Could the 2006-07 Warriors Thrive in Modern Basketball?

When Jason Richardson recently declared his 2006-07 Warriors squad would be “one of the best teams” in today’s NBA, my data analyst instincts immediately kicked in. This wasn’t just locker room nostalgia - it presented a fascinating basketball thought experiment.

The Small-Ball Pioneers

That Warriors team, led by Baron Davis and coached by Don Nelson, played what we’d now recognize as proto-modern basketball:

• Lineup flexibility: Regularly deployed 4-guard sets with Andris Biedrins or Al Harrington at center
• Pace and space: Ranked 2nd in pace (99.1) while attempting 24.3 threes/game (3rd most)
• Switch-heavy defense: Mobile defenders like Stephen Jackson and Matt Barnes enabled aggressive switching schemes

Our current metrics show they were essentially 15 years ahead of the curve. Their 42-40 record undersold their innovation.

Statistical Projection to 2024

Using lineup data from Basketball-Reference and tracking metrics, I simulated how their key units might perform today:

Their greatest advantage? Positionless versatility. The Davis/Richardson/Jackson/Ellis/Barnes death lineup would force nightmare matchups against modern drop-coverage bigs.

The Counterarguments

However, three factors temper Richardson’s optimism:

1. Defensive limitations: While switchable, they lacked rim protection (allowed 53.8% opponent FG at rim, bottom 10)
2. Three-point volume ≠ efficiency: Shot just 35.6% from deep (league average was 35.8%)
3. Bench depth: Current elite teams deploy deeper rotations with more two-way players

Verdict: Playoff Team, Not Title Favorite

My model suggests they’d be a dangerous playoff team (45-52 wins), but championship contention requires addressing their defensive weaknesses. Still, their stylistic influence on today’s game deserves recognition - they were the proof-of-concept for modern NBA basketball.