Mark Jackson—the latest coach of the Golden State Warriors—continues to make his PR rounds. This is a natural occurrence when ever a new coach is hired or promoted, but in the case of the Warriors, Mark Jackson’s appearances are especially amplified due to all the speculation surrounding Monta Ellis.
I am sure the coach is tired of the line of questioning regarding the rumors concerning Ellis, but there is a question that he loves answering.
Are the Warriors a playoff team?
I am as faithful as the next guy and I’m no coach but it is plainly obvious that there are massive holes on the roster.
Jackson answers the question with a "yes" every time. Of course some would say he is just being politically correct, then turn around and say he is telling the truth about not trading Ellis. While others may feel Jackson is genuine in his belief that the Warriors will be in the playoffs.
Well surely he does not mean as is? I’m no rocket scientist but the Warriors were far from the playoffs this season, even with the best statistical season from Monta Ellis and the size and offensive addition of David Lee.
Jackson’s argument is the Warriors played no defense and by simply creating a defensively sound team they will be a playoff team.
Lets ask the Chicago Bulls, how did that pan out? Their defense was top notch until they ran into a wall that was vastly superior offensively, that wall is aptly nicknamed the Heatles.
The Bulls also have the reigning MVP, Derrick Rose at the helm. As far as offense, all the Bulls had was Derrick Rose. So yes an argument can be made in support of Jackson’s views—but then again the Chicago Bulls are comprised of defense first players.
Playing and simple, the correct personnel is required.
Aside from Monta Ellis, Stephen Curry, David Lee and an incredible year from Dorell Wright, what else do the Warriors have? Not making the playoffs was not just a cause of defensive ineptitude, it was also due to a lack of depth.
Of course the interim coach, the front office issues and the loosing culture that has left a bad taste in the mouths of all Warrior fans - have contributed a lot. But the Warriors bench is as deep as a kiddies pool, and that’s being polite.
With a pending lock out on the horizon, Mark Jackson has built a mountain of expectation that he may find insurmountable. Its understanding that a first year coach - who’s hiring is going to be questioned until a playoff birth - would have to choose one of two ways to introduce himself.
You can either tread lightly, or kick in the door and raise the roof - obviously Jackson chose the later.
With a roster that is lacking in size, depth and defense, if there is a lock out the Warriors season can be considered over before it begins. Not unlike the NFL, any team with a new coach, new front office and in obvious need of a tune up - will be at a major disadvantage.
Teaching a team how to play your style of defense with out actually talking to them is very difficult. Improving the roster through trades and free agency is tough especially when there is no free agency and if the season kicks off late the trade dead line is that much closer.
Even if the Warriors pick up a decent rookie in a paper thin draft, a lock out would prevent summer league and any other preseason development activities.
I stand by my opinion that hiring Mark Jackson as head coach of the Golden State Warriors was brilliant. I also stand by my opinion that Jackson is conducting the Monta trade train masterfully. Whether Monta is traded or not.
Unfortunately Mark Jackson is making his first coaching mistake. It is unwise to play to the fans when the fans are more hungry for a championship then the players are.
When asked - are the Warriors a playoff team?
I would prefer to hear - Right now nothing is definite, but as with any team it is a work in progress. I can guarantee that we will get better and we will continue to improve the roster as we push for the playoffs. I think we will surprise some teams, and make noise in the division. We have a lot of work to do but I can guarantee that all the hard work will lead to a championship.
So Mark Jackson guarantees playoffs again and again. I would love to believe in him and in the Warriors so what ever Mark Jackson is drinking these days, some one ask him to share.
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