By: Daniel Grant
The Golden State Warriors could be the surprise team of the NBA next season. Are they going to compete for the championship? I doubt it, but I can see a scenario in which they make another run like they did in 2006-2007.

The roster is full of guys who can be on the floor for significant minutes. They have the possibility of having 12 players on the roster that could play a big role. Let's examine the roster as of right now.

The Big Guys:

Andris Biedrins is the perfect center for the Warriors. He averaged a double-double last season, 12 points and 11 rebounds. He doesn't demand the ball in the post. He gets a lot of easy baskets thanks to the slashing nature of the offense. He works hard, hits the boards, and is unselfish.

Ronny Turiaf plays the “energy guy off the bench” role perfectly. He plays hard, gives everything when on the court, and could play a vital role next year.

Brandan Wright is a young up-and-comer. He's long, and can give opponents fits. In limited time last year, he showed a lot of promise.

The Tweeners:

Stephen Jackson is the captain of the team, and is the best player. If he falters or gets hurt, the team is in trouble.

Corey Maggette, to me, was a mistake to sign last off-season, but turned out to perform okay. Though it was frustrating that he only hit 25% of his three's, which is a staple in the Nelson run-n-gun offense, he will see significant time due to his bloated salary.

Anthony Randolph looks like the breakout star for next season. He showed flashes of brilliance, and hopefully for Warriors fans, he makes a big leap.

Kelenna Azubuike was a great signing out of the NBADL at the end of the 06-07 season, and his game has improved steadily since. A great shooter, he is the perfect swingman for the Warriors.

The Guards:

Monta Ellis is the other star on this team along with Stephen Jackson. Not a pure point guard, passing is not his strong suit, but his slashing and mid-range game make him an explosive offensive force.

Stephan Curry was selected with the 7th pick in this year's draft, and adds another explosive scorer to the Warriors lineup. Like Ellis, he's not a pure point guard, but did play the position last year in college. Because of that, he and Ellis will probably share that responsibility, along with Jackson who can play the Point Forward.

Speedy Claxton returns to the Warriors after being traded away as part of the Baron Davis deal. Hopefully a return to the Bay Area will mean a return to the player Warrior fans remember, a 13 point, 6 assist type of player.

Acie Law didn't play much for Atlanta, but could thrive in the Golden State scheme. Coming out of Texas A & M, he was highly touted, drafted with the 11th pick in 2007. Playing a major role for the Aggies, he lead them to their first Sweet 16 bid since 1980 in his senior year. He made big shots in college, so we'll see if he can step it up for the Warriors.

CJ Watson is another up and coming player on the roster. When he played significant time last season, i.e. 30+ minutes a game, he averaged 15/4/4. He has the potential to run the offense, and run it well.

The Warriors have a plethora of options with the talent they currently possess. They can go big for stretches, small, or even 'super' small. Check out these different possibilities:

The “Big” Lineup:

C: Andris Biedrins / Brandan Wright
PF: Brandan Wright / Ronny Turiaf
SF: Stephen Jackson / Anthony Randolph / Corey Maggette
SG: Kelenna Azubuike / Stephan Curry / Monta Ellis
PG: Monta Ellis / CJ Watson / Acie Law / Speedy Claxton

This lineup can match up against teams that have an inside presence, but still maintains the Warriors advantage of the run-and-gun offense.

The “Small” Lineup:

C: Andris Biedrins / Brandan Wright / Ronny Turiaf
PF: Stephen Jackson / Anthony Randolph / Corey Maggette
SF: Anthony Randolph / Corey Maggette / Kelenna Azubuike
SG: Kelenna Azubuike / Stephan Curry / Monta Ellis
PG: Monta Ellis / CJ Watson / Acie Law / Speedy Claxton

With all the substitutions the Warriors can do, they can outrun and outlast any team in the NBA. They can keep the pedal to the medal and not lose much in the way of talent.

The “Super-Small” Lineup:

C: Stephen Jackson / Anthony Randolph / Corey Maggette
PF: Anthony Randolph / Corey Maggette / Kelenna Azubuike
SF: Kelenna Azubuike / Stephan Curry / Monta Ellis
SG: Stephan Curry / Monta Ellis / Acie Law
PG: Monta Ellis / Acie Law / CJ Watson / Speedy Claxton

This lineup is the Warrior special; Speed, speed, and more speed. This lineup lacks size and rebounding, but makes up for it in hustle, defensive pressure, shooting ability, and can attack the basket from anywhere on the court. Is this lineup something the Warriors can use against the likes of Dwight Howard or Tim Duncan? Probably not. But can they run other teams out of the building? You betcha.

Golden State finished this past season well below expectations. But with trading Jamal Crawford to Atlanta, drafting Stephen Curry, a full, healthy season from Monta Ellis, and a roster full of young, athletic talent, the Warriors seem to be in a great position to make the 2009-2010 NBA Playoffs.