So, the NBA Draft is over and the futures for several teams have shifted significantly. But the Warriors look like they aren't straying from the path at all. By drafting LSU Shooting Forward Anthony Randolph, the Warriors are going to keep running on and on and on, and Randolph certainly has the athleticism to keep up. Even though he is 6 feet-10 inches tall with arms that extend 7-5, this semi big man still weighs less than 200 pounds. Less than 200 pounds! I'm pretty sure Nate Robinson of the New York Knicks (listed at a generous 5-10) is heavier than 200 pounds. Randolph is beyond skinny, he's stick-thin. Several experts claim that the Warriors are just going to end up with another Brandan Wright, a player who was obtained by the Warriors last year and looks to crack the starting line-up this year.
However, I beg to differ with these so-called experts. First of all, Randolph is a little bit longer than Wright, which will allow him to match up with some bigger players. Also, with the addition of Randolph, the Warriors are putting themselves in a position to compete even while potentially losing some of their core players. Consider: 9 of the 15 players that the Warriors currently have signed can potentially become free agents this year, including Monta Ellis, Andris Biedrins, Matt Barnes, Mickael Pietrus, and even team captain Baron Davis who has a player option on his contract. Warriors GM Chris Mullin has already said that the Warriors will keep Ellis and Biedrins at all costs, which effectively takes those two out of the free agency picture.
But let's assume that the worst happens to the Warriors: Davis opts out of the final year of his contract and Barnes and Pietrus are gobbled up by other teams in free agency. The way in which the Warriors drafted this year keeps them in the hunt for a space in the Western Conference playoffs, with or without these key, current players. First, Monta Ellis is going to be a fixture in the backcourt as the SG, although he can take over the point if necessary. Furthermore, the Warriors still have Marco Bellinelli (last year's 1st round pick in the draft) who apparently has taken strides in the D-League and has impressed Coach Don Nelson. So there are two options for the backcourt. As for the frontcourt, the Warriors are going to be downright scary. Not only are they going to have Captain Jack back (who can also easily be moved to the SG position with Monta at the point), they are also going to have Al Harrington available. These two, along with Brandan Wright, Andris Biedrins, and now Randolph, could make for one of the fastest, most athletic, and tallest front lines in all of basketball. That could be a boon for the rebounding-challenged Warriors.
Then again, this could fail miserably as well. Suppose Monta Ellis can't handle the spotlight put on him by Baron's absence (once again, speculation). Suppose Captain Jack hits a cold streak, Al Harrington decides to pull his disappearing act, and Andris Biedrins gets knocked around in the post by larger bigs. And suppose Wright and Randolph don't pan out to be half as good as they are supposed to be. While the outlook certainly has more positives than negatives, the Warriors have to be careful with all of the young talent that they have on this team. Do it right, and this could be the fastest and most athletic team in the NBA. Do it wrong, and this team will be back in the lottery with a Top-10 draft pick. Let's hope they do it right.
As the new season for the NBA doesn't start anytime soon, check out these highlights for Anthony Randolph from college and think of the possibilities:
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