June 3rd, 2011 
Russ Loede 
Posted in 
NBA Trade Talk: A rumor circling around the Association is the possibility of the Warriors’ shooting guard Monta Ellis and 76ers’ small forward Andre Iguodala switching places. Some have talked about this potential trade not making much sense for either team. I for one, believe both parties would significantly improve their chances if they complete the deal. Remember, Jerry West has joined the Warriors organization, and he is well-known around the NBA as someone who loves to roll the dice.
Why Golden State Makes Move: It’s no secret that the Warriors are Steph Curry’s team, not Monta’s. Curry is the face of the franchise, no matter who the next coach (Mark Jackson?) will be. With that said, it would be wise for the team to get a solid player in return for Ellis, a player that could offer them more versatility and compliment Curry nicely, while not taking away from his playmaking ability.
With an influx of talented two-guards and the prospect of Reggie Williams taking Monta’s place at shooting guard, you can make a case for this trade working out smoothly for the Warriors. I don’t think you lose much scoring ability with Ellis gone and if Iguodala comes in you better your perimeter defense. With the move, you allow David Lee to get more touches and you add another high-flyer in the open court for Curry to find.
If the deal takes place, you can see Curry taking command of the team. Curry is more than capable of picking up the slack and the sky’s the limit in terms of his potential as the team’s go-to guy. I don’t know how much longer you can pair him and Monta and expect to contend for a spot in the West. The opportunity is present and I think if you trade Ellis for Iguodala you bolster your chances of becoming more of a complete team and a threat to make the Playoffs.
Golden State’s Revised Draft Plans: Trading Ellis means you have to look for a replacement for him. Or does it? With Reggie Williams a viable option at the two, you can afford to go best player available at #11. No longer is small forward a need with Iggy, you can narrow your options down. So, the player you draft will be a hybrid between the BPA and one who fits the system. Wish List: 1. Jimmer Fredette, SG, BYU. Fredette would fit next to Curry with the greatest of ease. He’s a guy who doesn’t need to dribble the ball, though he can create off the bounce if asked. Jimmer’s a perfect shooting guard who has great three-point shooting range and can quickly perform the catch and shoot operation with Curry feeding him the rock. However, he wouldn’t start right away and you would have a similar problem defensively with him and Curry in the backcourt as you do with Ellis and Curry.
2. Bismack Biyombo, C, Congo. The work on the defensive end continues. Hands down, the best pure defending big man in the draft. Bismack is drawing comparisons to Serge Ibaka and would be a good back-up for Biedrins. With David Lee at power forward, all you really need is a scrapping defensive enthusiast to play alongside him. Bismack is all that and more. Rebounds, blocks, and hustle, this pick would make sense.
3. Travis Leslie, SG, Georgia or Iman Shumpert, SG, Georgia Tech. Two second-round options who are elite athletes with tremendous defensive potential. Both can run the floor and play above the rim. They both measured out with superior marks and could bring excitement off the bench along with a defensive mindset to go along with Curry or Williams in the backcourt.
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[...] Golden State’s Side: It’s no secret that the Warriors are Steph Curry’s team, not Monta’s. Curry is the face of the franchise, no matter who the next coach (Mark Jackson?) will be. With that said, it would be wise for the team to get a solid player in return for Ellis, a player that could offer them more versatility and compliment Curry nicely, while not taking away from his playmaking ability. To read the rest visit Warriors Gab [...]
ummm why would we start Reggie at 2…
Though Iggy played SF in philly, I believe his natural position is SG. Numbers showed that he is slightly better playing SF, but he really is a SG.
Did you completely forgot about Dorell Wright in this article? Reggie William and Jimmy Fredette, but no Dorell Wright? He played very well at 3 last year. His defense can be better, but he is still learning. Why move him when he is already playing well?
Steph Curry, Andre Iguodala, Dorell Wright, David Lee sound like a playoff team, no doubt. We just need to sign a defensive center like Greg Oden, DeAndre Jordan, Marc Gasol or even Dalembert.
Iggy’s strength and athleticism make him the ideal small forward. He is not (understatement) a good shooter, so he’s better as a swingman playing next to Williams.
Reggie Williams is a better all-around scorer than Wright.
I didn’t mention Wright because we know his game. I don’t expect much improvement, as he would lose minutes if the trade went down.
I see more upside in Williams than Wright. Also, it would be nice to save Wright off the bench to spell Iggy.
Biedrins is still a good option at center.
Marc Gasol is the guy you want. As for Jordan and Dalembert, I don’t think they are going to switch teams. Defensively, both are superior than Gasol, however, Gasol would make things interesting as he’s head and shoulders the more complete player.
I know Iggy is not a good shooter, but we have curry and wright playing next to him.
Iggy playing SG is not for him to score, but for him to guard top elite SGs like Kobe, Manu, Wesley Matthews, eric gordon etc. He can also guard SF like Durant if Dorell is having trouble.
Also, his great passing ability will open up Curry, Dorell and Lee to score more points.
I can understand why you say Dorell might be better off the bench, but really our weakest position is probably SF. Dorell has the size to play SF (6’9, 210), hes a decent rebounder, and led the NBA in 3pts last year.
Reggie is same height as Iggy, but a lot slower. He is not consistent, and would be better off the bench to back up Iggys scoring.
We might have different view, but at least we have same hope of trading Monta for Iggy.
Many Monta fans think trading Monta is stupid, but I believe it is the championship move.
Lets hope for this deal to be done, and you are right, Biedrins is still a good option at center. he can avg double double as he showed 2 years ago. However, if we can sign a center who is very aggressive at rebounding and blocking, we should do it. Udoh is not ready to start, hes a great blocker, but is already small for center. Imagine Udoh and Oden palying 4,5 though. damn dats some block party.
Its sad for me to see Monta leave, but steph curry is our franchise, and he needs to control the floor.
Very knowledgeable insight. Draft thoughts? I can’t wait for June 23rd!
I may be overhyping Reggie a bit, but I believe he can be a starter on a Playoff contending team. As for Dorell, with Iggy, I would like to see him be the second guy off the bench, with Udoh developing into that 6th man role.
Nothing against Wright. It’s more about how much of a fan I am of Reggie’s game. No knocks on Dorell’s ability, but Williams’ skill set has me excited. Would like to see him get his chance as a starter next to Curry.
Wright does have the height over Williams, which makes him a more viable option both as a defense and a rebounder.
And I’m a huge Monta fan! One of my favorite players in the NBA. Hands down, he’s an explosive scorer, but it would be wise to change up the philosophy of the team.
How about this set-up after the trade and draft:
Starting 5: Curry-Williams-Iggy-Lee-Biedrins
Bench: Udoh-Wright-Alec Burks-David Lighty-Adrien/Admundson
Draft Gurus,
This message is for everyone who is interested in participating in Slam Dunk Central’s 2011 NBA Mock Draft.
It’s very simple and easy. For those who want in, pick a team. You are the GM. We will be covering all teams and both rounds (the second round is still important).
If you are down for picking up a team and making that certain team’s draft picks as the GM, then respond back as soon as you can. The draft is next Thursday, June 23.
Also, trades between GM’s are encouraged!
Thank You,
Russ Loede
Site Editor
Slam Dunk Central