The Usual Suspects

With the Giants' nightmare season finally over with an 11-2 win over the Dodgers, it's time to look ahead to a team the Giants want to be. Yes, they're from diametric sports, but nevertheless: the 2008 Golden State Warriors. Young, speedy, and downright exciting.

Most casual NBA fans probably rarely heard about the Warriors up until late last season when they went on the magical playoff run. After an intriguing offseason that included swapping Bay Area favorite Jason Richardson for unproven, big-eared Brandan Wright, dumping the contracts of Adonal Foyle and Sarunas Jasikevicius, re-signing Nellie, and taking on veterans Austin Croshere and Troy "You Know What I'm Sayin'" Hudson, long-timers and newbies alike are wondering, "How is this team going to look like this season?"

The Warriors' return to respectability hinges on some key issues that should be resolved, or at least partially answered, during the 2008-09 season.

1. Is Baron Davis going to stay healthy for at least 70 games? If not, can Monta Ellis, Baron's heir apparent, be trusted to take over?
2. Can the combined play of Marco Belinelli, Stephen Jackson, and Kelenna Azubuike make up for the scoring and rebounding void left by J-Rich?
   
3. Will Brandan Wright show that he is worthy of some playing time, even though Nelson already said that he didn't think Wright was ready yet? Will he be able to help Biedrins snag those rebounds?
   
4. Are Kosta Perovic, Stephane Lasme, and Patrick O'Bryant capable of being Andris Biedrins' backup?
5. Can Stephen Jackson maintain and even increase his level of play from last year? Same goes for Al Harrington, Matt Barnes, and Mickeal Pietrus (assuming he re-signs).