NBA Preview: The Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors have not made the NBA Playoffs since 1994. This long postseason drought has been frustrating for both the organization and its fan base. In an effort to end the drought, Golden State recently hired Don Nelson to be their new coach. Nelson was the coach when the Golden State Warriors last made it to the NBA Playoffs over a decade ago. The Warriors organization and their fans hope that Don Nelson can lead them back to the postseason and get the Arena in Oakland rocking once again.

Chris Mullin, Golden State’s general manager, played for Nelson when the Warriors last made the NBA playoffs. Mullin knows that Nelson’s solid reputation will command respect from a team that has often lacked direction and leadership. Don Nelson has proven that he can turn around losing franchises and the Warriors hope that he can do it again.

Golden State has the talent to make the playoffs, but faces stiff competition in the NBA’s Western Conference. The Warriors roster is basically the same as last year, since they did not make any major off-season moves. Baron Davis and Jason Richardson will once again lead the way for the Golden State Warriors. Davis and Richardson are All-Star quality guards and form one of the best backcourt tandems in the NBA. Davis and Richardson combined for 41 points, 12 assists, 10 rebounds, and 3 steals per game last season. It is crucial for Golden State’s success that both players remain healthy. Baron Davis missed 28 games due to injury last season and Jason Richardson had minor knee surgery in the off-season. However, both players should be healthy in time for opening night.

Troy Murphy and Mike Dunleavy return at forward for the Golden State Warriors. Both Murphy and Dunleavy are entering their fourth seasons in the NBA and continue to improve. Murphy averaged 14 points and 10 rebounds per game last season. He is an underrated power forward that can shoot from the outside and works hard every night. Coach Nelson is looking to play a smaller lineup this year, so Murphy may move from power forward to center. If that happens, expect Dunleavy to move from small forward to power forward. Dunleavy averaged 11 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists last season.

Derek Fisher was the spark plug off the bench last year, scoring 13 per game. If Nelson decides to go with the smaller lineup, Fisher could move into the starting lineup. With Baron Davis, Jason Richardson, and Derek Fisher all on the floor at once, the Warriors will have three guards who can push the tempo and light up the scoreboard. Nelson hopes the smaller lineup will create excitement and put more points on the board for Golden State.

Adonal Foyle and Ike Diogu will share time at center if the Warriors go with a more traditional lineup. The Golden State Warriors also drafted Patrick O’Bryant, a seven-foot center from Bradley. O’Bryant fractured his foot, however, and may not be ready at the start of the season. Also, look for Monta Ellis to be a factor off the bench for the Golden State Warriors. Ellis is entering his second season and showed that his quickness can make an impact on both offense and defense.

As usual, the Golden State Warriors tip off the new NBA season with hopes of making the playoffs. New coach Don Nelson will make the team more exciting to watch, by implementing an up-tempo game plan and a smaller lineup. As long as Baron Davis and Jason Richardson stay healthy, the Warriors’ offense should be their strength. However, the Warriors are weak on defense and they lack a true center to dominate the paint. Fans of the Warriors will have to hope that Nellie and small ball can lead them back to the playoffs. The Golden State Warriors have their work cut out for them with the strength in the NBA Western Conference.