From: terry@garfield.Stanford.EDU (Terry Wong)
Subject: Warriors preview
Keywords: Warriors
Organization: DSG, Stanford University, CA 94305, USA
Date: Thu, 5 Nov 92 20:02:35 GMT

Warriors Preview
-------------------

The Warriors have just about wrapped up their training camp and preseason
with the announcement of their starting lineup:
point guard  	Tim Hardaway
off guard	Latrell Sprewell
small forward	Chris Mullin
power forward	Billy Owens
center		Tyrone Hill

Sprewell got the starting nod as a rookie, and joins a stellar group of
rookie starters (Hardaway, Richmond, and Owens) Nelson has appointed 
since becoming the Warriors head coach.   Sprewell beat out Jeff Grayer 
(4 year veteran with the Bucks) for the position.  While Grayer is probably a
better slasher to the hoop and a better rebounder, Sprewell is a better
defensive player and a better shooter.  However, both are very good
defenders and good 3 point shooters.  

Hill beat out Alexander and Lister as the Warriors' starting center.
Overall, he was the most impressive center in the Warriors' games.

Owens, while still struggling with his jump shot and free throws, otherwise
looks sharp.  He averaged a double double over the exhibition season and
looks in much better shape than he was at the beginning of camp.  He looks
to be a stronger rebounder than last year when he led the Warriors with
8 per game.

Both Alexander and Gatling have also stepped up their games.  Since Gatling
has moved to backup center, he has been especially impressive.  In his
last three games he scored 18, 11, and 21 points.  

Marciulionis had a screw removed from his dislocated ankle today.  He will
be out for at least 3 more weeks.  He should be back around mid-December.

One more roster move needs to be made.  One of the bench players: Gatling,
Alexander, Lister, Grayer, Houston, Buechler, Tolbert, and Jennings
must be cut, traded, or placed on injured reserve.  Of these, Gatling,
Alexander, and Grayer are locks.  Jennings is the only one without a 
contract but it is hard to imagine him not making the team.  Nelson
is having a difficult time with this decision.  My bet is that
Alton Lister will come up with a phantom injury.

Overall, the Warriors, even with Marciulionis on injured reserve, look
to be a better team than last year.  They are overall a much quicker
and athletic team.  They should be a much better defensive team
with the addition of really good defensive players Sprewell, Grayer,
and Houston.  Hill looks like he has stepped up to another level.
Owens, Alexander, and Gatling all look better.
The Warriors have a lot of depth which should give
Mullin and Hardaway some reduced minutes.  It would not be surprising
to see 10 to 11 players getting significant minutes each game.  They
have a lot of versatile players who can play a number of spots, and 
Nelson will play whoever is hot.  

The Warriors are also one of the youngest teams in the league with 
3 rookies and 3 sophomores.  
In fact, the average experience level of the 14 remaining
players is only 2.7 years.  Compare this to veteran teams like
Portland with an average of 4.5 years, Chicago with an average of 5 years.
Even a young team like Miami has an average experience level of 2.3 years.

In the west, they look to be a notch below the Jazz, Suns, and
Trailblazers.  However, they look like they should be able to outplay
the rest.  Before the season started, I was worried about the Clippers,
Lakers, and Sonics.  However, the Clippers chubbier slower lineup is not
as challenging to the Warriors.  Charles Smith has always been the 
Warriors killer and the Warriors are glad that he is gone. 
Of course, the Lakers are a different team without Magic.  As for the
Sonics, they really looked bad against the Warriors on Friday.  They don't
look like they have the motivation and leadership necessary to step up
to the next level.  Karl's coaching style does not wear well.
San Antonio looks sad as well, with the loss of
Cummings, Strickland, and Willie Anderson.  

With a little luck and a lack of injuries, the Warriors will do 
as well if not better than last year.


					terry@garfield.Stanford.EDU