reflections
October 28th, 2007 Preseason Preview: Golden State Warriors

Golden State Warriors

2006-07 record: 42-40 3rd in the Pacific

Added: Marco Belinelli, Austin Croshere, Troy Hudson, Stephane Lasme, Kosta Perovic, Brandan Wright

Lost: Adonal Foyle, Sarunas Jasikevicius, Josh Powell, Jason Richardson, Anthony Roberson

PG: Baron Davis, Troy Hudson

SG: Mickael Pietrus, Monta Ellis, Marco Belinelli

SF: Stephen Jackson, Matt Barnes, Kelenna Azubuike,

PF: Al Harrington, Austin Croshere, Brandan Wright, Stephane Lasme

C: Andris Biedrins, Patrick O’Bryant, Kosta Perovic

Versus Bulls

2006-07

Away Fri. February 9, L 121-123 OT

Home Wed. February 28, W 113-83

2007-08

Home Fri. January 18, 8:30PM

Away Thur. February 7, 9:30PM

Overview:

What can I say about a team that named Stephen Jackson a captain? On one hand, Stephen Jackson and Baron Davis might be two of the most underappreciated players in the NBA. Remember last February, even basketball sage Charles Barkley thought the Pacers bested the Warriors when they traded Jackson, Al Harrington, Keith McLeod, and Sarunas Jasikevicius for Troy Murphy, Mike Dunleavy, Josh Powell, and Ike Diogu. This was clearly an indictment of Jackson, who on paper was far and away the best player in that trade. Jackson is one of the few players around that can play in any style, multiple roles, multiple positions, and never break stride. Yet, his off the court issues cloud most people’s perception of his on-court contributions. On the other hand, it is his off the court problems that has him suspended for the first seven games of the season.

I wonder about the Warriors ability to follow through on their breakout half season. Jason Richardson was jettisoned to Charlotte for rookie project Brendan Wright. Mickael Pietrus is upset that he wasn’t extended or traded. Monta Ellis suffered a scary neck injury during the preseason that will slow him early on. Not much positive news has come out of Oakland since the Jazz eliminated them in the 2nd round. That said, they still have Baron Davis in a contract year. Al Harrington has lost 15 pounds to better handle the team’s run-and-gun style. 1st round pick Marco Belinelli appears to found a perfect home for a locked in gunner. Andris Biedrins will likely join the rather exclusive double-double club in his contract season. Austin Croshere, now that he is no longer on the league’s most overpaid players, might actually get appreciated for being a solid big man off the bench.

Having question marks in the East is one thing, but question marks in the West can put a team in the lottery. With a much improved Memphis team, and New Orleans still coming on strong, the Warriors can not expect to be able to flip a switch and turn it on in March again. This season will be a gauge for Nellyball, Baron Davis, and the Captain. I’m looking forward to seeing how it will play out.

What they mean for the Bulls?

The two games with the Warriors should be among the most entertaining of the season. Last Spring, the Warriors became the best late night show on television. Watching BD, J-Rich, the future Captain, and the rest of them was nothing short of incredible. They were 48 minutes of an And 1 video. I only hope that this season brings more of the same, and seeing as how the two games are going to be on ESPN and TNT, the networks feel the same way.

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