Hooped Up

A team-by-team preview of all 30 NBA teams heading into the 2008 - 2009 season, Hooped Up style.  

Golden State Warriors
Before Monta Ellis caught gnarly road rash in a moped accident, Baron Davis decided to head south to LA, Matt Barnes east to Phoenix, and Mickeal Pietrus south east to Orlando. But they did add Corey Maggette who will be the focus of the team with Ellis on the mend, energy guy Ronny Turiaf and undrafted DeMarcus Nelson. Stephen Jackson should have an even better year then last and will be option number two this go around.

The questions is can the Warriors keep pace long enough to stay relevant with the rest of the west until  Monta Eliis comes back?

Projected Starters: PG - Monta Ellis / SG - Stephen Jackson / SF - Corey Maggette / PF - Al Harrington / C - Andris Biedrins

Additions: Corey Maggette, Ronny Turiaf, Marcus Williams, DeMarcus Nelson, Anthony Morrow, Dion Dowell, Rob Kurz 

Losses: Baron Davis, Matt Barnes, Mickael Pietrus, Patrick O’Bryant, Kosta Perovic, Austin Croshere

Projected Wins: 35+

Team Theme Song:  The Pharcyde - Runnin’
Even without Monta Ellis at the point, this ball club will be runnin’ every chance they get!

Overall
Stephen Jackson and Corey Maggette will headline this group until Monta Ellis returns and Marco Belinelli and Kelenna Azibuike will have a chance to contribute off the bench. Al Harrington will be a match up advantage at the forward spot and Andris Biedrins will be an efficient force in the interior.  DeMarcus Nelson has been named the starting point until Ellis returns but, this might not be enough to weather the storm in the west. 

The playoffs look out of reach but, with a young team like there’s time for minor set backs.