Golden Foreign Exchange

Meetings. Two things come out of meetings. One, they are usually tedious, long and pointless even if there is an agenda. Someone will go on a tangent and then who knows where the meeting will go. Most of the time, you’re only invited because you’re part of that “team” and you won’t be able to voice your opinion because you’re not important enough. It only gets better if there is a lunch break that the company provides, complimentary with drinks, chips and desserts. But then hearing the same old drone on something you don’t have much say is very boring. The other meeting is very useful. There is a clear cut agenda. Everyone gets right down to the point and usually if you’re sitting in that meeting, you’re there for a purpose. You can voice out your idea, turn down others and come to an agreement of some sort with the other party.

Multiple meetings can only signify good things for the NBA and the owners. When the lockout began it’s two month anniversary, the two sides only met twice. Now in a matter of a week, both sides agreed on meeting yesterday, today and if needed tomorrow. This is a good sign. Maybe some movement is taking place and some kinds of agreement is happening. With that said, no one walked out optimistic yesterday and they both sides seem to know that time is running out before a work stoppage really happens.

With that said, I wanted to take the time to sort out which Warrior wants to head overseas, is going overseas and who doesn’t have a slight interest in going overseas.

Packed Suitcases

Reggie Williams

Mostly notably going overseas is Reggie Williams. Though he is a free agent, I would think the Warriors would like to resign him to a small deal. He was a decent surprise for the Warriors and I can only see the upside to his potential. He has signed a one year deal with Caja Laboral Vitoria (spain) with an opt-out clause. 

Acie Law

I wasn’t a big fan of Acie Law last year. Sure he had some games that were ok, but overall I don’t want him back. I rather spend that money on someone else to disappoint me. I don’t think he is a good back-up for either Curry or Ellis and I think that his time as a Warrior should end. With that said, I’m not sure where management’s head is. In the past, it would be no surprise to sign him to an outrageous deal, but new owners, new GM, new coach could all mean new change. Law has signed a one year deal Partizan (Serbia) but it does not seem like he has an opt-out clause. So maybe even if the Warriors sign him again, it will be for a way discounted price.

Jeff Adrien

To be frank, I don’t really remember this guy. Was he some dude buried at the end of the bench? All in all, I quite remember that the Warriors were injured riddled and could have used anyone. They could have signed some bum off the streets of SF and played. So with that in mind and I can’t remember this guy, he must have barely played, played bad and played when I wasn’t watching. But I think with all that not in his favor, he is going overseas to get more experience and hopefully be better. He is a free agent and I am not sure where he is in the depth chart for the Warriors. He has signed with Benetton Treviso (Italy) and has an opt out clause if and when the NBA started.

Thinking About Packing Bags

Stephen Curry

Curry has been quoted saying he’d like to go China to play. But because China has come out and stated they will not be offering an opt-out clause like other countries, China would only be an ideal fit if there isn’t any season. Curry stands to lose more of the Warriors if there is a work stoppage. With two years under his belt, Curry didn’t seem to get into a sophomore slump like many have. But his continued improvement is needed as he stands to be the future for the Warriors. He is also rehabbing a nagging injury from last year and is finishing his degree from Davidson. Nevertheless, if there is a lockout, Curry has stated he would play overseas and I think it will be beneficial for both sides.

Dorell Wright

Wright and Curry could end up in the same country if the lockout continues. Both are looking to China to find a temporary home. Wright already is a spokesperson for a Chinese shoe company, Peak, so it would be a perfect fit. Entering his eighth year, last year was the first time Wright was a go-to guy. Losing a season could hurt both his on court skills as well as his back pocket. If the season is cancelled, Wright would lose about $3.8 million. While many would say, playing overseas is more of the basketball sense to play, it would also be a financial set-off if the NBA season is cancelled.

Vladmir Radmanovic

I was sorta of surprised that Vlad wanted out of Laker land. He could have won many championships and been with all of Hollywood. So when he joined the Warriors, I thought he could bring something to the table. Apparently I was mistaken. While Vlad has the ability to stretch the defense with his outside shot, he defense is terrible and to me, he doesn’t want to hustle at all. News outlets have said that Vlad might want to stay in Serbia just a little longer if there is a lockout. Thought the Warriors are in dire need of big men, I don’t think Vlad is the answer.

Louis Amundson

I like this big guy. Not great skills but good blue-collar work ethic. Do I think he’ll make an impact? Probably not so much, but he’ll give good minutes off the bench and good boost of energy. He’s put out on twitter that negotiations between him and Maccabi Haifa are going on. Where they are going, I have no idea. However, since he hasn’t made that much money and could suffer without a season, it would be beneficial to play overseas.

Andris Biedrins

This big guy has been disappointing throughout his career here. A lanky center with good hands he is terrible, just terrible at shooting free throws. I’m not even sure who is worse, him or Shaq at this point. But with his terrible contract, the Warriors are inclined to keep him unless they something out of a deal. According to his agent, if there is a lockout he will sign with one of the European leagues. If anything, he should just work on his free throws this summer. Really, he cost the Warriors many points.

Jeremy Lin and Klay Thompson

Although Lin has one year of NBA experience to his name, in reality he’s in the same boat as Klay Thompson. Thompson is a rookie coming into the unknown and both need to work on their game. Lin has potential to be a go-to bench person, but he needs to up his game quite a bit. Working on his outside shot should help open his drives, but  he still needs to develop more skills. I didn’t watch Thompson in college so I’m not sure what he would bring to the team. Both would benefit from playing more and good competition instead of just working out at home. Let’s hope to they improve drastically to give Curry/Ellis a break.

No Passport Needed

 Ekpe Udoh

I remember when the Warriors drafted this big guy. I really didn’t like his raw talent and I thought if anything we were going to use him as a trade bait. But he did surprise me and ended the season a lot better than I thought he would have been. From the most recent news, he does not have any interest in going overseas and playing which to me is a very bad idea. The kid has got some talent. He showed good promise last year, but he really needs to improve if he wants to contribute more. Granted the Warriors have lack of size, so he’ll be here for quite a bit but he should really improve his game by playing more and working out with others. Hopefully this won’t come back and bite him.

Several Warriors have made a splash, cashing in on the opportunity to play if there isn’t a season next year. Everyone seems to have their own plans and hopefully each works out for them. Hopefully the Warriors will improve and maybe make the playoffs again.