The Golden State Warriors did the impossible by defeating the top-seeded Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the 2007 NBA Playoffs. The Warriors were the first team to perform such a feat in the best-of-seven games format. The first seeded Seattle Supersonics were defeated by the Denver Nuggets in 1994 and the first seeded Miami Heat were defeated by the New York Knicks in 1999, but in both scenerios, they played a best-of-five games format. It was the first time the Warriors had made the playoffs since 1994, which gives fans a lot to be excited about as they approach the new season.
However, there are still a lot of questions with this team. Baron Davis' health has been an issue in the past, and if he misses games, the Warriors are in trouble. Also, though Jason Richardson missed many games to injury last season, he came up big in the playoffs against the Mavs. Trading him away means one less veteran to help carry the offensive load. Richardson was often criticized for not being able to step it up in the clutch and for being a suspect defender, but it isn't like the rest of the team plays much defense under Don Nelson's offensive-oriented system.
Statistics Projections/Depth Chart
- Center: Andris Biedrins 8.8 ppg, 8.2 rbpg, 2.0 bspg (back up: Patrick O'Bryant)
- Power Forward: Al Harrington 16.9 ppg, 6.7 rbpg (back up: Brandan Wright)
- Small Forward: Stephen Jackson 14.5 ppg (back up: Matt Barnes)
- Point Guard: Baron Davis 19.6 ppg, 8.3 apg (back up: Sarunas Jasikevicius)
- Shooting Guard: Monta Ellis 17.7 ppg, 4.3 apg (back up: Marco Belinelli)
Key Losses
The Warriors traded Jason Richardson to the Charlotte Bobcats to clear cap space. Though Richardson was often criticized for not performing in the clutch and also for being a poor defender. Still, he's a top-flight athlete and has developed into a great offensive weapon. The Warriors also waved center Adonal Foyle, which wasn't a bad move.
Key Additions
Draft picks Marco Belinelli and Brandan Wright have bright futures. Belinelli shined in summer league play and some think Wright might be the best talent of the 2007 NBA Draft not named Greg Oden or Kevin Garnett. The Warriors also signed Austin Croshere, who should be a good fit as a jump shooting power forward.
Team Rumors
Mickael Pietrus may re-sign with the team for one season after getting no takers in the free agent market.
Team Predictions
Golden State needs Baron Davis on the floor to be successful. Monta Ellis is improving, but nobody creates on that team like Davis. The problem is, he has a history of injuries and though he managed to play in 63 games last season, he hasn't matched that total since 2003-2004. History shows he's more likely to miss games than play in them, which is bad news for the team. With that in mind, don't expect them to match last year's 42 wins. A conservative estimate would peg them as finishing with a 38-44 record, barely missing the playoffs. Now, that's the Warriors everyone has come to know and love.
Fantasy Spin
Don Nelson's offensive-friendly system turns ordinary players into fantasy gold! Baron Davis is coming off a great season, shooting better from the field than he ever has (43.9%) and playing in over 60 games, which he had not done since 2003-2004. Still, it would be wise not to draft him too early despite the limit on great point guards available this season, as he still has a propensity for injury.
With Jason Richardson gone, look for Monta Ellis to continue to improve. However, in terms of fantasy basketball, he is a bit overrated. On the plus, Ellis average a respectable 16.5 ppg, 4.1 apg and 1.7 steals per game last season. However, he only averaged 0.5 threes per game and though 2.9 turnovers per game won't kill you, it is a bit much for a guard with his production value. Still, he's an ideal late round steal, as he's bound to improve.
With centers coming at such a high price, another late round player to consider is Andris Biedrins, who averaged nearly a double-double last season (9.6 ppg and 9.3 rbpg) with 1.7 blocks. What's more, he's 50-some percent foul shooting won't hurt that much, as he only takes two foul shots a game.
NBA Eastern Conference Team Previews: Atlanta Hawks; Boston Celtics; Cleveland Cavaliers; Chicago Bulls; Charlotte Bobcats; Detroit Pistons; Indiana Pacers; Miami Heat; Milwaukee Bucks; New Jersey Nets; New York Knicks; Orlando Magic; Philadelphia 76ers; Toronto Raptors; Washington Wizards
NBA Western Conference Team Previews: Dallas Mavericks; Denver Nuggets; Golden State Warriors; Houston Rockets; Los Angeles Clippers; Los Angeles Lakers; Memphis Grizzlies; Minnesota Timberwolves; New Orleans Hornets; Phoenix Suns; Portland Trail Blazers; Sacramento Kings; San Antonio Spurs; Seattle Supersonics; Utah Jazz
