There is about ten shopping days left until people will celebrate December 25th. What I'll be celebrating is five NBA games that are taking place on Christmas Day. Especially watching my Golden State Warriors.

After a whirlwind free agency period, that was brought upon because of a lockout, it has been exasperating to say the least. The Warriors, as has been their role in the league, were rebuffed by the bigger names that were available. There were three players in particular that they had their eye on this off season.

Tyson Chandler was their number one priority target during free agency. His agent basically used their interest to drive up his price to his preferred destination of Times Square and the Knicks.

Chris Paul, of the league owned New Orleans Hornets, was said to be available, and the Warriors wanted some action on that too. Led to believe they were the front runners to get him, Paul reportedly refused to sign long term with the team, so they pulled back Steph Curry from the talks and they ended.

DeAndre Jordan was a restricted free agent from the Los Angeles Clippers who signed an offer sheet from the W's for $42.7 million over four years. The Clippers didn't hesitate and matched the offer the next day.

Now they were down to options well past D and they came up with former number one draft pick Kwame Brown. He's a seven foot man that can play a little defense and defend the rim. He should be a nice compliment to Andris Biedrins.

There are three rookies that were drafted on the team this year. Klay Thompson was chosen in the first round at number 11. Charles Jenkins and Jeremy Tyler were picked up in the second round.

New coach Mark Jackson is committed to instilling a new found intensity and desire on the defensive end. These guys already know that they can score as well as anyone in the league. If they can start protecting their own basket and limit other teams' opportunities, it should result in more wins for the home team.

Monta Ellis is going to be the main piece in both offensive and defensive schemes. He is also going to be asked to step up as a team leader as well as their best player. Ellis seems prepared to take on this new assignment and he has the backing of his coach and teammates. Ellis is also unofficially going for the record of most tattooed player in the league.

The starting five should be Ellis and Curry as the guards. Dorell Wright and David Lee at the forwards, and either Biedrins or Brown manning the post. The bench needs to be much better this year if they are going to compete for a playoff spot.

Second year man Ekpe Udoh and fellow forward Lou Amundson will be willing to throw their bodies and bang underneath. Rookie guards Thompson and Jenkins might see more time this season than they would normally due to the brutal schedule. Coach Jackson will need to keep his guys fresh and liberal substitutions can help that.

Ready or not they will open their season on Christmas night in front of the best home crowd in the league. These fans have cheered this team probably more than they've deserved over the last 25 years or so. Hopefully this year the product matches the cheering and both can come away satisfied.