two years, he’ll be making people say ‘Wow.’ If he’s not an All-Star, people will be asking, ‘How didn’t he make it?’” (SJ Mercury News)
– Unaware of the record, the Warriors didn’t feed Randolph the ball on their last two possessions, which drew loud boos from the Cox Pavilion crowd. Wait, people give a crap about summer league records? (SF Chronicle Warriors thingy)
– Randolph’s dominance this week can’t be overstated. The scoring exploits are impressive, but Randolph has been at it defensively (12 blocks and nine steals in four games), on the glass (8.5 rebounds per game), and passing out of double teams with poise and precision (zero turnovers today). Randolph isn’t only the primary scorer on the floor, but the most creative facilitator.
It’s tempting to say that he could still use a little bulk, but his physical presence both in the paint and defending the perimeter with that lanky frame are bothering anyone with the temerity to challenge him.
Do they retire Summer League jerseys? (ESPN)
– Wanna see a video of Ant throwing one down on Chicago’s summer league team? This isn’t quite a dunk, but it’s more than sick. This is straight swine flu. (SLAM ONLINE)
– Nellie and Randolph even have their own movie poster. (Golden State Of Mind)
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[...] Bay Area Sports Guy » Blog Archive » Anthony Randolph + point …Why do you think Randolph has spent his off-season joined at the hip with Anthony Morrow? Because Morrow’s the only young guy on the team besides Monta who Randolph thinks can help him win. And Randolph not only plays with a blend of …Read More [...]