Preseason Preview

The Warriors are the second-highest scoring team in the league but they also give up the most points in the league. Unfortunately, their defense is far inferior to their offense and that has translated to the second worst team in the West. They are too small to compete. They rank last in the league in rebounds per game and given the amount of opportunities their high-octane offense produces it’s even worse than the stats indicate.

Injuries have played a huge factor for the Warriors. Kelenna Azubuike played in just nine games before tearing his patella tendon – he’s out for the season; Anthony Randolph will be out at least two months with an ankle injury, and Anthony Morrow is missing extended time with a sprained knee.

As bad as things are with the Warriors, they do seem to be heading in the right direction. They got rid of Stephen Jackson, who was constantly butting heads with the organization. Monta Ellis has been playing at an All-Star level and despite his concerns in the preseason, has been able to play alongside budding star Stephen Curry. Those two guards will be the building blocks for the Warriors in the future.

Ready to Breakout vs. Reality: I expected more from Anthony Randolph but his points and rebounds were up fairly significantly from last season. But he was producing at about the same rate at the end of last season. Unfortunately, there’s a good chance no more progress will be made as an ankle injury could potentially cost him the rest of the season.

Over the Hill vs. Reality: The injury to Anthony Randolph makes Corey Maggette pivotal to the Warriors and not a waste of money. I thought Maggette was too expensive and would impede Randolph’s progress this year, but now that Randolph is out, Maggette is all the more crucial for this team. It still doesn’t change the fact that he doesn’t play great defense which is their biggest problem.

Worst Moment: On November 17, just eight days after Azubuike dropped 31 on the Timberwolves, he tore his patella tendon.

Best Moment: On December 28, they beat the Celtics having just beat the Suns two days earlier. It showed they can compete with anyone when they’re at their best.

Best Case Scenario: Stephen Curry becomes more comfortable in his role, the Warriors are able to trade Corey Maggette and get a building block in return (preferably a low-post defender), and the fans are given some hope for the first time in awhile.

Worst Case Scenario: They incur even more injuries and Monta Ellis begins to voice his displeasure. They are stuck drafting a guard in the draft because he is the best available option and they don’t improve themselves defensively.

NBA Midseason Reports