20-year old Anthony Randolph will be the starting power forward for the Warriors this season. He played in 63 games last season for the Warriors and he averaged 17.9 minutes, 7.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 0.8 assists and 1.2 blocked shots per game. Randolph will give the Warriors some muscle and defense this season. 22-year old Brandan Wright will likely miss the first 4-6 months of the season with a severe shoulder injury. He played in 39 games last season for the Warriors and he averaged 17.6 minutes, 8.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 0.5 assists per game. 33-year old Mikki Moore will likely be in line for big minutes with the Warriors at both power forward and center. Moore played in 70 games for the Kings & Celtics last season in which he averaged 17.2 minutes, 3.9 points, 3.7 rebounds and 0.8 assists per game.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE POWER FORWARDS IN 2009-2010: C

The Warriors have a very talented combo at small forward with 29-year old Corey Maggette and 25-year old Kelenna Azubuike. Maggette will likely be the starter again this season. He played in 51 games for the Warriors last season and he averaged 31.1 minutes, 18.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. Kelenna Azubuike stepped up big time while Corey Maggette was injured last season as he can really put the ball in the basket. He played in 74 games for the Warriors last season and he averaged 32.1 minutes, 14.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game. Azubuike is also a outstanding shooter from long range as he nailed 44.8% from three point range. 32-year old Devean George will be #3 in line at small forward. He played in 43 games for the Mavericks last season and he averaged 16.5 minutes, 3.4 points, 1.8 rebounds and 0.3 assists per game.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE SMALL FORWARDS IN 2009-2010: B

31-year old Stephen Jackson will be the starter at shooting guard unless he’s moved in a trade. He played in 59 games for the Warriors last season and he averaged 39.6 minutes, 20.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game. If Jackson is moved the Warriors would likely start rookie first round pick (#7) Stephen Curry out of Davidson. He was by far the best offensive player to come out of this draft so he should fit right in with the Warriors. 24-year old Anthony Morrow is also around to provide a offensive jolt off the bench. He played in 67 games for the Warriors last season and he averaged 22.6 minutes, 10.1 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game. Morrow can also really shoot the ball from long range as he hit 46.7% of his shots from behind the three point line.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE SHOOTING GUARDS IN 2009-2010: B

The Golden State Warriors already look like they are in trouble as their team captain Stephen Jackson is already asking for a trade.  Jackson, who signed a three year $28 million extension last November, is 31 and doesn’t feel like the Warriors are a contender.  Then there is Monta Ellis, who stated at the Warriors’ media day that no team will be successful with two small guards like him and the Warriors’ draft pick Stephen Curry.  Not exactly the most positive message to send out to the Warriors and their fans.  Ellis is most likely going to be traded and rumors about the Dallas Mavericks wanting him have been coming up around the league.

The Warriors will be without 21-year old power forward Brandan Wright for the next 4-6 months due to a severe shoulder injury that could require surgery. This is a huge blow to the Warriors as Wright was going to get a lot of minutes this season. He played in 39 games (23 starts) for the Warriors last season and he averaged 17.6 minutes, 8.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 0.5 assists per game. Wright has now played in 77 games (29 starts) in his two year NBA career and he has averaged 13.8 minutes, 6.2 points, 3.3 rebounds and 0.4 assists per game. This will hurt the Warriors who were depending on Wright to have a important role on the team in 2009-2010.