POINT GUARDS
Baron Davis / Derek Fisher
SHOOTING GUARDS
Jason Richardson / Mickael Pietrus
SMALL FORWARDS
Mike Dunleavy / Calbert Cheaney
POWER FORWARDS
Troy Murphy / Andris Biedrins
CENTERS
Adonal Foyle / Zarko Cabarkapa
FRESH FACES
Ike Diogu/Chris Taft/Monta Ellis
Baron Davis / Derek Fisher
SHOOTING GUARDS
Jason Richardson / Mickael Pietrus
SMALL FORWARDS
Mike Dunleavy / Calbert Cheaney
POWER FORWARDS
Troy Murphy / Andris Biedrins
CENTERS
Adonal Foyle / Zarko Cabarkapa
FRESH FACES
Ike Diogu/Chris Taft/Monta Ellis
2004/05 : 34-48, 5th Pacific
Key Addition : Ike Diogu
Coach : Mike Montgomery
Strengths : The Warriors posess one of the most potent backcourts in the NBA. Baron Davis combines with super athlete Jason Richardson to form an almost unstoppable combo. When healthy, Davis is a top 5 point guard, who can break down an opponent in many ways. Jason Richardson utlises his incredible athletisism with his allround game to hurt defenses. Forward Mike Dunleavy is a solid shooter on the perimeter and his game compliments the slashing guards. Power forward Troy Murphy improves every year and is giving the Warriors an inside influence. Off the bench the Warriors get a boost from energetic guard Derek Fisher and defensive swingmen Mickaek Pietrus. Look for a "breakout season for Pietrus. Rookie forward Ike Diogu comes with a big reputation and should see opportunities with the uptempo game that Golden State play.
Weaknesses : Without knowing what rookies Diogu and Chris Taft will bring straight up for the Warriors, I can see Golden State being overpowered somewhat in the paint. Adonal Foyle may be solid defensively, but he hurts the Warriors with his inept offense. Murphy is out muscled regulary which leads him to playing alot from the perimeter. The lack of interior presense creates pressure for Golden State's perimeter scorers to be on song very regulary. Mike Dunleavy has been a disappointment thus far for the Warriors and they need a lift in his game to progress toward the playoffs.
Key Player : Jason Richardson is Golden States MVP, but he cannot carry this team alone. That player who can ease the burden and finally take the Warriors back to the playoffs is Baron Davis. You only have to look at how the team finished last season when Davis come aboard to notice what a difference maker he can be. However Baron has been anything but healthy the past few seasons. Hopefully the new lease of life in Golden State will see him in peak condition and leading the charge with Jason Richardson.
Overview : After watching Golden State fly home after the All Star break behind Richardson and Davis, I can see the momentum staying with the Warriors. With some young talent upfront, GM Chris Mullin may finally have his team looking at the playoffs. He will need Baron healthy and a progression from youngsters Diogu and Biedrins. Dunleavy is in a contract season, which should coincide with a big improvement in his game. A more confident Murphy will become a leader in the front court, whilst veteran point man Fisher will provide a spark. If this all can eventuate I see the Warriors sneaking into the playoffs.
Win Range : 40-45 wins
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