Golden State Warriors 2008 Season Preview

Coach Don Nelson will have plenty of young talent & veteran leadership on board for the Warriors 2008-09 season.

Golden State Warriors: 2007-08 Overview

Coming off a Cinderella year and ousting the top-seeded Dallas Mavericks from the first round of the playoffs, the Golden State Warriors had captured the NBA nations’ attention. Expectations were high for this now playoff contender, but the 2007-08 season would not get any easier with two guard Jason Richardson being traded to the Charlotte Bobcats and Stephen Jackson making some off-court headlines of his own.

However, the Golden State Warriors fought their way back into the playoff picture thanks to a healthy Baron Davis and the rise of Monta Ellis. Veteran Chris Webber was added at midseason, but could was not a good fit for Coach Don Nelson’s up-tempo offense. The Golden State Warriors tallied a 48-34 record on the season, but unfortunately a nearly 50-win season would not cut it in the stacked Western Conference. The Warriors continued to sell out of Golden State Warriors tickets and had fans believing in a rising team. 

Golden State Warriors: Offseason

After missing the playoffs, the Golden State Warriors would face their next challenge, as Baron Davis had just wrapped up his contract year. Baron Davis opted out of his contract and signed with the Los Angeles Clippers. The Golden State Warriors could not lure back Gilbert Arenas and that’s where the real offseason madness began. The Warriors drafted Anthony Randolph, snagged free agent Corey Maggette from the LA Clippers and Ronny Turiaf from the Los Angeles Lakers. The Golden State Warriors re-signed young gunners Monta Ellis and Andris Biedrins, and matched an offer for Kelenna Azubuike.

Golden State Warriors: Offense

Baron Davis (21.8 PPG) and Monta Ellis (20.2 PPG) led the Golden State Warriors in scoring last season. This season, Baron Davis bolted to the Los Angeles Clippers leaving the Golden State Warriors without a point guard. Monta Ellis – a dynamic and efficient scorer – would have run the point BUT suffered an ankle injury that will have him sidelined indefinitely. Until Monta Ellis returns, Corey Maggette (22.1 PPG) will need to be the Golden State Warriors’ go-to guy on offense. Though not as quick as Monta Ellis, Corey Maggette can get deep into the paint and will get the Warriors easy points from the free-throw line. Marcus Williams will run Don Nelson’s run’n’gun offense and will need to get the ball to Corey Maggette and Stephen Jackson on the wings.

Golden State Warriors: Defense

With Coach Don Nelson at the helm, the Golden State Warriors should have no problem scoring. It’s defense that the Golden State Warriors need to worry about. Ronny Turiaf brings aggressiveness, tenacity, and energy on defense that the Golden State Warriors sorely need, especially at the back-up four or five position. With Ronny Turiaf pounding the paint, the Golden State Warriors will get some big rebounds as well. Andris Biedrins was the Golden State Warriors leading rebounder last season with 9.8 RPG and should block some big shots game after game.

Golden State Warriors: Lineup

Point Guard: Marcus Williams, Monta Ellis (injured)
Shooting Guard: Stephen Jackson, Marco Belinelli
Small Forward: Corey Maggette, Kelenna Azubuike
Power Forward: Al Harrington, Brandan Wright
Center: Andris Biedrins, Ronny Turiaf

Golden State Warriors: Outlook

Following a turbulent offseason with the loss of Baron Davis to the LA Clippers and Monta Ellis to injury, the Golden State Warriors are going to have to step up in all facets of the game if they want to stay competitive in the Pacific Division against the likes of the Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers, and Sacramento Kings. Fans with Golden State Warriors tickets will expect veterans Corey Maggette, Stephen Jackson, and Al Harrington to take the scoring reins while Monta Ellis is out. Golden State Warriors tickets feature Coach Don Nelson running his run’n’gun offense with a much deeper bench than he had last season, but he will need his corps to hunker down on defense. The Golden State Warriors will definitely be a fun, explosive team to watch, but whether they make the postseason cut remains to be seen.