| 2008-09 NBA Season Preview: Golden State Warriors |
|
|
| Written by Rodney K | |
| Sunday, 19 October 2008 | |
 Losing star Baron Davis to free agency will be a huge loss for Golden State. Davis averaged 21.8 points per game, along with 7.6 assists per game, 2.3 steals, all in 39 minutes played. It will be tough to replace Davis’ numbers, but equally as difficult to replace his court awareness, and hard working attitude. Other team leaders will be back for Golden State including Andris Biedrins, the teams leading rebounder, pulling in 9.8 per game. Stephen Jackson led the team in assists, at 4.1. Monta Ellis was the Warriors leading “steals” guy, with 1.5. Look for Ellis to get the nod as the teams starting point guard this season. Ellis’ quickness, along with his toughness at the point guard position; he has the ability to be a dynamic team lead. The 6’3 point guard will be entering his fourth NBA season. At shooting guard for Golden State will be the always talented, ever-explosive Stephen Jackson. Jackson scored 20.1 points per game last season, adding 4.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists. Jackson is entering his ninth season out of Oak Hill Academy. Corey Maggette, Al Harrington and Andris Biedrins look to man the front court for Golden State. Maggette, the teams top free agent signing will begin his 10th season in the NBA out of Duke. Corey scored 22.1 points per game in 70 games last season as a Clipper. Al Harrington, the 6’9 power forward from Orange, New Jersey brings toughness, along with the ability to move outside to the front court of Golden State. Harrington, 28 years old played in 81 games in 2007-2008 scoring 13.6 points per game, and grabbing 5.4 rebounds. Marcus Williams, Marco Belinelli, Kelenna Azubuike, Brandan Wright, and Ronny Turiaf look to make up the bench play for Golden State. Coach Nelson hopes a lot of the responsibility of the leadership, along with scoring will fall on the shoulders of Stephen Jackson. During pre-season Jackson has played some at the point guard position. This has seemed to help bring out Jackson’s natural leadership abilities. He was able to make several nice passes, and appeared excited about his possible role. He has also been able to get to the hoop, and rise up over opponents, which he has always have the ability to do. Jackson could be a good starting point guard, but look out if things go south. Jackson, while very talented appears to have a tendency to turn quickly when things aren’t all roses. If Jackson can adjust to his role, and Maggette can put up nice numbers, Golden State could be a force in the NBA’s Western Conference. The Warriors will finish their preseason schedule with Lietuvos Rytas on Tuesday October 21st before beginning their regular season schedule. First up on the schedule will be a home affair with the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday October 29th. Golden State will first take the road Halloween night (October 31st), when they travel to Toronto.         Set as favorite Bookmark Comments
(0)
|
Subscribe to this comment's feed
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
