Golden State Warriors The “Smurfs” Of The NBA

Posted by Sujeet under Main

With players such as Dwight Howard and Yao Ming, the NBA has many players on the north side of 6?11. The Golden State Warriors are smurfs in the NBA. They define small ball. Baron Davis plays the role of ?Hefty?Smurf. He shoots as soon as possible, whenever possible, and as often as possible. When he is not shooting he is setting up his teammates for the score. He is sixth in the league averaging 8.3 APG and eleventh in scoring averaging 22 PPG. Baron Davis won the game against the Lakers this past Friday by hoisting up a three with 16.8 second left to give the Warriors the lead. This win halted a 9 game losing streak to the Lakers. Stephen Jackson resembles ?Handy? Smurf. Jackson can play the two, three, or four position for Papa Smurf, Don Nelson. His versatility and scoring ability (21 PPG) has helped to lead the Warriors to second in scoring at 109 points a game.

Now that I have made all the smurf analogies, let?s get down to the point. At times, the average height of the Warrior’s starting five is 6′5. This is small for a NBA lineup. I quickly looked at the starting lineups of Jazz, Magic, and Lakers. All three of those teams have an average height of 6?7. If it wasn?t for Biedrins (6?11) then the Warriors would have no height or rebounding presence in their lineup. He is averaging a touch under 10 RPG. He is the only player who is remotely close to averaging double digits in rebounds.

How then are the Warriors successful? They play a fast paced offensive style that is more likely seen on the playground than in the NBA. They shoot early in the shot clock. This enables them to get more touches on the ball and increases the chance for quick scores. They make up for their lack of height with finesse and speed. The golden three also have accurate passing. This is reflected by their efficient A/TO ratio (Davis, 2.91 A/TO, Jackson 1.11 A/TO, and Ellis 1.98 A/TO). Baron Davis (8.3 APG), Monta Ellis (3.4 APG), and Stephen Jackson (3.9 APG) all have excellent vision at spotting the open man in transition. Of course, it doesn?t hurt that all three aren?t afraid to shoot the rock. The golden three take 50 shots a game and have a combined field goal percentage of 43.2%. They represent the core of the Warrior?s offense.

Monta Ellis and Kelenna Azubuike add two extra elements of explosiveness to the Warriors. Ellis has been on the team for the past two years. Since the Warriors did not re-sign Richardson this year, the door was opened for Ellis to shine. He is now a third offensive option. Last year we found out he is legit. It usually takes three years for a player to break into the NBA. Ellis is averaging 16.5 PPG and 34 minutes (3rd on the team). Kelenna Azubuike is a player that came out of relative obscurity. He only averaged 7 PPG and 16 minutes last year. This year he has started on fire. He is averaging 12.6 PPG, 5 boards, and 29 minutes. He is quick enough to play the two and big enough to play the three. This was a good find for the Warriors. He gives them another option on offense.

Defense is the one glaring hole on this team. They give up 107.4 PPG placing them dead last in the NBA. Though some would argue that they are playing slightly better defense, it is difficult to defend that statement. The facts are 107.4 PPG allowed places the Warriors name with the likes of the Grizzlies and the Sonics. Does this surprise anyone with Don Nelson as the coach? Whether you love Don or hate Don you have admit that his style of play is small, exciting, and lightening quick. The smurfs will be a 4/5 seed in Western Conference when it comes down to playoff time. I guarantee it!

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5 Responses to “Golden State Warriors The “Smurfs” Of The NBA”

Tim on December 19th, 2007 9:54 pm

It’s great to hear the Warrior’s are getting press. It is about time NBA writers recognize they are more then just a 8 seed who got lucky knocking off Dallas last year. I agree their defense is weak but I know they will overcome with great offense. Why didn’t you mention Al Harrington? He is a integral part of their team? Do you feel he is expendable? Do you think they could beat the Lakers again if Kobe was healthy?
Ross on December 20th, 2007 11:47 pm

If the Warriors are the Smurfs which one would be Gargamel? Also can your next article relate the Boston Celtics to the Justice League of America.
Jeff Sack on December 21st, 2007 3:40 pm

Sorry THE JLA would be the Orlando Magic because they already have “BATMAN” Tony Battie. We were thinking of the Celts as the “LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMAN” As for Gargamel he would be Phil Jackson, and Kobe is the cat.
DeAngelo on December 21st, 2007 7:59 pm

The Smurfs and Warriors. Good connection. Very good stat info. Your a creative writer.