Steinmetz blog: Is C.J. Watson the point guard Warriors ar..

Is C.J. Watson the point guard Warriors are looking for? Not yet
POSTED July 20, 9:31 PM

If Monta Ellis is going to be the Warriors’ starting point guard this
season, they’re going to need a backup.

Of all the names and possibilities out there, the one I never really
considered was C.J. Watson. He was around for a good portion of last
season for the Warriors, got more than few opportunities along the
line and yet I can't remember him ever making an impact.

But he's coming off a nice week in Vegas and it might be time to start
viewing him with a more critical eye, particularly because the backup
PG spot is going to be huge for this team.

The Warriors still need a competent ballhandler and decision-maker on
the roster, someone who can bring the ball upcourt late in a game,
handle pressure at crucial times and knock down foul shots if
necessary.

Question for you: Right now, which Warrior do you clear it out for in
the backcourt so he can bring it up and get the team into its offense?

I have some doubts about Ellis leading a fastbreak and whether or not
he can do it well. But what is more concerning is having to rely on
Ellis to bring the ball upcourt under pressure. It’s just not his
strength, and he has struggled when put in that position.

Ellis has to have help there, and he doesn’t right now. Unless Watson
is the guy.

In 32 games last year, Watson was pretty indistinguishable. He never
really hurt the Warriors but he never really helped them, either.
Watson’s got some nice qualities to his game but nothing that really
stands out.

If the Warriors aren’t going to go out and get a first-rate starter at
point guard, then they better get a first-rate backup. It remains to
be seen whether Watson is that guy.

He displayed more confidence in Vegas last week than at any time last
season, which you would figure. But does he really have the kind of
presence an NBA point guard needs?

It’s hard to tell if the Warriors really like Watson or they’re
keeping him around in case nothing else really breaks. Either way, at
this point he’s very much in the picture. So it's time to start paying
closer attention.