NBA 2009 Season Prediction: The Golden State Warriors

Welcome to my next chapter of my NBA 2009 Season Prediction Series. This collection of previews and predictions will cover the teams that make up the Pacific Division of the Western Conference. First up, the Golden State Warriors.

The Warriors Franchise is deep in tradition. Founded in 1946 in Philadelphia, the franchise has had many years of success. Originally a BAA team, which became the NBA in 1949, the Philadelphia Warriors won one single BAA Championship in 1947 and one NBA Championship in 1956. The most notable player to play for the Philadelphia Warriors was Wilt Chamberlain, who scored 100 points in a single game.

In 1962, the franchise moved to San Fransisco, becoming the San Fransisco Warriors. In 1971, they changed their name to the Golden State Warriors, and are currently the only team in the NBA that does not use the name of their state or city in their team name. The Golden State Warriors have won one NBA championship, in 1975.

Before the 2006-7 season, the Warriors had had a league worst 12 year playoff drought. In 2006 the Warriors barely made it into the postseason, as the eighth seed in the Western Conference, and shocked the world by eliminating the No.1 seeded Dallas Mavericks in the opening round, eventually being eliminated in the Conference Semifinals by the Utah Jazz.

Now a new season is quickly approaching. It comes time to analyze each team's current roster, offseason moves, and draft choices, and predict their fates for the season. Let's start by looking at the offseason moves of the Warriors.

The biggest letdown for the Warriors was losing starting Point Guard Baron Davis to free agency. Davis was an integral part of the team that made the playoffs for the first time in 12 years in 2006. Although Davis will be missed in Golden State, this gives upcoming star Monta Ellis the chance to start every game for the Warriors. See, the saying is true that every cloud has a silver lining.

The Warriors also picked up Corey Maggette in free agency. While he has not played as well as he used to, he brings veteran leadership to the team to help fill the hole that Baron Davis vacated.

Let's look now at the current roster, and projected starting lineups.

Starters:

PG: Monta Ellis

Note: An upcoming star in the league. Could be the next Steve Nash or Jason Kidd with his passing ability

SG: Corey Maggette

Note: Although he is accustomed to playing small forward, team captain Steven Jackson will be starting. Maggette did play shooting guard for the Clippers back in his early years with the team, so he does have experience at the position.

SF: Steven Jackson

Note: If Jackson can keep his hot temper under control, he can boost his team's chances of success

PF: Al Harrington

Note: Not really a true power forward, but he has more experience than Turiaf. Expect him to find his niche

C: Andris Biedrins

Note: Way way overpaid. Should not be the long term center for this team, but he is really their only option as of late.

Second Team:

PG: Marcus Williams

Note: Highly touted draftee in the 2006 NBA Draft, but hasn't found the success he was supposed to have. Look for him to develop and find his niche with this team.

SG: Marco Belinelli

Note: Italian Shooting Sensation

SF: Kelenna Azibuike

Note: Golden State fought very hard to keep him. They must see something special in him

PF: Ronnie Turiaf

Note: Brings physical defense to the team

C: Kosta Perovic

Note: Tallest player on a smaller team

Prediction:

If Monta Ellis and Marcus Williams develop into the players they are said to become, you are looking at a great PG combo. Steven Jackson can really help his team by keeping his temper under control. Corey Maggette must get back into his true form if he is to succeed in the Warriors' run-and -gun style of play.

Above all, the Warriors need to find a long term Center. Biedrins is not strong enough to cut it in the NBA. If everything goes correctly with this team, we are definitely looking at a playoff contender. Again, there are a lot of what ifs on this team.

I predict that the Warriors will be battling it out with the Portland Trail Blazers for the seventh seed in the playoffs. I do not believe that this current Warriors team can get any higher than the seventh seed.