Warriors start Mark Jackson and Jerry West era
By Bi Yu
 12/12/11 Oakland, Calif. -- The Golden State Warriors have been have been searching for a new world order since Owners Joe Lacob and Peter Guber took over a year ago. Even with the lockout season Golden State has made their mark adding rookie Coach Mark Jackson and veteran executive Jerry West.
With a 66-game schedule and the Warrior roster relatively in tact, Jackson is focusing on defense to make the playoff jump. Players at the Warriors headquarters realize that the winning standards are higher.
"We have to go out there and get the job done," seven-year veteran guard Monta Ellis understands the bottom line. "Everyone has to go out there and do their job."
The Warriors guard tandem of Ellis and Stephen Curry led the NBA backcourts averaging 42.7 points, 11.4 assists, 7.4 rebounds and 3.6 steals. They have the fire power from their spots, but defensively they give up size against other formidable backcourts. The question is whether the Golden State roster allows for players to do their job effectively on the defensive end.
"We have pleanty of guys who can shoot from the three point line," forward David Lee said. " My job is to get rebounds, make others better, and "
Mark Jackson, who has been commentating games for the past seven years after playing in the league for 17 year knows what it takes to succeed and defense seems to be the focal point.
 Especially if the Warriors are eyeing a playoff position. Last year under former Coach Keith Smart the Warriors finished 36-46, that was 10 games better then Don Nelson final take. The Warriors are still looking for more parts of the puzzle.
Executive Board member Jerry West has an excellent track record of getting teams on the playoff trail. The lockout shakeout may still land Lacob and Guber a landmark player for opening Christmas day against the Los Angeles Clippers. With Jackson, the ultimate team player, in place to lead the team. But he can only play the cards he is delt. Right now they are still a post and defensive presence away.
Golden State will test out their new mindset in two preseason games against the Sacramento Kings. The first game on Saturday the 17th is in Oakland and they travel to Sacramento for a game on Tuedsay the 20th. The Warrior season starts with a home opener on Christmas Day against the Los Angeles Clippers. We will soon see what the new Jackson-West era has to offer.
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