It's all clear now, Mully's master plan is brilliant, marvelous in its simplicity.

First, unload Fisher under the cover of freeing up cap space. Second, work hard to make it outwardly appear that the Woes are pursuing trades, free agents, and sincerely interested in making "big changes" to the roster. All seemingly to no avail.

Now though, it's beginning to become clear.

JRich's surgery is scheduled for late summer, and is supposed to be routine, Then something happens to prolong his return - a slower than expected recovery. The Warriors announce that they are not going to rush their prize SG regardless of the season record. He misses the first month.

Without Richardson, and Fisher, the Warriors do not get off to a strong start despite a schedule weighted in home games. Now they are even more dependent upon Davis, Dunleavy, and Murphy to score and play big minutes. Their minutes maxed out all three are scoring career highs but the Warriors cannot defend and have little inside presence. As winter turns cold, the record falling, Coach Montgomery resigns citing family priorities. Mario Ellie is named coach.

As the Feb. trade deadline approaches Mullin trades both Dunleavy and Murphy for expiring contracts. JRich and Davis are scoring boatloads of points, Pietrus is playing major minutes at SF, and both Monta Ellis and Ike Diogu are showing signs of progress, but still the Warriors cannot string together victories. Davis pulls a hamstring, missing the last few weeks of the season. Their record tumbles further.

After missing the playoffs for the thirteenth year in a row, David Stern pulls another "Patrick Ewing" but unlike the Knick bonanza of Mullin's draft year, this time the commish ensures that the Warriors win the lottery. The Warriors select Greg Ogden and gamble on a Chinese 7 footer by the name of Yi with their second first round pick.

Mullin uses the Warriors capspace to sign a free agent forward. Ogden surpasses rookie expectations, backed up by the Warriors stable of young post players, and wins Rookie of the Year. Ellie uses Yi at the SF and the combination with Davis and JRich clicks.

The drought is ended. All according to plan.