Preview of the 2007-8 Golden State Warriors: A Young and Hungry NBA Team

The Golden State Warriors were the surprise of the NBA Playoffs last season eliminating the top seeded Dallas Mavericks in the first round. Golden State had a 42-40 record and was the eighth seed in the Western Conference. The Warriors were tied with the Los Angeles Lakers for second in the Pacific Division. This season the Warriors want to make the playoffs and show that last seasons playoff surprises was not a fluke.

Golden State acquired forward Brandan Wright, the number 8 pick in this year's draft, from the Charlotte Bobcats. The Warriors had to part with Guard Jason Richardson and their second round pick forward Jermareo Davidson. They also acquired 21 year old Italian shooting guard Marco Belinelli. In the second round Golden State picked up 6'7 forward Stephane Lasme out of the University of Massachusetts.

The starting Center appears to be Andris Biedrins, the 6'11 2004 first round draft pick is only 21. Last year Biedrins averaged 9.5 points per game (PPG) and 9.3 rebounds per game (RPG). He will be backed up by 2006 first round draft pick Patrick O'Bryant. The 7 footer averaged 1.9 PPG and 1.3 RPG but only averaged 7.4 minutes a game.

6'9 Al Harrington (17PPG 6.4 RPG) appears to be one starting forward. He is also likely to see some time playing center. The other starting forward is 6'8 Stephen Jackson (16.8 PPG 3.3 RPG). Backups include 20 year old rookie Brandan Wright who is 6'9 and 245 pounds. Others who may see action at forward are 6'10 Austin Croshere (3.7 PPG and 3 RPG), 6'7 rookie Stephane Lasme, 7'2 Kosta Perovic from Croatia, and 6'7 Matt Barnes (9.8 PPG 4.6 RPG).

Baron Davis should be the starting point guard, he lead the Warriors in scoring last year with 20.1 PPG and in assists with 8.1 APG. The other starting guard is Monta Ellis (16.5 PPG, 4.1 APG, and 3.2 RPG). Others to watch are rookie Marco Belinelli, two year veteran Sarunas Jasikevicius, and guard Troy Hudson.