SLAM DUNKS: As one of the most explosive swingmen, G Jason Richardson (23.2 ppg, 5.8 rpg) made the jump from aggressive dunker to elite scorer, posting a career high in points. ... G Baron Davis (17.9, 8.9 apg) is a pure talent but has battled through various injuries, missing 28 games last season. Despite his limited play, Davis still led the team in assists in his first full campaign in the Bay area. With Richardson, he makes up one of top backcourt combinations in the league. ... F Troy Murphy (14.0, 10.0 rpg) stood as the lone scoring option in the paint as he registered a double-double for the second consecutive season. His ability to make shots from the arc gives Golden State an inside-outside presence that's hard to defend.

AIRBALLS: The Warriors were horrific during the final minutes last season, going just 7-14 in games decided by three points or fewer. It was the most games decided by that margin - and the most defeats. ... The team would like to see more from F Mike Dunleavy Jr. (11.5, 4.9) and G-F Mickael Pietrus (9.3, 5.1), both of whom show flashes of their talent but very little consistency. ... Golden State swapped substance for depth and athleticism this summer, sending Fisher to Utah for Brown, McLeod and G Andre Owens and also signing Wagner. The moves were made to provide depth but have created a crowded backcourt of unproven players who are getting in the way of G Monta Ellis (6.8, 1.6 apg). GUESSWORK: Can Nelson resurrect a franchise that has not made the playoffs since 1994? It is the longest drought in the league and has bred a culture of losing that dates to Nelson's first stint with the club. Nelson is an innovative coach and is implementing an up-tempo offense. But he also needs to instill the premise in his players that they can win, and that is best accomplished on the defensive end.

THINKING CAP: C Adonal Foyle (4.5, 5.5) might be the most overpaid player in the league. In 2004, Foyle inked a six-year, $42 million contract but never has recorded double figures in scoring or rebounding since being taken with the eighth overall pick in 1997.

D-LEAGUE CANDIDATE: C-F Chris Taft

THE COACH SAYS: "I'm very pleased with what we're doing and how we're playing, I'm still not impressed with our team. I think we have a long way to go. We have a lot of potential here. I'm excited about the team, but we're certainly not a good team yet."