If you want proof that Anthony Morrow is a big part of the Warriors' plans, consider for a moment that they just sent away they guy he was supposed to compete against for minutes.The Warriors traded shooting guard Marco Belinelli to the Toronto Raptors for small forward Devean George and cash considerations. The deal will be announced on Thursday, according to a source.
The cash considerations are that the Raptors will pick up most of George's contract, worth $1.6 million in 2009-10. To that extent, George will be helpful to the Warriors even if he never plays a game for them. It certainly goes further in explaining why the Warriors would give up on Belinelli, just 23.
George played 43 games last year for the Mavericks and averaged 3.4 points per game. He shot 38 percent from the field, including 29 percent from 3-point range.
He ended up in Toronto as part of the sign-and-trade that sent Hedo Turkoglu to Toronto and Shawn Marion to the Mavericks.
Belinelli is likely going to get more of a chance to play in Toronto than he got in Golden State under Don Nelson. Belinelli played sparingly as a rookie, then received inconsistent minutes during an injury-plagued 2008-09.
He averaged 13.4 points per game when he got 20 or more minutes, but there were also 15 times when Belinelli took a DNP-CD. Depending on how Toronto's backcourt shakes out, Belinelli could be in the starting two-guard mix along with Antoine Wright and Jarrett Jack.
Mostly, the move is a vote of confidence for Morrow, who led the league in 3-point shooting (and set the scoring record earlier this month in summer league) despite going undrafted out of Georgia Tech. Between Morrow and rookie Stephen Curry, it was hard to see any kind of meaningful role for Belinelli.
More Steinmetz on Twitter: @matt_steinmetz
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
The Warriors had too many guards, not enough centers and forwards, so they traded a guard for a forward. The draft was the proof Morrow figures in their plans, not this trade.
Belinelli wasn't going to get a chance to play with Golden State so could for him and GS that they could move him for either financial flexibility or a small forward... I think Belinelli will do well with Toronto.
Belinelli will prove to be an exceptional player given the minutes. This bolsters Toronto and will take some pressure off of Bosh as Belinelli givent the time can light it up.
Watch Marco become a starter in the next few years. GSW loses another potential good player because of a couple million dollars and shortsightedness. I laughed today when I saw the ridiculous deal the Warriors are running trying to sell tickets. Good for the former season ticket holders to cancel their tickets!