As BlogNBAsketball reported the other day, Stephen Jackson was likely headed back to Golden State this week. This trade between two former Don Nelson-coached teams is big one to start things off this week. Let’s take a closer look…..
Warriors get: C Andrew Bogut & SG Stephen Jackson
Bucks get: SG Monta Ellis, PF Ekpe Udoh, & C Kwame Brown
This move had been in the works for days, the key being Golden State’s willingness to take on Jackson’s contract. In the end they thought it worth the headache.
GSW – After failing to pry Dwight Howard away from Orlando, the Warriors then turned to the next best center on the market. This move hinges on the health of Andrew, something Milwaukee has obviously given up hope on. The headline (“Bogut for Ellis”) isn’t a fair trade, the Bucks win hands down. But, if ‘Jax’ gain regain some of his star play from last decade, it could turn out roses for Golden State. Many don’t know this, but ‘Capt. Jack’ is in the best shape he’s been in years. Nevertheless, this trade is less about this year and more about next season. Bogut isn’t close to returning from injury while Jackson is still harping about a contract extension. I wouldn’t be surprised if Jackson is moved again before the deadline Thursday. This tells you how confident GSW is in Stephen Curry’s gimpy right ankle. It also shows how much the Warriors like rookie SG Klay Thompson…he’ll be starting before too long.
It could be another lottery trip for the Warriors this year…..which is okay, seeing that their draft pick goes to Utah (via trade) unless it’s in the top 7. Management may be quietly hoping to get a high pick this year rather than be playoff fodder for the Thunder or Spurs and end up losing the pick to the Jazz, too. Coach Mark Jackson, however, isn’t thrilled. Reports say that he stood in shock when he heard the news in the team’s locker room. When coach settles down, he’ll realize that he now has a veteran in Jackson that could be a coach on the floor. Or he could be a cancer in the locker room…..we’ll find out soon.
projected lineup:
PG Brandon Jennings
SG Monta Ellis
SF Carlos Delfino
PF Ersan Ilyasova
C Ekpe Udoh
MIL – The Bucks feel like they can be more than just first round losers in the East this season. They now have one of the more dynamic backcourts in the league with Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis…..it’s enough to make ’Nellie’ consider a comeback. Head coach Scott Skiles will love having two ball-handlers in the backcourt, and he’ll also find immediate minutes for Ekpe Udoh on the frontline. Kwame Brown, meanwhile, is out for the season following shoulder surgery.
Monta and Brandon will be interchangeable parts on the offensive end of the floor, and a big reason why this team can not only make the playoffs but also scare the Heat or Bulls in the first round. Udoh will likely start at center alongside the emerging Ersan Ilyasova. This team will be a tough matchup the rest of the season and, likely, into April. The New York Knicks (currently seeded 9th) should be very nervous right about now.
projected lineup:
PG Stephen Curry
SG Stephen Jackson
SF Dorrell Wright
PF David Lee
C Andrew Bogut
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WArriors..you lose.