All of us have been consumed by the race to the playoffs, but how many wins will get us in? 39? 40? Ray Ratto writes about how the only reason we even have a shot at the playoffs is because the bottom of the West stinks. When you look at it, a team with more losses than wins is going to secure the 8th seed in the West. He goes on to write about how the Warriors are improved, but to what degree?
So here's why I'm really pointing out this article to you. We're all excited about the lineup when healthy and believe that they're a playoff team. But, is that really true? Over the course of an entire season could this team really make the playoffs in any "normal" season where the 8th seed in the West is above .500?
But nobody in his or her right mind would suggest that this lineup would go 58-24 if health were all there was standing in its way. This isn't close to that type of team, and thinking that it could be only if does nobody any good. The quintet's top end, quite frankly, is 42 wins, which -- in most years -- wouldn't be postseason worthy.
I have to disagree with Ratto here. I think they're a 47-49 win team with the current 5 and would make the playoffs. They're definitely not going to make a run in the playoffs because they need a power forward who makes all the hustle plays, but I definitely think they could be the 7th or 8th seed. I know being healthy is just wishful thinking and that injuries happen, but this is a team that is showing remarkable improvement on the road and much better chemistry. I'd like to see what a full off season and training camp would do for Al Harrington, Stephen Jackson, and most importantly, Jason Richardson. Ratto says 42 wins. I think this 5 would come up with a few more.
How many wins does this team get if they're fully healthy?