Warriors: By Definiton and By Play!

According to definition, a warrior is defined as such: a man engaged or experienced in war, or in the military life; a soldier; a champion. According to Dictionary.com the definition of a warrior is: a person taking part or experienced in conflict, especially war; soldier.

As the 2009-2010 NBA season has shown us with the Golden State Warriors, true champions of honor and integrity they are; and the fierce battle characteristics that defines a warrior makes up this group of Warriors!

Playing on basically one leg all season, and that being a leg with a sprained ankle and sore knee, the Golden State Warriors have made their fans proud of the effort and competitive nature they have displayed each game.

To have the Warriors basically lose six of their top eight players for much of the season in Stephen Jackson, Kelenna Azubuike, Anthony Randolph, Brandan Wright, Rony Turiaf, and Andris Biedrins; and still remain competitive and energetic night in and night out is simply amazing.

Three of these injured players are out for the year in Randolph, Wright, and Azubuike. Stephen Jackson getting traded for Raja Bell and Vladimir Radmanovic, who have been injured most of the time, has depleted the roster even further.

Add to this the fact that Monte Ellis, Anthony Morrow, and Corey Maggette have missed a large number of games as well, not to mention Mikke Moore getting hurt then being released; really does make it inspiring to see the Warriors compete every game.

Stephen Curry has been everything Warrior fans could hope for, and much more. His coming out party has been happening all season, and it is scary to think how good he will be with a full roster playing alongside him.

Even the Warriors own announcers marvel at how well the Warriors play each game. Warriors play-by-play announcer Bob Fitzgerald has said on his radio talk show that he figured the Warriors might get blown out in a lot of these games where they are undermanned. But instead these Warriors have battled against all odds and held their own.

Other than maybe a few times throughout the season the Warriors have been in every game. It really is a credit to the seven, eight, or nine players that suit up every night. Notice how I didn't say healthy players- even these guys are banged up!

But night in and night out, other teams have to bring their 'A' game for forty-eight minutes to eventually wear down and outlast these scrappy bunch of Warriors. Earlier this year the Warriors went on the road and beat Dallas with only six players!

The payoff for the Warriors now is that some of their young players have been developing quicker than most thought because of the increased playing time as a result of all the injuries.

The Warriors also may have found a gem or two in the Developmental League, again, as Anthony Tolliver and Chris Hunter seem to be real NBA players. Also C.J. Watson has shown he is a very capable backup guard, and could start if need be.

Another bright spot has been the improvement of Anthony Morrow, who has developed his game in year two and expanded his arsenal to include consistent rebounding, passing, improved defense, and a mid-range game to go along with his deadly three-point shooting.

With a top five draft pick coming for an incoming class that includes freshmen sensations John Wall and his Kentucky teammate DeMarcus Cousins, and Even Turner to name a few; the Warriors should get a top talent to add to their nucleus next season.

A bright future is in store for the Warriors. This season they are taking their lumps, literally and figuratively, but will be all the better for it next season. With some smart moves in free agency and the draft, as well as having a healthy roster for a full season; it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Warriors make a run at .500 next season.

With a little luck, and they are due a bunch of good karma coming their way, the Warriors could become the hot team of the 2010-2011 NBA season just as the Oklahoma City Thunder are this year; and find themselves in the playoff hunt.

The Warriors have shown their valor. They have displayed their grit and courage. They have proven to themselves and the rest of the league that they come to play every game and never give up. Looking forward to next season- give the Warriors their full roster, complete with talented young emerging stars, as well as key veterans; and watch the Oracle Arena rock like never before!