Golden State Warriors Can Rebuild with Curry, Draft Picks and New Stadium

Finally, it appears the Warriors have committed to a true rebuilding phase.

With their last playoff appearance being the 2006-2007 season, the Warriors have consistently played well enough to sniff the playoffs but never reach them.

After five years of accepted mediocrity, new management seems to have a plan for the future that includes perks for the loyal fan base and hopefully some winning basketball back in the Bay Area.

New Stadium

Although the new bayside stadium won't be in operation until the 2017-2018 season, it's the thought that counts.

With this picture perfect location, an already loyal fanbase is being rewarded with a new arena nicely located in the heart of San Francisco.

Also, if a team gains momentum, San Francisco can provide an advantageous home court—as evidenced by the San Francisco Giants' 2010 World Series run.

Foundation

A solid foundation is key to any rebuilding process. For the Warriors, the four guys who should undeniably be part of the future are as follows: Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Bogut and David Lee.

Curry won the battle between himself and fellow guard Monta Ellis, who was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks last season. Curry will now have the ball in his hands every game, and his ability as a true point guard will soon be tested.

Thompson, the Warriors' 2011 first-round draft pick, had a solid year and benefited the most from last seasons struggles because he was given more playing time and shot opportunities. He accepted the challenge and had many standout games, including a season high of 31 points against the Kings in March.

Bogut, who essentially switched spots with Ellis, now becomes the Warriors' true center. Although his career hasn't produced any All-Star appearances, he is still a talented seven-footer, which is a rarity in the league.

With Bogut playing center, Lee can now move to power forward, which is his more natural position. Look for Lee to continue to be a productive rebounder and low post presence while the Warriors rebuild.

Draft Picks, Baby!

The Warriors positioned themselves beautifully for the deepest draft since 2003, which featured names such as LeBron, Carmelo and D-Wade.

The Warriors, who already have that solid foundation of Curry, Lee, Bogut and Thompson, will have the ability to add specific pieces with potentially four picks (conditional upon lottery balls with the Jazz from a previous trade) in the upcoming 2012 NBA Draft.

The depth of the draft can be credited to the lockout before last season, which affected the decisions of 2011 freshman stars Jared Sullinger, Harrison Barnes, Jermey Lamb and Terrence Jones, who all stayed in college another year.

The last team to rebuild through the draft was the Seattle Supersonics/Oklahoma City Thunder, who give the blueprint of how to rebuild through the draft. First, they drafted Kevin Durant second overall in 2007, Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka fourth and 24th in 2008 and James Hardin third in 2009. Then, they traded 2007 fifth overall pick Jeff Green for center Kendrick Perkins.

What is required to copy this blueprint? Picks, luck, solid management, wise veterans and a patient fanbase. Oklahoma City had all of those, and the Warriors appear to have four of the five. Now, we need a little luck.