Veteran Leadership, Team Chemistry Are Key In Ellis' Absence

The offseason roller coaster ride continues for the Warriors. Since Draft Day, the Warriors' offseason has been one of surprises, bad breaks, and letdowns. A few days after drafting promising rookies Anthony Randolph and Richard Hendrix, the team was left to deal with the gaping hole in the roster made my Baron Davis' unexpected departure. Chris Mullin did everything that he possibly could to fill that void. Monta Ellis was shifted to the point guard spot. Corey Maggette from the Clippers and Ronny Turiaf from the Lakers were acquired and signed to multi-year deals. Mullin then traded for a young back-up point guard, Marcus Williams, from New Jersey. And no, he wasn't finished yet. Ellis, Andris Biedrins, and Kelenna Azubuike were all taken care of financially, signed to long-term deals. And with the recent signings of Hendrix and Randolph, it looked to be the uprising of a youth movement . With a nice blend of youth and experience, things appeared to be on the "up-and up." But just when things were going better than planned, the news of Ellis' ankle injury hits the airwaves. 3-4 months. That means no Monta at full strength until around mid-December, which also means that, if the Warriors don't sign or acquire another point guard via trade, Williams or C.J. Watson will be running the point. Not the outcome everyone had hoped for. It will be time for the veterans to step in and take the reigns. Now is the time where strong team chemistry will be the most necessary, when things are uncertain. The vets will have to make sure that some form of chemistry or bond between this new group of players is established. Stephen Jackson and Al Harrington absolutely need to be focused, prepared to be the vocal leaders of the group. They also need to contribute on the court-ideally, socring-on a regular basis. In addition, Corey Maggette needs to be on top of his game and prepare to shoulder a significant portion of the points load. Kelenna Azubuike should continue to be an energy spark and a hustle player off the bench. And finally, let's not forget about Don Nelson. He will need to put his old ways of thinking aside and be a mentor as well as a coach. It is crucial that he takes time to develop the young talent on the roster, unless he wants the team to end up like last year's: tired, a little bitter, and falling short. Anything else is unacceptable. The Warriors have loaded up for the future, but success in the present depends on a combination veteran leadership and contribution, and team chemistry. Without one or the other, the 2008-09 season will not be a pretty one.