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As Sherlock Holmes would say: the game is on.
The Golden State Warriors threw their two lottery picks Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody on the world last night, and even the most skeptical members of the Dub Nation had to admit their the raw skills were quite intriguing.
Legendary Hoop Scribe Monte Poole had this quick thought about these two youngsters:
It was a game, their first at the NBA level, a glorified scrum against a list of players much less advertised than them.
But if first impressions count, and sometimes they do, the draw giveaways from the Warriors, Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody, will have a long career in the league.
Teens will need years of refinement and growth, multiple cycles of course, but the raw tools on display Wednesday night in a 94-87 loss to the Miami Heat on their Summer League debut at Draft Golden 1 Center has the possibility of producing as recruits.
To the gang!
Warriors SL coach Kris Weems on Kuminga’s debut: “I was impressed with his energy to reach the basket. You see the finishing ability. And I think he’s an underrated passer. . He hasn’t done as much as I would like, but he has a chance to be a very good player. “
– Wes Goldberg (@wcgoldberg) August 5, 2021
My my my, what do we have here? Athleticism, aggressiveness and competitive verve were all we could have asked for in a first presentation for these two guys. It’s funny because before the draft, the arguments crystallized into “TRADEZ ANDREW WIGGINS, JAMES WISEMAN AND CHOICES FOR AN ESTABLISHED STAR” versus “DON’T SELL THE FUTURE IN A DEEPENING OFFER FOR THE PRESENT”.
At GSOM, “Keep the picks” obtained 38% of the vote while “Trade both” obtained 30%. This gives us an idea of how the fan base was divided before the draft. But now? This Summer League spectacle has the imaginations of NBA pundits racing over Golden State’s patient strategy that could pay huge dividends.
New video discussing Golden State’s offseason and how * not * to land a fourth star on draft night might be for the best in the long run. Especially if Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody’s impressive performance last night is any sign of things to come for the Warriors:
– Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) August 5, 2021
Excellent. And now, kick back and wait for the Summer League to continue in Las Vegas, where the Warriors’ youth movement can continue to take shape and— WAIT, IT’S JUST ENTRY! Ben Simmons wouldn’t talk to the Philadelphia 76ers and would “Open” to join the Dubs?
Jason Dumas on Ben Simmons: “He’s open to California teams, that’s what I’ve been told. Joel Embiid has contacted him several times since the end of the season. He hasn’t responded to calls from Joel Embiid… he doesn’t. I don’t want to go back to the 76ers. The damage has been done. “Https://t.co/CJhQ1YACFA
– Drew Shiller (@DrewShiller) August 5, 2021
Grass isn’t always greener … but sometimes it is?
Okay, the last time Simmons’ name popped up in trade rumors with the Warriors, Dub Nation was interested but also collectively threw up at Philly’s ridiculous asking price. Here are my mate Brady Klopfer’s thoughts on this a few weeks ago:
According to a report by Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Sixers offered Simmons to the Warriors in exchange for Andrew Wiggins, James Wiseman, the No.7 and 14 picks in 2021 NBA Draft, and two future first-round picks.
The Warriors would have said no “quickly”. No surprises there.
Simmons would be a big hit, despite the negative stories surrounding him after the playoffs. He just turned 25 earlier this month, is on contract for four more years, is already a three-time All-Star, a two-time All-Defense selection, a single All-NBA selection and the defensive player of this year. finalist of the year, and led Philly to the best record in the East this season, playoff disappointment be damned.
Yes, Simmons is an incredible talent. But sending Wiggins, Wiseman, Kuminga and Moody AND two future firsts for a guy who suddenly became a non-factor in attack in a make-or-die playoff game against an Atlanta Hawks underdog? It doesn’t motivate me as a sofa general manager to give up all of those strengths.
If Ben is in Draymond’s shoes in that last match against MEM, he dunks on Tillman and the game is over… OR he tries to pass him because he doesn’t want to be messed up… OR they know it anyway and it lacks the two free throws.
Him with the ball late in the game would terrify me. MDR
– Justin (RIPKOBE) (@ThePackageJG) August 5, 2021
But hey, I’m not speaking for everyone. I can’t fault anyone for being drawn to the allure of an available, young and incredibly athletic All-Star:
I think the Warriors have been wise to turn down Wiseman + Wiggins + 7 + 14 + 2 firsts for Ben Simmons, but I don’t think that’s the ridiculous price everyone seems to be.
Simmons is really, really good, and under contract for 4 years which helps GSW expand the slot max
– Brady Klopfer (@BradyKlopferNBA) July 29, 2021
So, what do you think ? Keep the choices and develop them, or continue to seek a deal for Simmons?
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