As the Warriors franchise sits on the edge of the 8th playoff seed, I felt it was worth taking a closer look at the upcoming offseason and what questions need to be addressed as we look to 2008.

First its worth mentioning that Chris Mullin has put this franchise in position to be a legitimate playoff contender with the current starting lineup on the floor.  The combination of speed and size at particular positions allows Don Nelson to play his style of basketball and as we have seen in the last ten games, our starting lineup is a lot to handle for some very quality NBA franchises.  I sit here now feeling the same thing I felt 13 years ago, "We are one big man away......".  We all know the story that unfolded.  First Richmond goes for Owens, Owens for Siekaly, Webber revolts and 13 years later, I am writing this article for a website founded as an alternative source to vent my frustration as opposted to drinking heavily.

Let's move on to examining the offseason moves, one by one.

Issue #1.  In house business comes first, what do you do with Mikael Pietrus and Matt Barnes?

I can't see us resigning Pietrus to keep him, I only see him being resigned as a part of a sign and trade.  Stephen Jackson and Jason Richardson are going to see alot of minutes at Small Forward unders Nellie's system and for the price, I think they will bring Barnes back to fill in off of the bench.  I would also like to see us explore adding a rebounding small forward in the offseason or bring a small forward back in a sign & trade deal involving Pietrus.   I also feel that the decision here will impact what happens at Shooting Guard.

Issue #2. What will be the guard rotation now that Baron can only play 30 minutes per game?

 I think the warriors are now comfortable with Monta Ellis running point for spurts at a time and with Baron's contract/health combination, he is going to be very tough to move via trade.  I think they love his passion for the franchise, so with Baron staying, what does that mean for the rest of the guards?  I think here, they will keep Jrich and add a point guard who can give them periodic minutes so they aren't forced to play Monta at the point guard position.  I think they had hoped Sarunas  would be that player, but that hasn't panned out.  The target will be an Earl Boykins type of player who fits their price range, but I definately thing you will see a new backup point guard in the fold.  This will also allow the Warriors to bid Baron farwell after his contract comes up if he is not willing to resign for less as then Monta will assume PG responsibilties and they will still have JRich at the #2 guard.

Issue #3.  What is the missing piece for this team to take the next step?

 I sincerely believe this will be the hot question internally for the Warriors this offseason.  With the majority of their roster entering their prime, Mullin will establish what commodities can be dealt in order to acquire the final peice of the puzzle.  The missing peice has to be a front court player who can rebound and score, period.  With Andris able to play both 4 and 5 and the ability to add a great rebounding small forward as a possiblity, I think you will see the warriors put themselves in a position to attempt to acquire one of the three biggest available names on the market in Pau Gasol, Kevin Garnett or Paul Pierce.  While there is no guarentee any of those players will be dealt, I firmly believe the warrios can put together the appropraite package to net one of those three players.  If the cost for any of them are too high, look for plan B to be a quality backup PG, and a quality rebouding frontcourt player. 

Issue #4 What assets do we have to pull of an impact trade?

The assets we have to pull off such a deal include:  Patrick O'Bryant, First round pick in either of the next two years, Kelanne Azibuke, Kosta Perovic, Peitrus (sign and trade), Barnes (sign and trade) & Jason Richardson.  At this point it appears management is done with project players and unless we win the lottery, we won't get the impact player needed through the draft.  Our explosive offense at their age makes it necessary to add the final peice as soon as possible.  The first round pick for this upcoming draft is a huge chip because of the depth available in the draft.  Combine that pick, the 09 pick, with Peitrus and O'bryant (even Richardson) and a rebuilding Franchise has some real assets to rebuild.  Don't be shocked to see one more shocking deal for the GSW's this offseason. 

I am loving this playoff push in 2007, but for the first time in recent memory, I am ready to see the next step in 2008.