Richard Jefferson Makes Bold Warriors Prediction
After the Oklahoma City Thunder became the youngest team in nearly half a century to win an NBA championship, the Golden State Warriors are betting on age and experience to bring them back to the top of the Western Conference.
This offseason, the Warriors went against the league-wide youth movement by adding 39-year-old veteran Al Horford, a five-time All-Star who continues to defy Father Time.
And while some skeptics question whether the “old but gold” Warriors can still hang with emerging contenders like Oklahoma City,
Jefferson Compares Horford to Past Warriors Bigs
“It feels like every time we talk about an NBA season, it comes down to health,” Jefferson told Heavy Sports during a media conference call. “If this team is healthy, there’s no drama. That being said, that team is deep. That team has a lot of talent.”
Jefferson, who played for the Warriors during the 2012-13 season before defeating them in the 2016 NBA Finals with the Cavaliers, said Horford’s arrival has stabilized the team’s structure on both ends of the floor.
GettyAl Horford signed a two-year $11.6 million deal to join the Golden State Warriors over the offseason.
“Al Horford, we’ve seen him plug and play with so many teams,” Jefferson said. “When we did their game, it felt like when they had David West, when they had Andrew Bogut. They had a defensive big next to
Horford’s leadership and court vision have already impressed Steve Kerr’s staff during training camp. Though the veteran big man played limited minutes in the preseason, he has given the Warriors a defensive anchor and a steadying presence on offense.
Championship Hopes Ride on Health and Depth
Jefferson said the Warriors still belong in the championship conversation — but only if the core of Stephen Curry, Green, Jimmy Butler
“If they’re healthy, this Warriors team has a chance to be one of the top teams in the West,” Jefferson said. “The West is loaded. They could play great and still lose to OKC in six. That’s still a great season. They could go to the Conference Finals.
“Are they a championship team? That would take a tremendous amount of health for a team that’s a little bit older. But they’re definitely in the mix.”
Warriors Already Battling Injuries Ahead of Opener
The Warriors’ health is already being tested before the season even starts. Butler missed the team’s final three preseason games with a sprained ankle, Moses Moody is doubtful for opening night with a calf strain, and
Golden State closed the preseason with a narrow 106-103 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday. They’ll open the regular season Tuesday night against the
Kerr said he remains optimistic Butler will be ready for opening night, noting how the six-time All-Star’s presence changes the team’s offensive rhythm and defensive poise.
Without Butler, however, the Warriors reverted to sloppy habits.
“I think Jimmy solves a lot of that,” Kerr said after Friday’s game. “Remember last year — we were 25 and 26 without him. We turned it over frequently. But after we got him, the game made a lot more sense. There was more control, fewer turnovers, and we started winning. No coincidence.”
NFL Makes Final Decision on Punishing Browns WR Jerry Jeudy
The NFL has decided to fine Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy for his actions against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 6.
Jeudy got into a tussle with Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. in the first quarter. The Browns’ top wide receiver was assessed a 15-yard penalty for unnecessary roughness.
After reviewing the play, the NFL assessed Jeudy a $12,172 fine for his action. It’s the second time Jeudy has been fined this season. He was hit with a $11,593 penalty for taunting against the
The NFL also fined Browns tight end David Njoku $14,491 for an obscene gesture.
Browns on Jerry Jeudy’s Penalty: ‘We Can’t Do That’
Jeudy’s penalty derailed the Browns’ opening drive and set a rough tone for the rivalry matchup.
“Jerry’s a leader for us,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said. “I think he was a retaliation-type thing and we preach that. We teach that. We can’t do that. And those are real yards that are hard to overcome, so we have to be better. Again, it gets to the point of need to make sure you’re playing clean, then give yourself a chance. It’s hard when you make life harder on yourself.”
Jeudy also took accountability for his actions.
“I can’t be having no personal penalties, that’s going to hurt my team,” Jeudy said after the game. “Set my team back 15 yards, I can’t be doing that. I got to be better on that. And I will be better on that.”
On the other side of things, Porter said his plan was to bait Jeudy into some flags with trash talk.
“That’s my game plan. I like to trash-talk, so any opportunity to get under a guy’s skin, I’m going to do it,”
Browns Looking to Get Jerry Jeudy More Involved
Jeudy is coming off a Pro Bowl season but has been unable to replicate his production. Through six games he has just 20 catches for 240 yards. He’s yet to find the end zone.
“Jerry wants to provide for this football team in any way he can,” Stefanski said. “Obviously, he’s a leader – we put a lot on his plate, we ask him to do a lot. So, he just needs to do what he’s capable of doing. I’ve seen it many, many times.”
Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who will make his third start on Sunday against the Dolphins, is focused on getting his top pass-catcher on track.
“I think Jerry (Jeudy is) hardest on himself and wants to play at a level for us as a team, but also, himself as well, but I don’t think that’s ever going to stop our approach,” Gabriel said. “We believe in Jerry. Jerry believes in himself, and I think we’re going to just continue to work at it. We’ve got it. It’s one of those things you have to work your way through. I don’t want to keep sounding mundane and saying the same thing, but it starts with me and being able to help that connection.”
The Browns are a slight 1.5-point favorite at home against the Dolphins.
