Post by Boston Celtics on Jul 30, 2007 13:31:27 GMT
Yesterday I made a phone call out West to San Francisco to talk with the Golden State GM about life in the Pacific. Here's what he had to say:
Q: Golden State, your team has a reputation over the years as being mediocre and never making the playoffs. How is the atmosphere around San Francisco now that you've assembled one of the best looking lineups in the league?
GSW: The Bay Area was blown away when the Kobe Bryant trade was announced. It came about very quickly and while sports talk radio picked up on it nobody really believed Kobe could be coming back to California from Portland.
With No. 24 in the lineup along with two dynamic post players in Pau Gasol and Zach Randolph the buzz surrounding the Warriors has never been bigger. The fans expect big things I plan to deliver.
Q: Despite the new look lineup, the Warriors are sitting around the mid-way mark in the standings, do you believe that will change? Do you think you can challenge even your division rivals, Phoenix, this season?
GSW: Phoenix has an incredible team and even with the changes to the Warriors we feel a division title is a long shot. The lineup is much better than when I first took over as general manager but I am still looking to make a move. Luke Ridnour has not performed as well as I had hoped and packaging him along with Seattle's lottery pick for an upgrade at point guard is at the top of my to-do list.
Q: It may be too early to ask, but who on your team do you believe has burdened themselves with the task of leader?
GSW: Pau Gasol has been a constant on this team throughout the turmoil and trading. The big Spainard has been a rock in the post and a rock in the locker room. Kobe's arrival has shaken things up but he is just so happy to be back with a contending team and in California that he has worked in well with the team. I couldn't be happier with Kobe, Pau and the rest of the team.
Q: Of all the trades your team has made, whether by yourself or a previous GM, which do you believe has benefitted your team the most?
GSW: The previous GM traded for Pau Gasol which has been a big help. The big man is one of the top scorers in the league and even though he gave up Baron Davis to obtain Pau, the center has been invaluable to this team.
But obviously the Kobe trade has been the biggest and will have the most impact in the long run.
Q: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
GSW: nyone want Luke Ridnour and a 2007 lottery pick? Hit me up if you have a point guard you're willing to move.
Q: Golden State, your team has a reputation over the years as being mediocre and never making the playoffs. How is the atmosphere around San Francisco now that you've assembled one of the best looking lineups in the league?
GSW: The Bay Area was blown away when the Kobe Bryant trade was announced. It came about very quickly and while sports talk radio picked up on it nobody really believed Kobe could be coming back to California from Portland.
With No. 24 in the lineup along with two dynamic post players in Pau Gasol and Zach Randolph the buzz surrounding the Warriors has never been bigger. The fans expect big things I plan to deliver.
Q: Despite the new look lineup, the Warriors are sitting around the mid-way mark in the standings, do you believe that will change? Do you think you can challenge even your division rivals, Phoenix, this season?
GSW: Phoenix has an incredible team and even with the changes to the Warriors we feel a division title is a long shot. The lineup is much better than when I first took over as general manager but I am still looking to make a move. Luke Ridnour has not performed as well as I had hoped and packaging him along with Seattle's lottery pick for an upgrade at point guard is at the top of my to-do list.
Q: It may be too early to ask, but who on your team do you believe has burdened themselves with the task of leader?
GSW: Pau Gasol has been a constant on this team throughout the turmoil and trading. The big Spainard has been a rock in the post and a rock in the locker room. Kobe's arrival has shaken things up but he is just so happy to be back with a contending team and in California that he has worked in well with the team. I couldn't be happier with Kobe, Pau and the rest of the team.
Q: Of all the trades your team has made, whether by yourself or a previous GM, which do you believe has benefitted your team the most?
GSW: The previous GM traded for Pau Gasol which has been a big help. The big man is one of the top scorers in the league and even though he gave up Baron Davis to obtain Pau, the center has been invaluable to this team.
But obviously the Kobe trade has been the biggest and will have the most impact in the long run.
Q: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
GSW: nyone want Luke Ridnour and a 2007 lottery pick? Hit me up if you have a point guard you're willing to move.