If Monta Ellis Is as Good as Gone, How Will the Warriors Replace Him?

There is a lot of speculation concerning the future of Golden State Warriors guard Monta Ellis, and most observers feel that once the 2010-2011 NBA season starts, Ellis will have found a home on another team's roster.

There is no guarantee the Warriors will move Ellis, but if the opportunity does present itself, which direction should Golden State take: Look to rebuild their team with veteran help or through the draft?

If the Warriors choose to go with the former, then the most likely scenario would involve a sign-and-trade deal for any number of free agents who will be available in the 2010 offseason.

Ellis is a proven scorer and his ability to put up points in bunches will benefit any team whom would receive his services, and Sixers guard Andre Iguodala would be the perfect fit for the Warriors.

Iguodala would immediately upgrade the Warriors' perimeter defense, and he doesn't have to dominate the ball in order to be effective, which may result in smarter possessions on offense.

Ellis is a great player, but only when his offense is in rhythm, because he has a tendency to continue taking shots regardless if they are falling or not, even to the detriment of the team.

Ellis' game will always be centered around his ability to score points, but a player like Iguodala can contribute to the team in a variety of ways that don't involve scoring.

Iguodala is a superior defender, he is taller than Ellis, and although he does have the ability to shoot from outside, he prefers to center his offense around the rim, which makes him an above-average rebounder.

More importantly, Iguodala would rather pass the ball before shooting it, and in the uptempo style the Warriors play he could very well lead the team in assists, or at least challenge for it.

Atlanta Hawks guard Joe Johnson is another intriguing prospect, and probably one of the more underrated members of the vaunted free agent class of 2010.

Johnson doesn't receive the same attention as players like LeBron James and Dwayne Wade, but he is every bit the superstar, and his price tag will probably be considerably less than James' or Wade's.

Johnson, at 6'8", would give the Warriors a large presence in the back court, and also would serve as a secondary ball-handler beside point guard Stephen Curry.

He is equally adept at getting his points in the paint or on the perimeter, and although his defense is not exceptional, it is adequate. Johnson would represent a definite upgrade over Ellis.

If the Warriors choose a different approach, the upcoming NBA draft offers loads of tantalizing potential, considering the Warriors are a lottery team and could choose anywhere from 1-14.

Golden State could possibly package Ellis and their draft pick and move up to the No. 1 spot on the ladder, where they will have the choice to address additional back court help or much needed help in the paint.

If by some means the Warriors win the No. 1 spot in the lottery they could trade that pick and Ellis for just about any veteran free agent in the league who wouldn't mind playing in the Bay area.

Of course Golden State could go a different route and choose to keep Ellis and try to address their concerns through free agency and the upcoming draft, but the specter of new ownership suggests change is imminent.

The only roster spot which seems to be secure is Curry's, as he has become the face of the franchise, a legitimate Rookie of the Year candidate, and the team's best player.

In all honesty I would prefer that Ellis stays with the Warriors, because he and Curry have become a dynamic combination, but when you think about what Golden State could get in return, it doesn't sound like a bad idea at all.