Golden State Warriors Roundtable: 5 Questions On The Upcoming Season

1. How would you grade the Warriors’ offseason?

October 5, 2013; Ontario, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors shooting guard Andre Iguodala (9) dunks to score a basket against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Citizens Business Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Cole Kundich: A-. When you keep an entire starting 5 and add an All Star in Andre Iguodala while shedding the salaries of Biedrins and Jefferson, it doesn’t get much better. The Warriors did give up a good amount of draft picks, but with an extremely young core and bright future, the Warriors won’t be in the lottery for a long time.

Tej Kamaraju: B+. Sure, the losses of Jack and Landry damaged the Warriors roster, but Iguodala is really worth a lot. He’s a terrific rebounder, like Landry, a facilitator, like Jack, and he can defend. He’s the whole package, like a mini-LeBron James. Iguodala was the third best player on the market, and the Warriors were lucky to snag him first and sign him to a gigantic deal.

For what they’re losing in Landry and Jack, they’re making up for in Iguodala. The acquisitions of Toney Douglas and Marreesse Speights, the true replacements, will prove to be good fits. Still, there is no making up for the energy and chemistry that Landry and Jack brought to the table. They let two of the NBA’s best bench players sign with other teams.

Jonathan Asaad: B+. Andre Iguodala’s playing style will compliment the Warriors’ players immensely. Although the departure of Jarrett Jack was tough, Iguodala may prove to be a huge upgrade. Not only does he posses Jack’s play-making and ball-handling ability, he is a much better slasher and defender. Losing Carl Landry was a bigger blow for the Warriors, but it’s arguable that the team is now deeper in the power forward, center position with the additions of Marreese Speights and Jermaine O’neal. The championship pieces are there, it’s up to Mark Jackson to make it work.

Maggie Pilloton: A-. Losing Jarrett Jack and Carl Landry in the offseason was a serious downgrade to the Warriors’ bench. However, they made up for it by acquiring Andre Iguodala. He is exactly what the Warriors needed more of last season from the wing position: athleticism, versatility, slashing ability, and defense. They also brought in some solid veterans who will come off the bench. Toney Douglas is a better defender than Jack was, Marreese Speights is a better rebounder and shot blocker than Landry was, and O’Neal has more experience and defensive skills than Biedrins had. Plus, the fact that the Warriors were able to shed Richard Jefferson’s and Biedrins’ contract deserved an A by itself.