Golden State's Ten Best Assets

In the spirit of the holiday, and inspired by Tom Ziller's similar rankings at Sactown Royalty... tonight, we talk about how much we love these Warriors of ours. Let's list the ten most valuable players on dem Dubs in order, factoring in production, potential and price.

1. Anthony Randolph ('09-'10: $1.8M | '10-'11: $2.0M | '11-'12: $2.9M | '12-13: RFA)

In this, his age-20 season, Anthony Randolph averaged over 18 points, over 10 rebounds, and over 2 blocked shots per 36 minutes. Since '73-'74 (the first season for which blocks were counted), you know how many other twenty-year-olds have done that? Two. You know who they were? Shaquille O'Neal and Chris Webber. If you're anything other than monstrously excited about this kid, you need to look again... no other Warrior even approaches him in value as a commodity. Don't be stupid, people.

2. Stephen Curry ('09-'10: $2.7M | '10-'11: $2.9M | '11-'12: $3.1M | '12-'13: $4M | '13-'14: RFA)

One could very reasonably make the argument that this ranking is too high. Curry has not yet made it clear that he has the playmaking ability to be an effective NBA point guard, and if he doesn't have that ability, he will never be a truly great player... he doesn't have the size or athleticism to excel at the two on either end. He's been awfully good for a rookie, though, and he's cheap and under team control for a good long while. That's enough to get him up here.

3. Andris Biedrins ('09-'10: $9M | '10-'11: $9M | '11-'12: $9M | '12-'13: $9M | '13-'14: $9M Player Option)

A very good center who'll make under ten million dollars a year through at least 2013. The Warriors do need to convince him to eschew his Latvian commitments and spend the summer working on his free throws, but that should be more than doable.

4. Monta Ellis ('09-'10: $11M | '10-'11: $11M | '11-'12: $11M | '12-'13: $11M | '13-'14: $11M Player Option)

Much more star potential than Biedrins, but much more downside, too... Monta has never been a truly effective NBA player without Baron Davis by his side, and he's a guy that most playoff teams can post up. He'd probably have the edge over Biedrins if their salaries were equal, but they ain't.

5. Brandan Wright ('09-'10: $2.7M | '10-'11: $3.4 M | '11-'12: $4.6 Qualifying Offer or RFA)

If this franchise ever wriggles free of Nellie's Jabba-like stranglehold, someone may notice a second intriguing young power forward on the roster (and no, this one's not Tolliver either). Questions remain about Wright's ability to stay healthy and his ability to play solid man D, but a 22-year-old that compares favorably with LaMarcus Aldridge is nothing to sneeze at. The Warriors are in position to hang onto him long-term if they care to... the '10-'11 season will make their choice clear. By this time next year, Wright will either be higher on this list or off of it entirely.

6. Anthony Morrow ('09-'10: $736K | '10-'11: $1.0 M QO or RFA)

If Wright does fall off the list, whether via injury, trade or ineffectiveness, Morrow will be battling this year's draft pick for the remaining spot in the top five. The Warriors are actually in fairly good bargaining position Morrow-wise, as his extended cold streak basically ensured that he wouldn't put up enough counting stats to earn a big payday. Something like $18M over four years could get it done, and would be money well-spent; Morrow's a more well-rounded player than most seem to think.

7. Ronny Turiaf ('09-'10: $4.1M | '10-'11: $4M | '11-'12: $4.4M Player Option)

Ronny seems to garner more interest around the league than any other Warrior around the deadline, as he'd make a perfect bench big for a contender and comes fairly cheaply. That interest would probably lessen if other teams got a look at his messed-up knee... still, he's a piece that intrigues. Barring a miraculous reversal of Warrior fortunes, Ronny is best considered a trade chip next year. He's not a good bet to exercise the option to stay, no matter how famously he and Biedrins get along.

8. Kelenna Azubuike ('09-'10: $3.1M | '10-'11: $3.4M | '11-'12: UFA)

'Buike can technically opt out this summer, but isn't likely to... he's very likely to jump ship next summer, though, as the Warriors have no leverage over him. A good and intriguing young player, but like Ronny, his value to the Warriors lies in what they can get for him.

9. C.J. Watson ('09-'10: $1.0M | '10-'11: UFA)

Has made it more than clear that he wants to move on, and who can blame him? If he's still a Warrior come Friday, it'll reflect poorly on Larry Riley. This asset is not long for this world.

10. Corey Maggette ('09-'10: $8.9M | '10-'11: $9.6M | '11-'12: $10.3M | '12-'13: $10.9M | '13-'14: UFA)

Ah, the damage an overpay can do. Maggette has been the Warriors' best player by far this season, and is no worse than their third-best even in a sane world. Chop off that fifth year, or two million bucks out of each year, and he's a prize... as it stands, no team will give up anything they want for him. He's barely an asset on the books, but he's still a big asset on the court. And while the Warriors have young 'uns that could fill in for him, maybe it won't be the end of the world if the Warriors have to keep him around for awhie.