...it seems to me and reading way between the lines... some of the earlier comments by Kerr about his needing to run back all the time, Draymond mentioning he'd been late a couple of times, and that he has talent but doesn't really know how to play bball etc., along with the general comments from several about rookies needing to learn what it means to be a professional. And now recently by Steph lauding Moody for never being late, being professional and deserving of a video or something. Then Jordan Poole saying he realized that his first year how he acted and dressed in the locker room could be a distraction and it was a part of understanding fitting in on the team....
Could some of this be a subtle messaging to JK (along with the not so subtle off and on playoff appearances and minutes) ? Have not seen any of this speculation from media or journalists, so maybe its just me. Curious what you, who has some personal contact with team, may think of this...
No on the subtle messaging (they talk a lot more behind closed doors than they do with the media so there’s absolutely no reason anyone would subtly message through the media), and “sort of” on just you (I mean, yeah, it’s just you but there are many fans who overthink things and haven’t learned the under-pinnings of GSW — I plead for you to come join our live chats on YouTube; that’s where you learn the most, real-time, with support from peers, and on ANYTHING you want to ask). Anyways… JK is 19. I mean, so is Moody but he’s kinda different. Also the one thing that fans keep getting lost on, over and over again, is the Mike Brown spreadsheet of rotations plus the particular opponent in question. If you play JK and he’s by definition a 4 this year in 2022’s NBA, then who do you NOT play? The 4s on the team are Draymond, Otto, GP2 and Juan. You might even say Looney and Beli because you’ll end up small anyways. So who amongst that rotation sits when JK plays? It’s just a matter of circumstance and the particular matchup at the time. Comparing it to Moody’s situation is the wrong take. Sorry to be blunt and I do appreciate you reading the website. Moody is a 2/3, his minutes as I discussed here, replaced those of Damion Lee’s. Had nothing to do with JK: https://www.letsgowarriors.com/p/erudite-warriors-will-moses-moody?s=r
Thanks for the response. Yeah I understand that JK is 19 and he and Moody play different positions. I'm not sure what really is said behind closed doors, but it seems many players do pay attention to public comments. Steph saying Moody's work habits are exemplary and Jordan mentioning his change in appearance and locker room manner coinciding with Kuminga's odd starting of games for very few minutes and then not playing much at all made me wonder. Sometimes it is easier to be oblique in criticism rather than direct to someones's face and maybe especially for teammates ... although Andre seems respected for it. I'll try to checkout the YouTube ... not sure how to time the live chats. Thanks again.
I don’t think it would be particularly helpful to JK’s confidence by sending out “subtle messages”. Also, Andre is Andre. Finally, if anything, my decade of media experience has taught me that, if anything, players are more likely to try NOT to throw anyone under the bus in any way, shape, or form through the media. So, honestly, I really want to obliterate your speculation. Sure, there have been messages sent through the media. But you’ve got to understand how little of a percentage that is. It’s probably less than 1% of all interviews. It just does not happen. No surprises, no throwing guys under the bus, you got a problem with me you come talk to me. Unwritten rules of the NBA 101. (Which is Ben Simmons wasn’t ever going to work with Embiid and Doc who did exactly that.)
I do not take it personally and don't feel under any bus .... but I also don't think you obliterated my speculation. You did say there have been messages through the media, and it seems like you cited the Sixers and Ben Simmons as a recent example, and that Andre is Andre. Poole's and Steph's comments were not directed at anyone but may have been to illuminate what they feel is important in a teammate. I understand the Warriors seem to have a pretty good communication culture.... but there are some curious things ... the possible meningitis issues that David West may have brought up many months after the fact, the Jordan Bell suspension over a room service candle, Mark Jackson's compatibility issues, maybe even the trainer Chelsea's leaving... Those certainly should be addressed differently than playing time and rotations. But are examples of not always so evident communication for me as a fan. So I just wondered if you, with. your insights, might have a different view, which you do and that is fine. Not wanting to start a conspiracy theory or pass out misinformation.... but still not sure I understand the strange use and varied rotation minutes for Kuminga. Even if the team just realized that they were better with Gary or then Looney. I actually agree with that from a basketball perspective, but I'm not sure that helps JK's confidence or understanding what his role is... though that is of secondary importance to winning playoff series. All for the greater good!
I am in awe of your politeness and persistence. It may very well sway me. All in all, you could be right. I cannot deny that. The odds are very small, imo. As for the JK minutes, I believe it is because his role as the 4 on Mike Brown’s spreadsheet is also occupied by Draymond and Otto (and Juan but JK is above Juan apparently), and now throw GP2 in there, then also Looney and Beli if you consider “small ball” where 4s and 5s are used interchangeably with the one rule that you do not play Loon and Beli simultaneously. And then there are the matchups and the fact that Looney played so well that Kerr didn’t need to alter the 4-5 mix. But as I did write in the same Moody article, I do feel like if JK is not a core rotation player in 2023 playoffs, something will have gone horribly wrong. We will absolutely need JK vs the 2023 Grizzlies, let alone other improving young teams, especially as our Big Three continue to age and make more and more little subtle mistakes that older guys make. So, that’s the (huge) light at the end of the tunnel!
OK you get a little more persistence... I have no concerns with Kuminga's minutes. But it seems like he's getting jerked around a little bit and from my perspective has a very uncertain role. I'm not big on spreadsheets ... believe in playing lots of players to find the right group for that given game, and with human nature it does vary. Usually the Warriors are good with this... Strength in Numbers! I can remember the 74/75 team known for playing most of the squad. They would get behind early in the playoffs (kind of like this year's) and Bill King saying Al Attles was just searching for the right combination. Kerr does seem to shorten the bench in the playoffs, so we had to wait to see Bjelica and Moody make significant contributions. I actually think that Beli, Gary, JK, Juan, Moody, Porter should all be able to provide useful play in the Finals. It is not easy for a coach to find the how and when of this. It does make some interesting conversation in these between game lulls that may be boring to fans but are very beneficial for the players.
And by “obliterate”, it’s not personal. I’m literally always doing things “for the greater good.” I do not want fans to speculate and come up with “conspiracy theories” (probably too harsh a word in this example). Conspiracy theories lead to misinformation and then suddenly you just really have no idea what is true and what is false and anyone can say anything. So, I’m here for the holy war and I’m sorry if YOU got thrown under the bus in the process. It’s not personal and I do appreciate the discussion because it’s not easy all around.
It is always hard to sort out which is public and which is actual personality. Your précis were very enlightening. Thanks.
Regarding Jonathon Kuminga...
...it seems to me and reading way between the lines... some of the earlier comments by Kerr about his needing to run back all the time, Draymond mentioning he'd been late a couple of times, and that he has talent but doesn't really know how to play bball etc., along with the general comments from several about rookies needing to learn what it means to be a professional. And now recently by Steph lauding Moody for never being late, being professional and deserving of a video or something. Then Jordan Poole saying he realized that his first year how he acted and dressed in the locker room could be a distraction and it was a part of understanding fitting in on the team....
Could some of this be a subtle messaging to JK (along with the not so subtle off and on playoff appearances and minutes) ? Have not seen any of this speculation from media or journalists, so maybe its just me. Curious what you, who has some personal contact with team, may think of this...
No on the subtle messaging (they talk a lot more behind closed doors than they do with the media so there’s absolutely no reason anyone would subtly message through the media), and “sort of” on just you (I mean, yeah, it’s just you but there are many fans who overthink things and haven’t learned the under-pinnings of GSW — I plead for you to come join our live chats on YouTube; that’s where you learn the most, real-time, with support from peers, and on ANYTHING you want to ask). Anyways… JK is 19. I mean, so is Moody but he’s kinda different. Also the one thing that fans keep getting lost on, over and over again, is the Mike Brown spreadsheet of rotations plus the particular opponent in question. If you play JK and he’s by definition a 4 this year in 2022’s NBA, then who do you NOT play? The 4s on the team are Draymond, Otto, GP2 and Juan. You might even say Looney and Beli because you’ll end up small anyways. So who amongst that rotation sits when JK plays? It’s just a matter of circumstance and the particular matchup at the time. Comparing it to Moody’s situation is the wrong take. Sorry to be blunt and I do appreciate you reading the website. Moody is a 2/3, his minutes as I discussed here, replaced those of Damion Lee’s. Had nothing to do with JK: https://www.letsgowarriors.com/p/erudite-warriors-will-moses-moody?s=r
Thanks for the response. Yeah I understand that JK is 19 and he and Moody play different positions. I'm not sure what really is said behind closed doors, but it seems many players do pay attention to public comments. Steph saying Moody's work habits are exemplary and Jordan mentioning his change in appearance and locker room manner coinciding with Kuminga's odd starting of games for very few minutes and then not playing much at all made me wonder. Sometimes it is easier to be oblique in criticism rather than direct to someones's face and maybe especially for teammates ... although Andre seems respected for it. I'll try to checkout the YouTube ... not sure how to time the live chats. Thanks again.
I don’t think it would be particularly helpful to JK’s confidence by sending out “subtle messages”. Also, Andre is Andre. Finally, if anything, my decade of media experience has taught me that, if anything, players are more likely to try NOT to throw anyone under the bus in any way, shape, or form through the media. So, honestly, I really want to obliterate your speculation. Sure, there have been messages sent through the media. But you’ve got to understand how little of a percentage that is. It’s probably less than 1% of all interviews. It just does not happen. No surprises, no throwing guys under the bus, you got a problem with me you come talk to me. Unwritten rules of the NBA 101. (Which is Ben Simmons wasn’t ever going to work with Embiid and Doc who did exactly that.)
I do not take it personally and don't feel under any bus .... but I also don't think you obliterated my speculation. You did say there have been messages through the media, and it seems like you cited the Sixers and Ben Simmons as a recent example, and that Andre is Andre. Poole's and Steph's comments were not directed at anyone but may have been to illuminate what they feel is important in a teammate. I understand the Warriors seem to have a pretty good communication culture.... but there are some curious things ... the possible meningitis issues that David West may have brought up many months after the fact, the Jordan Bell suspension over a room service candle, Mark Jackson's compatibility issues, maybe even the trainer Chelsea's leaving... Those certainly should be addressed differently than playing time and rotations. But are examples of not always so evident communication for me as a fan. So I just wondered if you, with. your insights, might have a different view, which you do and that is fine. Not wanting to start a conspiracy theory or pass out misinformation.... but still not sure I understand the strange use and varied rotation minutes for Kuminga. Even if the team just realized that they were better with Gary or then Looney. I actually agree with that from a basketball perspective, but I'm not sure that helps JK's confidence or understanding what his role is... though that is of secondary importance to winning playoff series. All for the greater good!
I am in awe of your politeness and persistence. It may very well sway me. All in all, you could be right. I cannot deny that. The odds are very small, imo. As for the JK minutes, I believe it is because his role as the 4 on Mike Brown’s spreadsheet is also occupied by Draymond and Otto (and Juan but JK is above Juan apparently), and now throw GP2 in there, then also Looney and Beli if you consider “small ball” where 4s and 5s are used interchangeably with the one rule that you do not play Loon and Beli simultaneously. And then there are the matchups and the fact that Looney played so well that Kerr didn’t need to alter the 4-5 mix. But as I did write in the same Moody article, I do feel like if JK is not a core rotation player in 2023 playoffs, something will have gone horribly wrong. We will absolutely need JK vs the 2023 Grizzlies, let alone other improving young teams, especially as our Big Three continue to age and make more and more little subtle mistakes that older guys make. So, that’s the (huge) light at the end of the tunnel!
OK you get a little more persistence... I have no concerns with Kuminga's minutes. But it seems like he's getting jerked around a little bit and from my perspective has a very uncertain role. I'm not big on spreadsheets ... believe in playing lots of players to find the right group for that given game, and with human nature it does vary. Usually the Warriors are good with this... Strength in Numbers! I can remember the 74/75 team known for playing most of the squad. They would get behind early in the playoffs (kind of like this year's) and Bill King saying Al Attles was just searching for the right combination. Kerr does seem to shorten the bench in the playoffs, so we had to wait to see Bjelica and Moody make significant contributions. I actually think that Beli, Gary, JK, Juan, Moody, Porter should all be able to provide useful play in the Finals. It is not easy for a coach to find the how and when of this. It does make some interesting conversation in these between game lulls that may be boring to fans but are very beneficial for the players.
And by “obliterate”, it’s not personal. I’m literally always doing things “for the greater good.” I do not want fans to speculate and come up with “conspiracy theories” (probably too harsh a word in this example). Conspiracy theories lead to misinformation and then suddenly you just really have no idea what is true and what is false and anyone can say anything. So, I’m here for the holy war and I’m sorry if YOU got thrown under the bus in the process. It’s not personal and I do appreciate the discussion because it’s not easy all around.