2005 Golden State Warriors Preview

At the time of publish the NBA regular season is around the corner. What better way to get you locked and loaded for a winning season than a free season preview from Maddux Sports. We remind you that MadduxSports.com is an expert NBA handicapper and offers NBA Picks against the point spread. For more information on this years basketball package click here. Onto the individual team preview for this years Golden State Warriors.

2005 Golden State Warriors Team Preview

The last time the Warriors made the playoffs Chris Mullin, the team’s Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations, was in a Golden State uniform. That was the 1993-94 season. This may be the next year the Warriors enter the post season. They’re an improved team with potential and some spunk.

Like many of the Pacific Division teams Golden State can score points. Four of their five starters averaged 13 or more baskets per game with shooting guard Jason Richardson leading the team (21.7 points per game). But despite the point totals, the Warriors shot a dismal 41.1% from the floor, placing them last in the league in team conversion percentage.

They like to take a lot of 3-pointers; last year the team attempted 1,774 and hit 624—a franchise record. But threes have a success rate of around 35 percent, which is much lower than your traditional 2-point shot. More playmaking, passing, and driving the lane would probably benefit the Warriors, especially those nights when the threes just aren’t hitting their mark.

Point guard Baron Davis (19.2 points per game), acquired late last season from New Orleans, and shooting guard Jason Richardson comprise one of the finest backcourts in the league. Last year Richardson had career highs in field-goal percentage and assists, while improving on defense. When he’s healthy Baron Davis can be one of the best point guards in the NBA. However, over the past three seasons he’s missed a total of 83 games with knee, back, and Achilles tendon woes. But when his body is functioning properly Davis can pour it on with verve and confidence.

The frontcourt has two forwards who are both coming into their own—Troy Murphy and Mike Dunleavy. Murphy can sink 20-foot jumpers, get down and dirty under the basket, and grab rebounds with aplomb (almost 11 per game last year). Dunleavy continues to improve his shooting and has the ability to see the entire court. During the final 35 games last season he hit 43.4 percent from 3-point land and 48.4 percent from the field. He’s gained confidence and, with his strong work ethic, is expected to continue his upward trend.

One sticking point for the team is center. Starting for the Warriors is Adonal Foyle (6’ 10”), who has been a good backup but never the key guy at that position. An effective shot blocker, the eight-year, 30-year-old veteran is weak on the boards. The Warriors may opt to try the younger and taller (6’11”) Andris Biedrins at that position. Biedrins has shown more potential than Foyle as both a shooter and rebounder.

This version of the Warriors has a good chance of being in the post season. The key will be the backcourt of Davis and Richardson. As they go, so too will this team.

For more information on the 2005 Golden State Warriors Team, click here to visit their official team website.