Warriors in the Playoffs?

You read it here first: Warriors will make playoffs by Bruce Jenkins from SF Chronicle

They say you haven't truly analyzed the NBA Draft until you're thousands of miles away, immersed in tennis. Armed with that time-honored adage, we proclaim the Warriors a decent bet to make the playoffs for the first time in 117 years.

A fan's biggest fear is that the Warriors, with absolutely no pressure on them, created a vast and magnificent mirage over the season's final month. Things could change rudely in the fall, when the league starts fresh and playing-time issues threaten the team's morale.

Just assume, though, that what we witnessed was authentic -- that Baron Davis takes his place with Steve Nash, Dwyane Wade and the NBA's other highly influential stars. Say the Warriors actually become more cohesive with Jason Richardson, Mickael Pietrus, Troy Murphy and others meshing with Davis' virtuosity, and that Ike Diogu improves their toughness, rebounding and transition game. What's to stop the Warriors from cracking the Western Conference's top eight?