Article:Warriors Lose 7th Straight

The Warriors were supposed to get better after they dealt away Al Harrington, a player who was underachieving for them, but that hasn't been the case. The Warriors have been win-less since dealing Harrington for Jamal Crawford as they have lost 7 straight and have fallen to 5-12 after Monday nights loss to Dwayne Wade and the Miami Heat. I hate to say it, but this team is looking eerily similar to their pre-Baron Davis days and I'm not quite sure why. I know they aren't a defensive ball-club, but they have enough offensive firepower to help make up for some of their weaknesses on defense. And yes, they are desperately missing Monta Ellis, who really is the best player on the roster now that Baron Davis is gone. However, the team still has talent as is. Stephen Jackson, Jamal Crawford and Corey Maggette are all-star type players and Andris Biedrins is having a breakout season in all categories. Even guys like C.J. Watson and Kelanna Azubuike have stepped up in Monta's absence, but the they're still not winning. So why are they 5-12 you ask?

I could go on for a while, but the big problem for the Warriors right now is their front-court. Brandan Wright has shown flashes, but he hasn't made the proper adjustments yet in his second year and has looked over-matched more often than not on the defensive side of the court. He's also looked rushed and out of control on offense a lot of the time. I know it's still to early in their careers to label them, but the '07 draft picks, Brandan Wright and Marco Belinelli, have been busts thus far and remember, Wright cost the Warriors Jason Richardson. 19 year-old Anthony Randolph is also raw and not ready to help much at this point on a nightly basis. Ronny Turiaf is essentially a more athletic version of Adonal Foyle. He brings a dynamic defensive ability to the court, but he's basically obsolete on offense and hasn't been the rebounder the Warriors were hoping for. Due to the inept front court play, the Warriors have been out-rebounded by 10 or more in each of their last 5 games. Yes, getting Monta back (hopefully by the end the the month) will be a major shot in the arm for the team, but if they don't start hitting the boards, it's going to be tough to win even with Monta.