Golden State Warriors: "What's Next?" Part I

Play Defense — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 07:27:35 -0400

Baron Davis is gone. Is it all "for nothing?"

The Warriors Management crew, though stunned, appeared ready to walk the path without Baron in the long-term. According to news media, the Warriors were pushing for only two guaranteed years in Baron's contract.

No wonder he intends to sign for the greater safety net of five-years with the LA Clippers.

One thing is certain: NBA fans will enjoy watching the Clippers more than ever now, with a line-up that includes solid players: Kaman, Brand, Thornton, Gordon (or Mobley) and Davis.

But, the Clippers just added another injury-plagued player, and one they might regret having two-plus years down the road. It will be worth it only if they at least make the Western Conference Finals or beyond, this year and/or next year.

That's no small feat in the West, where there are existing powerhouses like: San Antonio, LA (Lakers), Phoenix, Utah, and up-and-comers New Orleans (some may already consider a shoe-in) and Portland-- all vying for the same prize.

Consider the following Warriors' new depth chart, with each player in their most natural position, considering players available (back-up options in parentheses):

Andris Biedrins / Kosta Perovic (Brandan Wright, Al Harrington)
Brandan Wright / Richard Hendrix (Al Harrington)
Stephen Jackson / Al Harrington / Anthony Randolph
Kelenna Azubuike / Marco Belinelli (Stephen Jackson)
Monta Ellis / CJ Watson (Marco Belinelli)

If one assumes Ellis and Biedrins are signed to multi-year deals (and there are no longer any obstructions cash-wise whatsoever for the Warriors to do so), the Warriors have a long-term core of Biedrins, Ellis, Wright, Belinelli, and Randolph (the latter three with contracts and team options).

This appears to be a lot of unproven talent. However, their starting five in the coming year are all returning players (unless a splashy free-agent is signed).

Harrington is the wild-card, who can pretty much play back-up for any position, from three to five. Or, the Warriors could have Jackson move over to SG and re-insert Harrington into the starting line-up.

By no means is this a scary team to the rest of the imposing forces of the NBA.

It is, however, one with a growing, young "potential" (the danger word) core.

Once again.

Very small consolation to the Bay Area fans. But one thing can be said: for all the griping that the Bay Area fans have given, they've been behind the Warriors through a lot of down times.

They deserve more. Will they ever get it?

(See Part II for more).

New Golden State Warriors Motto: "What Next?" (Part II)

Play Defense — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 07:09:28 -0400

Now that we know what the Warriors have left (See: Part I), what can Warriors fans look forward to?

Fans complained when Jason Richardson was traded, and when the subsequent trade exception was left un-used. But these moves were strictly to give the Warriors an opportunity to re-sign Ellis, Biedrins, and retain Davis this year.

Without Davis, they now have cap-space for free agents.

The up-side includes a huge amount of dollars to work with this year, or next year. With Davis gone, and assuming re-signings for Ellis (~$10 mil), Biedrins (~$10 mil) and even Azubuike (~$4 mil), the Warriors still should have approximately $12 million under the luxury tax threshold. In addition, they will still have their mid-level exception to utilize.

Also, per HoopsHype's Salary listings, Adonal Foyle would finally come off the books after the 2008-2009 season. That's another $10 million off the books, if waiting a full year for the next, big free agency period.

Consider that Al Harrington's (~$10 million) contract expires after next year (2009-2010). Not only does he become a chip to "free up cap space" for some team (Warriors or otherwise) for the big 2010 free agency market, but he could still be utilized as February trade-bait to a team looking for a veteran presence with multiple talents (albeit requiring the right environment).

So, money is no longer the major issue for the Warriors now. Now, the question becomes who is available (in the upcoming months and next year).

This year's (2008) free agency crop includes:

Josh Smith (R)
Josh Childress (R)
Emeka Okafor (R)
Elton Brand
Gilbert Arenas

and a few peripheral players, who could help the Warriors:

Chris Duhon
James Jones

Next year (2009) could include:

Joe Johnson
Drew Gooden
Andrew Bynum (R)
Shawn Marion
Chris Paul (R)
Ron Artest
Deron Williams (R)

(Feel free to comment on other free agency options that might make sense)

Are any of these players really options for Warriors, or good enough to help?

The problem with the above is that most of these players already seem to have natural places to return to. In fact, Brand seems content to re-sign with the Clippers and join our departed "savior." Josh Smith is already getting the full-court press from Philadelphia, and the Hawks are saying they will match any offers.

The rest may not be key players with enough juice left to greatly impact the Warriors in their (dream) quest for a championship, when the time comes.

The Warriors better hope there's another super-star that gets burned out during the season from a team other than their own, and who needs to get out of their current situation.

But how many true stars are out there? And can lightning really strike twice?

Warriors management better hope so. And for the continued improvement of their young core.

A single taste of playoffs in fourteen years is not enough.

If they don't do something, maybe the Bay Area Fans will finally turn their backs and leave empty seats in their wake.

As the empty "We Believe" seats above demonstrate: the old motto is over. The gauntlet is laid for Warriors management to prove themselves again.

Bleacher Report - Articles by Play Defense

Golden State Warriors: "What's Next?" Part I

New Golden State Warriors Motto: "What Next?" (Part II)