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Bob Fitzgerald is entering his 11th season as television play-by-play announcer for the Warriors. Throughout the 2007-08 season, Fitzgerald will again provide Warriors fans with a unique, inside perspective to the club and the NBA. Check out his blog only on warriors.com!

(photo: Rocky Widner/NBAE/Getty)

I just got back from New York, where I had the chance to interview NBA Commissioner David Stern.

To listen to the interview in its entirety, click on the links below:

Baron Davis and Stephen Jackson will again be key components to the Warriors success this year. (photo: Rocky Widner/NBAE/Getty)

When we last saw the Warriors, they were finishing on a 16-5 regular season run, making the playoffs for the first time in 13 years. “We Believe” swept the Bay Area, and really the nation, as THE playoff story in the NBA. The improbable upset of a #1 seed for the first time in league history in a seven-game series was the type of memory that will live with Warrior fans for many years to come.

So what about an encore? Is the team better after this off-season? Let’s not worry about prognostications right now, but rather compare the likely roster for this season to the squad from last year and I’ll let you decide for yourself.

Here’s a breakdown of the returning nine Warriors:

Baron Davis vs. Baron Davis- You could make an argument that no player had a better post-season than the Warriors leader. Tremendous offense, setting up his teammates, hard-nosed defense, clutch shot after clutch shot. I don’t know that Baron can play better. The question will be, can he play more games? If Baron Davis can play in 70 games this season, the Warriors should have a very good year.

Stephen Jackson vs. Stephen Jackson- Don Nelson called ‘Jack’ his most versatile player, particularly on the defensive end. His passing ability was a revelation. He also showed a great knack for getting to the line and an ability to hit huge shots. Fiery and emotional, his passion is contagious. Having him for a full season should be fun to watch.

Andris Biedrins vs. Andris Biedrins- Still only 21, Biedrins is on his way to becoming one of the better big men in the league. Perfectly suited for the Warriors tempo, Andris’ ability to defend the basket, start the fast break, battle for rebounds and finish on the pick and roll are all amazing given his age. He should be a double/ double performer and continue to improve rapidly. At such a young age, he is rapidly becoming the cornerstone big man for the franchise.

Al Harrington vs. Al Harrington- Fun-loving, great personality and a key part of the Warriors chemistry. Immensely skilled and a very good perimeter shooter. The Warriors need Al to help Biedrins on the boards on a consistent basis. He has remade his body during the summer and will play a variety of positions depending on various game plans.

Entering his fourth year in the NBA, 21-year old Andris Biedrins will look to continue to make a name for himself. (photo: Rocky Widner/NBAE/Getty)

Monta Ellis vs. Monta Ellis- The Most Improved Player in the NBA returns for only his third year as another 21 year old on the roster. Point guard or shooting guard? Positions Positions are really irrelevant in Don Nelson’s system, but Monta will be asked to handle the ball, score in the open floor, improve on the defensive end and continue to work on his left hand. Plenty of opportunity and plenty of competition on this roster for minutes at all positions, and Monta will be in the mix for certain.

Matt Barnes vs. Matt Barnes- What a tremendous story from a year ago. Barnes was the final training camp invitee, on the verge of giving up the NBA and trying to make the NFL as a wide receiver, he became the Warriors Swiss Army knife. Small forward, Power forward, three-point shooter, defender, fast break igniter, full court passer, he did it all while posting career bests in every category. Again, a key cog in team chemistry and plays at “Warrior tempo” (think 90 MPH).

Kelenna Azubuike vs. Kelenna Azubuike- A find from the D league, Azubuike has a huge opportunity this year at off guard and small forward. Excellent three point shooter, great NBA body, very smart player and nice defensive player who can just flat out score. I think he will be a nice contributor this season.

Mickael Pietrus vs. Mickael Pietrus- Found a niche in Don Nelson’s system as a rebounder/runner, three-point shooter and energizer. In games that Pietrus played well, the Warriors almost never lost. Consistency is the key for one of the most likeable players on the roster.

Patrick O’Bryant vs. Patrick O’Bryant- The backup center spot is wide open for the Warriors this year. Will O’Bryant seize the opportunity? His length is obvious, along with the ability to block shots. He has surprising shooting skills and is a good free throw shooter for a big man. Year Two is usually uneven for young centers, but O’Bryant should continue to improve.

How about the “Summer Six”? The new Warriors for this season:

Marco Belinelli vs. Jason Richardson. Now this is not a fair comparison. Belinelli comes in as the 18th pick (and only 21 years old) to compete for minutes at the off-guard position and will get help from Monta Ellis and Kelenna Azubuike manning this spot. But replacing Richardson’s productivity/ toughness/consistency will be a season-long story. Fortunately, the Warriors depth will help in this regard.

Brandan Wright vs. Josh Powell. 7’5” wingspan and an absolute gazelle running the floor, the 8th pick in the draft will spend his final teenage year working on his body and playing against the best players in the world. Very talented and part of the Warriors future. The faster he develops, the more he will play.

Head Coach Don Nelson is very high on the potential of 2007 first round pick Marco Belinelli (photo: Noah Graham/NBAE/Getty)

Kosta Perovic & Austin Croshere vs. Adonal Foyle. The Warriors will carry a full 15 players this season and Perovic and Croshere have a real opportunity at the four and five spots. The Warriors need size, rebounding and toughness. Croshere is a proven vet who is also an excellent free throw shooter. He definitely is a nice option in game-ending situations, when the opponent is in a must foul situation.

Stephane Lasme vs. Zarko Carbarkapa. No contest as Zarko was hurt all of last season. Lasme could be a find in the second round. He is a good shot-blocker and rugged rebounder, and those skills should get him on the floor at certain times.

Troy Hudson vs. Sarunas Jasikevicius. Hudson has been bothered by ankle injuries, but if healthy has been a very good scorer and is a much-needed veteran on the roster. He has the ability to run a team and gives Nelson additional depth in the backcourt to spell Baron. Sarunas didn’t play much last season, so there is potential for an upgrade at this spot. Hudson is also an excellent free thrower, one of the Warriors problem areas last season.

Are the Warriors better? I believe they are certainly deeper and incredibly young and intriguing. The club features eight players that are 24-or-younger and they all seem to fit the Warriors style of play. With so many lineup combinations, Don Nelson should be at his Mad Scientist best mixing and matching on a nightly basis. Plus, excellent depth also helps out with the inevitable injuries that teams must overcome throughout an NBA season.

So there it is Warriors fans. Nine players returning from last season’s squad with six new additions. Is this a better team? Only time will tell, but I for one cannot wait to find out. Opening Night is only a month away!