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Of all the many season previews I've done since GSoM's origins in 2005, this has to be the most exciting. 2006-2007 was intriguing because of Don Nelson's return and 2007-2008 was great because the Warriors were just coming off WE BELIEVE. This one's different though. The Warriors are coming off a rare playoff trip and actually got much better in the offseason. Much better.
Before we preview the 2013-2014 Golden State Warriors aka The City aka Sleeve Believe aka WE ARE WARRIORS aka WE ARE GOLDEN, let's hit the rewind button...
Rewinding 2012-2013 WE ARE WARRIORS
Regular Season: 47-35
1st Round vs Denver Nuggets: 4-2 WIN
2nd Round vs San Antonio Spurs: 2-4 LOSS
Last sprint the Warriors qualified for the NBA Playoffs for only the second time since 1994. They made this happen with All-Star play from David Lee, All-Star-snub play from Stephen Curry, solid performances from Carl Landry and Jarrett Jack off the bench, nice work from young perimeter players Klay Thompson and Harrison Barnes and of course some help from the best crowd in the entire association.
After winding up with the 6th seed by coming through in the last week of the regular season, the Warriors faced the much-over-hyped Denver Nuggets who went on to implode in the 1st round. (Teaming up both former Warrior rookie "sensation" Anthony Randolph and Shaq's buddy JaVale McGee will do that to you.) Then a banged up and overmatched Warriors squad took the eventual Western Conference and nearly NBA Champion San Antonio Spurs to 6.
Bottom line: GOLDEN.
For a fantastic review of individual player performances from last season check out Nate's Looking back on the 2012-13 Golden State Warriors season and all the 2012-13 Golden State Warriors Season Reviews in their full glory
One other thing I'd like to note: Since 1994 (Chris Webber's rookie campaign- that's how long ago) the Warriors have not lost in the 1st round of the playoffs. WE ARE IN IT TO WIN IT.
Key Losses
- The X's and O's mastermind of the Golden State Warriors, Mike Malone got a much-deserved head coaching job with the Kings: Mike Malone to the Sacramento Kings, PANIC!
- The Jarrett Jack Experience departed Oakland on Air Canada: Filling the Void: Life after Jarrett Jack
- Carl Landry hopped on Amtrak and his train got stuck in Sacrapmento: NBA free agency 2013: Carl Landry signs with the Sacramento Kings
- Andris Biedrins took the Salt Lake Salary Cap Dump Express: FINAL Golden State Warriors Review: Andris Biedrins - Forget "F", the "U" was more worrisome
- Richard Jefferson decided to go with Biedrins to Utah to help him perfect his free throw stroke: Golden State Warriors 2012-2013 Season Review: Richard Jefferson- Is the end near?
Key Additions
Welcome Andre Iguodala!
After seeing his team collapse in the 1st round to the Dubs after an amazing and unexpected regular season run, Andre Iguodala made the smart move and joined the good side.
- Andre Iguodala coming to Golden State Warriors, Andris Biedrins + Richard Jefferson + Brandon Rush traded to Utah Jazz
- Golden State Warriors Sign Andre Iguodala 4 years, $48 million: A dozen things to love about the deal.
- NBA Free Agency links: The Golden State Warriors add Andre Iguodala, Dwight Howard's indecision, and Jarrett Jack's status
- Q&A with Denver Stiffs: Andre Iguodala's strengths, weaknesses, and quirks
- Open thread: Andre Iguodala Press Conference at noon. We signed him, now we get to hear from him.
- Andre Iguodala Press Conference Highlights: Steph Curry, the second coming
- Press Conference Links: Today is Andre Iguodala day. I'd buy that for a 'dala!
- Andre Iguodala Pre-preseason Interview - 9/18/2013 + Rapid Fire with Klay Thompson
- ESPN's Sherwood Strauss on Iguodala
Welcome Jermaine O'Neal!
Battling back from countless injuries and Hoops Father time, the excellent defending Jermaine O'Neal decided to make the Warriors his 7th NBA stop in free agency. If he can stay healthy, this will prove to be an excellent signing.
See: NBA Free Agency Q&A with Kings, Rockets, and Suns bloggers on Toney Douglas & Jermaine O'Neal
Welcome Toney Douglas!
Will the 5th stop for this versatile backup guard be his best?
See NBA Free Agency Q&A with Kings, Rockets, and Suns bloggers on Toney Douglas & Jermaine O'Neal
Welcome Marreese Speights!
Can this big man stretch opposing defenses and open up some space down low for more layups and dunks?
- NBA free agency rumors 2013: Golden State Warriors to sign Marreese Speights
- NBA free agency rumors: The Marreese Speights signing, Warriors still in running for Jermaine O'Neal, and Brian Scalabrine
- Marreese Speights and how he is helping underexposed high school ballers
Still Warriors!
Healthiness?
Biggest Strengths
Talented + Deep Roster
There's a lot to like about this roster from top to bottom. You've got vets who can make their presence felt on the defensive side like Bogut, Iguodala, and O'Neal. You've got high scorers in Curry and Lee. You've got ball handlers in Curry and Iguodala. There's nice upside with young players like Harrison Barnes and Klay Thompson. I hear there's some shooters here too. Big nights off the bench from Toney Douglas could put give this team a few more nice wins.
If you're a long-time Warriors fan, what's not to like here? I know the standards should be higher here, but seriously- what is there to possibly complain about? Chris Cohan- gone. Robert Rowell- gone. Mike Dunleavy Jr- gone. (The list could go on... trust me.) Even, Andris Biedrins- gone.
Barring some crazy injuries, this team is a LOCK for the playoffs and an absolute LOCK for some FUN WINS. That isn't something we're accustomed to saying around here.
Color Commentary from Jim Barnett
This season will be Warriors color TV analyst Jim Barnett's 29th and last with the team. Barnett is a pro's pro and kept bringing A+ color during some very, very difficult Warriors seasons. No one has as much respect for the game of basketball.
I will miss all his old school 60's and 70's references. I will miss his passion and hoops insights. Shoot I'll miss hearing about Barnett's Law every night.
Thanks Jim.
Here's hoping the Warriors do something really special for Barnett this season. He will forever be a major part of Warriors lore.
Bruce Jenkins excellent piece Barnett's tenure with Warriors worth celebrating on SFGate is a must-read.
Biggest Weaknesses
Coaching
Scoring- No problem
Rebounding- No problem
Defense- No problem
Passing- No problem
Potential Injuries
Predictions
- 50 wins
- 3 Golden State Warriors on Western Conference All-Star team
- Curry wins 3pt shootout on All-Star Saturday
- Harrison Barnes enters the Dunk Contest
- 6th Man of the Year is a Warrior
- 1st round playoff series win
- 6 game trip to the Western Conference Semifinals
- Lots and lots and lots of FUN WINS!
Your Preseason Checklist
1) Grab your GSOM Night 13 seats!

PURCHASE YOUR GSOM NIGHT 13 TICKETS!
Password: GSOM
More details: GSOM Night 13: Golden State Warriors vs Sacramento Kings on Saturday November 2nd
2) Download Beyond the Box for iPad to get real-time Golden State Warriors news
The Warriors timeline features news and live game color from Golden State of Mind, Marcus Thompson, Rusty Simmons, CSN Bay Area, and Blue Man Hoop. There's also Tweets and Instagram photos from Stephen Curry, David Lee, Andrew Bogut, Andre Iguodala, Harrison Barnes, Jermaine O'Neal, Mark Jackson, and Festus Ezeli. Use it while you're watching the Warriors drain a bunch of trifectas on the hardwood during the preseason games and please send me requests through the Feedback form in the app.
3) Sign up for Beyond the Box for iPhone/Android
No iPad yet? No problem.