Extremely Active Offseason for the Warriors

After losing Baron Davis to the Clippers, the Warriors responded by signing Corey Maggette, Ronny Turiaf, trading for Marcus Williams from the Nets, acquiring Anthony Randolph and Richard Hendrix through the draft, all while re-signing Monta Ellis and Kelenna Azubuike.

It must be exciting to be a Warriors fan and to see all these new faces come in after losing your superstar. But at the same time, is it good to add in all these new faces and personalities at positions that are not of need? The Warriors attempted to get Elton Brand, but when that attempt failed, the Warriors turned their attention to Maggette. There is no doubt that Corey will fit in well with Warriors run and gun offense, but was the move a wise one? With Stephen Jackson already at the 3, it's going to cause a shake up in the starting lineup. More than likely, Monta will run the point this year, with Jackson and Maggette at the 2 and 3. One of the big questions coming into this season will be if Monta is ready to be the leader of the team. I personally think that losing Baron Davis will greatly affect the Warriors' offense next season. Not having that commanding point guard who can do just about anything out on the floor will hurt the chances of making it to the postseason this year.

Although these have been great acquisitions, especially Turiaf, a high energy power forward, this team is very young minus Jackson and Harrington. In a few years, this team could be ready to compete out West, but it's going to take Monta another year or two to step into Baron's old shoes and become the leader of this franchise. The addition of rookie Anthony Randolph will be huge down the line when he is able to put some body weight on, but he and Brandan Wright are virtually the same player. Tall, skinny, athletic left-handed bigs who can step away from the basket and knock down jump shots. And if they are able to re-sign Biedrins, then 3 of their 4 big men will be left handers, something rare in the NBA. Until this team has a true leader, they will not be as successful as they have been in the past. Is this team capable of making a run towards the 8th seed? Yes, but the odds of them making the playoffs for the next season or two are quite slim in the highly competitive Western Conference.