Warriors have taken steps back

The Warriors clearly have taken a step back since getting to the second round of the playoffs two seasons ago.

At first it looked like at least statistically that they were able to make up for the points and rebounds they lost with the departures of Baron Davis and Matt Barnes. But with Monta Ellis and Al Harrington out and the front office in disarray, the Warriors appear to be in a rebuilding mode around center Andris Biedrins. Steven Jackson is also a nice player as a complimentary man, but aside from Ellis there are no sacred cows on this roster.

They are in such a position right now that Don Nelson is actually forced to play younger players like C.J. Watson. He’s always been a man that prefers the veteran talent and it’s a wonder how he’s been able to stick around in this league with a philosophy staunchly opposed to playing rookies. Not only that, he’s never put together a team properly built for the postseason.

The Warriors two years ago happened to matchup well against a Mavericks team that also wasn’t built to win in the playoffs. Neither wanted to play a half court game.

Corey Maggette was supposed to be the main piece acquired to replace Davis’ production, but he’s been slowed by injury this season and hardly dominated in the 23 minutes he played in a loss to the Pistons on Thursday.

Biedrins with 17 points and 19 rebounds looked to be the real deal, but he also ran into a team in Detroit that has struggled at times with its post defense this season. In Tuesday’s 100-92 win over Sacramento, Kings reserve forward/center Spencer Hawes made several nice moves and was the most effective post player for either team when he was in the game.

MyDyess’ absence is hurting the Pistons, especially with Amir Johnson’s apparent lack of understanding of the game. Johnson didn’t even start last night against the Warriors and Biedrins had his way against the slower Kwame Brown from the start.

C.J. Watson appeared that he’s going to be a quality player for the Warriors and perhaps if there’s any bright spot to Ellis being injured (and suspended) it’s that Watson is getting a chance to learn how to be an effective player. Lord knows Nelson is only playing the second-year pro because he absolutely has to. That, more than anything, should tell people this team isn’t going anywhere this year. If the team was in contention, Nelson would probably have been content signing a Sam Cassell or similar player to play the point.