Stats Analysis: Festus Ezeli

Selecting number 30 in the first round, the Warriors went safe and picked Festus Ezeli. Ezeli, knows for his tremendous blocks, efficient play, and intimidating size, will really benefit the Warriors, in their crazy attempt to surprise the world and bounce into the playoffs. Even if the Warriors don't get past the first round, it'll still be a huge step forward.

Points: Ezeli isn't a big time scorer, nor is he expected to put up some big numbers. He will, however, fit into the rotation, which means at some points, he's going to be getting the ball in a post-up position, or rebounding the ball right under the basket. Because of a certain situation of scenarios, Ezeli should end up efficiently averaging 5.5 PPG.

Rebounds: I'm skipping assists, because Ezeli won't be getting extended time, and likely won't be playing with the Warriors' first unit. Rebounding is key for the Dubs. Ezeli is a 7-footer, which means rebounds should come easily to him. He's a big guy too. Whatever he has to do, he needs to pull down some rebounds. Ezeli will average around 5.7 Rebounds per game.

Blocks: Ezeli's height should guarantee him some blocks. Even if he doesn't make offensive players taste some spalding, his defensive presence should be forcing them into bad shots, turnovers, and other bad plays. Ezeli will average around 1.3 Blocks per game... hopefully.

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Second Unit Will Be Crucial for Warriors

Most people care about the starting lineup. That's whats going to get the Warriors to playoffs? Probably, but as I've said before, coaching is a huge factor, and so is the bench. Usually bench is a negative word in basketball terms. The thing is, however, that the bench is arguably the piece to success. The starters can't do everything. This is why the Warriors are going to need their bench players to all play big parts.

Backups:

1. Jarrett Jack: We already know what Jack can do. He's capable of scoring 15 points, and dropping 6 dimes. That's not going to happen this season. He can still, however, contribute with a very respectable 11.5 PPG and 6 Assists. (He will play with Curry on the floor, which means that his Assist number won't go down). What we need from Jack is consistency, and a player to rely on if Curry goes down.

2. Brandon Rush: If Rush wanted to be a starter and made a big deal of that, than he definitely thinks he's capable. Confidence is key. Rush proved to be more valuable than the Pacers thought. He was one of the best three point shooters in the NBA, energized the crowd, and played like an honorable veteran. The Warriors are going to need that this season. He plays the 2-3 spot, which is good: he will have strength at the 2 guard for the Dubs. He will average 9 PPG, 5 Rebounds, while occasionally breaking out.

3. Richard Jefferson: As much as Draymond Green has impressed us, he will not back up Harrison Barnes. All the time. He's more likely to backup Lee while Landry plays the center spot. There are so many different combinations. Jefferson is the veteran that can teach the youngsters how to play the game. Along with Jarrett Jack, he knows what he's doing on the floor. He will average 8-10 PPG, 3 Rebounds. I know for sure that he will break out often if there is no other guy having an offensive night.

4. Carl Landry: As a player who started all the games last year, Landry averaged around 12 PPG. That's pretty good, considering how tough he is, and how he plays crucial defense. He makes a smart play no matter what. Landry can easily matchup with other premier PF's. (Unless you count LeBron as a PF). Landry will average 9-10 PPG. He will be efficient.

5. Festus Ezeli: Ezeli is the odd man out on this list. He's the only one that's a rookie. That's not a bad thing. The Warriors coaching staff say that he's already adding much needed presence to the inside. He will be apart of the stifling defense that every team will hopefully struggle against. Ezeli will average 4-5 PPG, but with 1.2 Blocks.

Not all these guys are averaging double digits, but chances are that with the skill they all posses, at least 2 of them will break out every night. That doesn't seem like a lot, but the little things add up.

With Kent Bazemore and Draymond Green also likely to be apart of the lineup, the Warriors are adding even more presence on the glass. This is why the second unit, and 2 of the reserves are important for the Warriors.

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Predicting Stats for Rookies on the Golden State Warriors

This article was originally written by Elijah Abramson on basesandbaskets.com. He has generously given us permission to use his work. 

The Warriors had an excellent draft that begun with North Carolina star Harrison Barnes falling into their hands with the seventh overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft.

With a new-look franchise that hopes to evolve from a rebuilding team to a playoff contender, the Warriors did everything they could in terms of the draft. If Mark Jackson is able to incorporate the variety of skills each rookie possess, Golden State may very well be in for a playoff run.

Now here is a look at the four picks that the Warriors thought would help improve their organization now and ideally well into the future.

4. Ognjen Kuzmic, 52nd overall

Contract status: unsigned as of 7/21/12

Position: Center

And you thought Andris Biedrins name was hard to pronounce.

The 7’1” center from Bosnia adds some depth in the middle for the Warriors, a team that now has three seven-footers (Biedrins, Kuzmic and Andrew Bogut). While Biedrins better days are probably behind him, Kuzmic will be a nice option to have coming off the bench when he leaves Europe for the NBA.

The 22-year-old will likely remain in Spain for at least the 2012-13 NBA season but Kuzmic will eventually provide a solid rebounding and shot-blocking presence.

He was also the first player mentioned in the article I wrote a month ago on steals of the 2012 NBA draft.

Predicted stat line:

None, will not play in the NBA during the 2012-13 season.

3. Draymond Green, 35th overall

Contract status: unsigned as of 7/21/12

Position: Small forward

Warriors assistant coach Pete Myers has high praise for the former Michigan State star.

In an interview with CSN Bay Area’s Matt Steinmetz, Myers called Green a “coach’s dream” and someone he sees “getting some minutes this coming year…[not] many players come into the league with his skill level.”

While Harrison Barnes, Richard Jefferson and (if he re-signs) Brandon Rush will all probably get more playing time initially than Green, if Green proves that he is worthy he may get respectable minutes.

However, I do not think that will happen in 2012 regardless of his ability to play both forward positions.

Predicted stat line:

3.1 PPG / 1.6 RPG / 0.5 APG / 29 games played

2. Festus Ezeli, 30th overall

Contract status: signed, 2 years / $2.1 million with team option through 2016

Position: Center

Believe it or not, prior to the NBA Draft, Festus Ezeli was yet another choice of mineto be a steal.

Ezeli is has an NBA-ready frame, weighing 260 pounds and possessing an enormous 7’6” wingspan. Although Kuzmic will not make the Warriors roster, Ezeli has a realistic shot to compete for time that recently acquired Andrew Bogut is on bench.

His humble contribution to the Warriors will make him a fan favorite but don’t expect him to get extended minutes if Bogut stays healthy.

Predicted stat line

6.8 PPG / 4.1 RPG / 0.7 BPG / 44 games played

1. Harrison Barnes, 7th overall

Contract status: signed, 2 years / $5.7 million with team option through 2016

Position: Small forward

Harrison Barnes should be getting a clue: the Warriors are putting a lot of trust in him.

Although it looked like he would at least begin the season behind Dorell Wright in the depth chart, the Warriors proceeded to trade Wright to the 76ers for rights to Edin Bavcic (whose rights would be traded to the Hornets in the Jarrett Jack deal) and a $4.1 million trade exception (per CSN Philadelphia).

That sure makes it look like Harrison Barnes first NBA regular season game will start on the court and not on the bench.

His game should fit in nicely with the Warriors and he very well could make a run at the Rookie of the Year award.

Predicted stat line:

15.2 PPG / 4.9 RPG / 1.6 APG / 0.9 SPG / 74 games played

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