Welcome to the inaugural edition of eDraft’s NBA Season Preview. We turn our attention to the Pacific Division, covering everyone from the pretenders to the contenders. Today we take a look at the Warriors. This is an entertaining team, but do they have the depth to win it all?

Key additions: Jarrett Jack (G), Carl Landry (F), Harrison Barnes (7th overall, F)

A year ago I would have guessed that the Warriors were headed for a playoff berth and would secure a high seed at that. With the hiring of new coach (former St John’s star!) Mark Jackson by new ownership and the pairing of Stephan Curry (17.7PPG-5.1APG-5RPG-16.6PER) and Monta Ellis in the backcourt, I was certain that Golden State had finally righted their ship after years of disappointing results. But while the Bay Area continued to experience a sports golden-age in other arenas, its basketball team last year once again failed to make the playoffs and signs of progress were elusive. Ellis was traded for the injured big man Andrew Bogut, a hobbled Curry played sparingly, and Jackson got caught up in an extortion scandal with a stripper he had an affair with. Plus, the team played horrendous defense once again. One year into the rebuilding process and expectations have been substantially lowered, but the Warriors remain an intriguing team and a playoff spot is not inconceivable this time around.

For years the Warriors defined themselves as a team that could match any opponent point for point, but were consistently indifferent to the defensive side of the game. With the signing of Jackson the franchise promised to say goodbye to all that. But some things, including team culture, are difficult to change: the Warriors continued to struggle on D last season even with Jackson’s emphasis on this less glamorous aspect of the game. In large part, the problem lies with personnel: power forward David Lee (14.3PPG-9.9RPG-15.77PER) is a truly limited defensive player, and point guard Curry has trouble guarding anyone who demonstrates a shred of physical prowess. Further, Richard Jefferson, Jarrett Jack, and Draymond Green are all subpar defenders who are not likely to improve.

However, some defensive help is on the way. Andrew Bogut (career: 12.6PPG-9.3RPG-1.6BPG), is a very good defender who will steady the defense. Those expecting Rodman or Mutombo will be disappointed by Bogut, but he can block shots and should make opposing guards think twice about driving the lane (after they blow by Curry that is).

Rookie Harrison Barnes (8.3PPG-1.3APG-9.81PER) is also a nice defender and should get plenty of playing time at small forward this year. Perhaps the biggest surprise of all is the outstanding overall play of 6’7’’ shooting guard Klay Thompson (16.7PPG-2.1APG-5RPG-14.82PER), who is an offensive force and a gritty defender to boot. If there is one clear all-star on the Warriors team this year, it is the second year player out of Washington State. Thompson has an outstanding three point shot and has the potential to be an Alan Houston with better defense if he should continue to develop.

The Warriors have a choice to make: they can either revert to their old ways, or buckle down and learn to slug it out. While you cannot win games without scoring, you ultimately cannot win championships without being able to stop opposing teams. What makes the Heat so darn good is their ability to pressure opposing ball handlers and disrupt offensive sets before they get underway. Golden State must build around players like Harrison and Thompson if they hope to fulfil the expectations many people had for this team. If this mean jettisoning skilled offensive players like Lee and Curry then so be it.

Reason for optimism: Lee desperately wants to justify his contract; look for him to come out of the gates strong this season.

Reason for despair: can you apply the phrase “oft-injured” to an entire team?

Projected record: 37-45