NBA Draft 2012: Identifying Biggest Needs for Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors have the majority of their starting lineup filled thanks to recent drafts and trades.

They have solidified their power forward position with the signing of David Lee in 2010. Former first round picks Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson round out the backcourt. And to top things off, Andrew Bogut will be the defensive anchor at center entering the 2012-13 NBA season.

The key thing that the Warriors lack in just about every position is depth. They can resolve this problem with their potential top seven pick as well as the 30th, 35th and the 52nd selections. 

In the last few season this team seems to always be decimated by injuries toward the end of the year. Since they lack any real depth the Warriors regularly delve into the D-league and pick up players to finish out the season.

However, to become a contender this team should address these needs during this year's draft.

Small Forward

The only starting position in question is the small forward.

After having a breakout-year with the Warriors in the 2010-2011 season, Dorell Wright saw his numbers slump down in almost every category last season. Most notably, his scoring average dropped from 16.4 to 10.3 points per game. With Richard Jefferson coming off the bench the Warriors should look to go younger.  

With the departure of Monta Ellis, rookie guard Klay Thompson proved to be a capable scorer, but the Warriors also need another player on the wing to take away some of the scoring burden from the guards.  

Sixth Man

The upcoming draft is the perfect time to address the Warriors second unit.

The bench was very sporadic throughout the season on offense as well as on defense. If Brandon Rush and Dominic McGuire are lost to free agency the Warriors will be losing some of their best bench players and some size.

A sixth man can be found in this draft in players such as Jeremy Lamb. The 6'5" UConn product has good ball handling and a seven-foot wingspan, which will make him a tough matchup for opposing players.

Backup Power Forward

Keeping David Lee spry and fresh is a priority for the Warriors.

Lee led the team with 37.2 minutes per game last season. Because he plays so many minutes the Warriors should look to draft a power forward to give Lee a rest. 

If Lee were to go down with an injury the Warriors would suffer mightily since they do not have another skilled four man currently on the roster. 

Andrew Nicholson from St. Bonaventure would fit in nicely and he should still be available later in the draft. 

Defensive Stopper

The Warriors are often at the bottom of the league when it comes to defense, which is why drafting a defensive ace makes sense. Last year the Warriors were 28th in points allowed per game, giving up 101.2 points per contest.

The addition of Andrew Bogut will be a big factor on defense, but the Warriors should also still look at other good defenders to bring in. 

Even though the chances of stealing Bradley Beal are slim, there may still be a chance come draft day. He has shown the potential to be a great defender thanks to his athleticism, and he would also address the need of another scorer.

Reserve Big Man

A team should count itself lucky if they have two seven-footers on their squad. Except if one of those players happens to be Andris Biedrins.

The big comb over struggled to get minutes last season, and with a healthy Bogut on the roster it appears that his minutes won't increase.

A backup big man is vital to a team's bench (especially when the fouls come rolling along). There needs to be a big man patrolling the paint willing to sacrifice his body when Bogut is out, and Biedrins just isn't going to be that guy for the Warriors.