2006-2007 Finish: 34-48

What went well

GM Randal and the Golden State Warriors seemed to have one objective in mind and that was finish the season in good draft position. While many fans felt frustrated with this "tanking" tactic during a season in which both Vince Carter and Carlos Boozer played fantastic basketball, GM Randal goes into the offseason having his objective met.

As the dust settles on the third season in a row in which the Bay Area fans have to cheer for another California team during the playoffs, the Warriors walk away from the draft with three of the top 15 picks.

But before examining the draft and the many trades that have shaken up this lineup in the past month, let's check out what did go well this season.

Point guard Maurice Williams, a second round pick in the 2003 draft, emerged as one of the top players in his position. Though he has not committed to the Warriors next season, Williams will see his salary jump to close to $8 million when play resumes.

The Warriors are in a rebuilding phase, but it is almost certain Carter will return next season. If GM Randal plays his card right, the Warriors may return to the playoffs, but they still seem to be a season away.

What didn't

The lack of a legitimate big man really hurt this team. Rookie Mouhamed Sene found himself splitting the starting center position with the oft-injured and undersized Kurt Thomas. Attendance was at an all-time low. No one wanted to watch a team that wanted to lose. Finally, the Warriors seemed to lack an identity. Players such as Luke Ridnour just failed to step up. After three years of missing the playoffs, the Warriors seem like a second class team that no one fears nor takes seriously.

Stars

- Vince Carter, GF-

One of the most dominant players in the league continued to dominate in his third season with the Warriors. Critics may say that Carter thrived here because no one else wanted the ball, but the fact of the matter is this guy is just scary. Averaging 28.8 points and hitting 56% of his shots prove Carter is a scoring machine. Though he opted out of his contract, many feel that he will return to the Warriors next season. He is among the vanguard of the league and a great player to build a team around.

- Carlos Boozer, PF –

After two disappointing seasons filled with injuries, Boozer finally earned his paycheck in Golden State. The big man scored 14.8 points a night and grabbed 11.9 rebounds. He also played in 70 games for the first time since 2004. His infidelity in Cleveland still follows him around, however. At the end of this season (with only one more remaining on his contract), GM Randal shipped his star off to Sacramento. May as well get value now from a player who has very little loyalty and may walk again.

Goat

- Kurt Thomas, C/PF –

Thomas is turning into a bad joke in Golden State. Brought in 2004 that sent Sam Cassell to Dallas, Thomas put in one good season and then his body gave out. Since the Warriors lack a true center, Thomas could have run away with the starting job. Once again injury stopped him this season. So he got paid $8 million plus to fill in at times. Thomas will be 35 soon, an age in which players begin rapidly decline. He will provide good veteran presence among all youngsters in the locker room, but not much else.

Looking to the future

The future is basically all there is in Golden State. The team's two best players are free agents (with Carter likely to return and Williams a big question mark). They have three big prospects that may or may not turn into the real deal. Ridnour is due for a contract extension, but his play last season may make GM Randal wary to commit so much to him.

During the draft, the Warriors made some big trades. They got rid of Damon Stoudamire and brought in journeyman Fred Jones. They also dumped Boozer and salary albatross Marko Jaric for the hot Jorge Garbajosa and two of those prospects.

So who are those much vaunted rookies we have been speaking about? First is Corey Brewer. This sophomore from Florida gives the Warriors an impact player on both ends of the floor. Though Carter will still continue to be the big scorer, Brewer allows him to slide into the shooting guard slot. Also drafted was Kansas sophomore Julian Wright. Though he can play small forward, Wright is likely to see time at power forward where his speed and strong finishing skills will be put to work while he refines his outside game. Rounding out the big rookie trio is center Sean Williams. The 6'10" junior from Boston College addresses the need for size. But the player has a checkered past- he was dismissed from Boston College during the past season and was suspended two other times during his career. In a league where players like Rafer Alston and Andray Blatche were both arrested this week, will temptation prove too much for Williams? The Warriors also received second-rounder Giorgos Printezis.

There are a lot question marks next season in Golden State. Fans hope the team will try to play for keeps. It is impossible for the Warriors to make plans until they see which players return and if the rookies actually pan out.