Golden State Warriors Lose Leader, Gain Future

The off-season is well underway, and people are moving.

The biggest names that were offered to the market this year include the Los Angeles Clippers big man Elton Brand; Washington Wizards Agent 0 Gilbert Arenas; Los Angeles Clipper's highflying swingman Corey Maggette; and Washington Wizards versatile forward Antawn Jamison.

But one name gave every basketball fan in the Bay Area shivers down their spines: Golden State Warriors leader and cornerstone Baron Davis.

Much analysis and reflection came from sports experts, NBA personnel, basketball fans, and perhaps Baron Davis himself, but the truth is, the deal is signed.  As Warrior fans, let's put him behind us, as part of that great playoff story of a year ago.  Let us look towards the future.

While Arenas and Jamison re-signed with the Wizards, Elton Brand left for the Philadelphia 76ers, which shook the NBA community with surprise.

Maggette, on the other hand, gladly accepted a Warriors offer, bringing offense, speed, and quickness to the already offensie-minded ball club.  In addition, energetic big man Ronny Turiaf was hauled over from the Los Angeles Lakers, as well as young point guard Marcus Williams from New Jersey Nets.

Apparently, sources have proven that three-point shooter Maurice Evans will be joining the team, too.

What a busy off-season.  Should we start the next season with the current rosters, it is filled with young talents, with a few experienced veteran stars to guide them through the arduous NBA season.  Listed below are the current players for the Warriors (in position order):

G: C.J. Watson / Marcus Williams / Monta Ellis / Marco Belinelli

F: Stephen Jackson / Al Harrington / Corey Maggette / Anthony Randolph / Brandan Wright / Ronny Turiaf

C: Andris Biedrins / Kosta Perovic

The reason why I listed the players in G/F/C format is because of versatility.  This is one of the reasons why the Warriors can run up and down the court, and beat you with big lineups and small lineups.

However, one thing is evident: the Warriors need a dominant center.  And clearly, the Warriors can spare a few forwards.

However, if the regular season started now, would the Warriors be successful?  Can they still use their same tactics that defeated Dallas Mavericks a year ago against the newly furnished NBA teams?

Maybe the success will not be immediate (as in the first couple of months or perhaps until All-Star Weekend), but this team can do some damage simply with their freestyle offense.

Reason?

Youth - Speed - Quickness - Offense

But the biggest asset - versatility.

One of the most worrisome tactics that NBA teams face each day are match-ups, and Don Nelson may be the best coach when it comes to matching up various positions.  But in order to successfully gain advantage against opponents, your team needs versatile players, meaning players who can play multiple positions—the more the better.

And the Warriors have exactly that.

Let's look at how each player can contribute to the Warriors in the upcoming season:

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