Commentary

Golden State Warriors' start an illusion

The Warriors' 7-4 record is great for morale, but they still have major issues

Updated: November 17, 2010, 1:59 PM ET

It happens every year about this time -- a basement dweller from the previous season soars out of the gate and looks like a playoff contender in the first month of the season. The 2010-11 nominee? The Golden State Warriors.

With a 7-4 record heading into their Friday night matchup against the reeling New York Knicks, the Warriors have the league's attention. It's a new beginning in the Bay Area; new ownership, a new head coach, a new color scheme and a new highest-paid player give this team a promising sense of rebirth after a miserable ending to the Don Nelson era.

But looking deeper into the opening act, there are signs that the Warriors' hot start should be attributed more to beginner's luck than actual talent.

To read why the Warriors' hot start may be a mirage plus why now is the perfect time to trade Monta Ellis, you must be an ESPN Insider.