Stephen Curry: Can He Lead Golden State Warriors to 2011 Playoffs?
It may seem unfair to pose the question as to whether or not Stephen Curry can lead the Golden State Warriors to the postseason in his encore season, but based on his runner-up finish in the NBA Rookie of the Year race, and his assumed progression, it may not be to far out of the realm of probability.
The Warriors have many questions surrounding their immediate future but from an optimist's point of view, most of the resolutions shine a favorable light on the Bay Area team.
One of the biggest points of discussion has been the future of Monta Ellis and the Warriors' plans for him, but even if he does end up departing for other pastures it could still benefit Golden State.
I feel the Warriors have enough talent to reach the postseason with Ellis, but if they do decide to peddle his services on the open market, the return should be of a very substantial nature.
Ellis' 25.5 points per game was among the best scoring averages in the NBA and he would serve as an instant offensive upgrade to any team who was lucky enough to land him.
The Warriors could also package Ellis with their number six draft pick in order to move up in the pecking order, because a player like Evan Turner would definitely be a good fit on the Golden State roster.
The Warriors face similar issues in the front court where Brandan Wright and Anthony Randolph have the potential for stardom, but injuries have robbed them of a chance to realize their talents.
Either player would be a great problem to have, and the ability to utilize both in the same rotation could be the answer to troubles in the paint, which plagued the Warriors in the regular season.
Both players are listed at 6'10", and both possess the perfect type of skill sets to complement Curry's game, and blend with the current Warriors' scheme.
Randolph's perimeter skills give him an edge in versatility, but Wright's ridiculous seven foot-plus wingspan makes him a terror on the boards and aids his natural instincts as a shot-blocker.
Both players run the floor well and both are good finishers around the rim, and if there is any legitimate gripes about either player they would likely revolve around the need to add pounds, as both are listed at 210.
The rest of the roster includes plenty of talented complementary players such as Andris Biedrins, Anthony Morrow, Reggie Williams, and Corey Maggette, and if Kelenna Azubuike can return healthy from his injury, he adds another body to the fray.
This group of players is talented enough to compete for a playoff spot, but it will likely depend on what the Warriors do with their number six pick in the upcoming NBA draft, and how much Curry's game progresses.
Curry is truly the wild-card, because along with Randolph he has the most natural talent on the roster as well as potential, but unlike Randolph, Curry has already proved he is ready for a starring role in the NBA.
His rookie averages of 17.5 points per game, 4.5 rebounds per game, and 5.9 assists per game are impressive, even moreso considering this past season was only Curry's second since high school at the point guard position.
His teammates and coaches rave about Curry's composure, intelligence, and work ethic so there is little reason to believe that his game will regress from one season to the next.
Of course the gorilla in the room is the Warriors' current ownership situation, but recent reports have said resolving that issue is a priority, and hopefully it can be settled before the busy summer session commences.
Golden State fans have suffered enough over the past few seasons and this offseason represents a true chance to right some of the past wrongs starting with ownership all the way down to the roster.
Curry as the team's starting point guard is a great stepping stone for a potential playoff berth in 2011, and if the chips finally fall in a way favorable to the Warriors, the goal may finally materialize.
