Over the next month until opening night on October 31, I?ll be previewing one NBA team a day. Starting in the Eastern Conference, I?ll be starting with my lowest ranked team and continuing to the best, then switching conferences. Enjoy.
12 Seasons Without Playoffs…Make it 13
We’ve heard lots about the Warriors the last couple of seasons. They were considered a sleeper by many last season and got off to a great start, winning 12 of their first 18, only to finish 34-48 and miss the playoffs again. The Warriors again think they have a team worthy of playoff contention. And now they have a coach that can get them there. The Warriors bought out Mike Montgomery’s contract and rehired Don Nelson, who led the team to the playoffs four times in the 1990s.
Overview
The Warriors have a very solid backcourt in Baron Davis and Jason Richardson. They should average about 40 points a game. Davis also averaged close to nine assists but again battled injuries, missing 28 games. Davis has been already criticized by Nelson for being fat. If he’s healthy, the Warriors’ chances of a playoff berth are that much better. Jason Richardson set a career high for scoring at 23 points a game and was called a “true warrior” by VP of Basketball Operations Chris Mullin, former three point shooter/gumpy white guy with a buzzcut. I don’t know if being a “true warrior” is good for Richardson because a true Golden State Warrior represents bad basketball. I’ll assume Mullins means the other warrior.
Projected Starting Lineup
PG: Baron Davis
SG: Jason Richardson
SF: Mike Dunleavy
PF: Ike Diogu
C: Troy Murphy
Key Reserves: Mickael Pietrus, Adonal Foyle
Three Questions about the Golden State Warriors
1. Can I use this question to criticize the Mike Dunleavy selection in 2002? Dunleavy benefited from playing with guys like Williams, Battier, and Boozer. He was “the most versatile player since Grant Hill,” acording to Coach K. If by versatile you mean great three point shooter, then yes. Dunleavy was chosen before guys like Amare Stoudamire, Nene, and Tayshaun Prince. His 11 points a game aren’t worthy of such a high selection. Ira Newble agrees.
2. Can the Warriors get some scoring from their frontcourt? Sure they can. Troy Murphy’s shooting ability can create some mismatches on the outside. I’m also a fan of Pietrus and Diogu. They can add some scoring and depth to the squad. The Warriors don’t have much defensive depth or inside toughness, but they have plenty of shooters and scorers.
3. Can the Warriors end their playoff drought? Things are certainly close in my opinion. But the West is such a deep conference and I’m not sure Golden State can stay healthy. If Davis can stay on the court, the Warriors have a shot at a 7 or 8 seed. But that’s a very big “if” and I’m just not used to seeing the Warriors win. So I’m saying they miss the playoffs.
