Somehow, a 48 team missed the playoffs. The Warriors were among the most entertaining teams in the NBA, and had the best collection of shooters and scorers the NBA has seen in some time. Baron Davis, Stephen Jackson, and Monta Ellis all had terrific years. In most years they would have been a shoe-in for the playoffs. But how long can they keep this up?
Davis had one of his most durable years ever, and played like an MVP at times posting 22, 8 and 5. Ellis is a real contender to win MIP two years running, and Jackson actually lived up to his billing as team captain. They all had career years, but they couldn't make it happen when it counted. They lost some key winnable games down the stretch, and of course play practically no defense. There is also the fact that Don Nelson returning isn't a sure thing, and without Nellieball they will be nothing.
All that being said, this team had several bad bounces, missed Jackson at the start of the year, and only missed the playoffs by two games in the most competitive conference in NBA history. I don't believe they will ever be a title contender, but as long as Davis, Jackson, and Ellis are on the team they will be able to outrun anyone and play just enough defense to keep posting winning records and being contenders to make the playoffs. They won't be a losing team until Davis leaves, whether it be through trade (highly doubt it), free agency (unlikely), or retirement (most likely). The Warriors will be fun to watch and have just enough substance to be a winning team until then.
Jarah Mariano
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