Reading today’s Bill Simmons’ column revisiting his Western Conference predictions reminded me of something else that I’ve noticed from Joe Lacob: his emphasis on the mood in the locker room. In particular, he referenced the David Lee trade as key not only for rebounding, but because it got us a positive locker room presence in exchange for a bad one (I assume he’s talking about Randolph there, as I can’t imagine Azabuke and Turiaf would warrant that label). Having an understanding of interpersonal dynamics is something he likely got good use out of in his VC career, and might be another talent that translates well to the NBA.

Things seem to be working out so far, with a rejuvenated and positive Monta leading a group that had a college-style team dinner before their first game. After nearly two decades of players avoiding the Warriors like the plague (and acting like they had it when they were here,) this would be a great turnaround that could make a big difference in terms of attracting free agents (though not as much as just winning consistently would).

As for how this relates to the Simmons, I guess I’ve been living under a rock but I didn’t realize that DeMarcus Cousins is already having attitude issues (not to mention some ridiculous foul problems). I think the draft was early enough that Lacob had no contact or influence with Reilly (where as the Lee trade occurred after they agreed to the sale in principle), but in an alternate universe where Lacob was in charge at that point I almost wonder if they would have pulled the trigger on Udoh (who really does sound like a great guy) even if they had the 5th pick.

Of course, if the Warriors are going to pull a KG-to-Boston type trade, the superstar they get will more than likely be disgruntled (otherwise, why would he be available?). So that could prove to be an interested test of just how seriously Lacob takes attitude (and, of course, attitudes can change when situations change as well). Would he roll the dice on a risky player with the hope of a Michael Vick-style outcome? Time will tell.

One more thing from the column — I enjoyed this blurb on the Warriors:

In the summer of 2007, Philly barely trumped Golden State’s lucrative Elton Brand offer, and then the Warriors got blindsided when Baron Davis fled for the Clips. In the summer of 2009, the Warriors backed out of a handshake deal with Phoenix that would have sent Biedrins, Brandan Wright and Curry’s rights to Phoenix for Amare Stoudemire. Last summer, the Warriors turned down Memphis’ offer of O.J. Mayo and Hasheem Thabeet for Ellis. (Note: Everyone thought they were crazy. Me included. Now they look like geniuses thanks to Ellis’ scoring binge.) You know what’s great about this? The Warriors spent the past 35 years giving up the wrong guys too early and acquiring the wrong guys too late, always to the chagrin of their absurdly loyal fans. Somehow, they went four for their past four with big decisions/breaks. See? There’s hope for everybody.

Maybe we’re finally done shipping out future all-stars! Wouldn’t that be something — though the Lee-Randolph trade will probably let us know for sure…

Posted by Mike in Roster

Tags: anthony randolph, david lee, demarcus cousins, ekpe udoh