Working with the idea of keeping the bulk of our cap flexibility intact for the summer of 2012:
(1) Draft Marshon Brooks at 17.
(2) Acquire a 2nd 1st rounder (I'd offer Toney Douglas and $3M cash, maybe even Rautins) and draft Nikola Vucevic. I'd prefer to hold onto Landry Fields but If I knew I could secure both Marshon Brooks AND Matt Bouldin, I might even dangle Fields & cash for the pick, then use Rautins and cash to get the 2nd rounder.
(3) Acquire a 2nd rounder, the higher the better (using as much cash as Dolan will allow [offer 1st round pick-type money if that's what it'll take] and maybe Andy Rautins) and draft Ben Hansbrough.
(4) If we can't get Hansbrough, sign either PG Curtis Jerrells or Curtis Stinson to be either the 3rd PG or primary backup to Billups.
(5) Piece together the rest of the roster smartly, continuing to plug holes wherever needed:
• Sign FA C Dwayne Jones for added size and rebounding (the guy's an EXCELLENT rebounder and would be a very good role player here).
• Sign PF Jeff Adrien for his grit, toughness & even more rebounding.
• Sign SG Matt Bouldin for his shooting, toughness and versatility (he takes over the Billy Walker role--he's an upgrade over Walker and would come cheaper than Walker's $916K option).
• Sign SF/PF DeShawn Sims or Joe Alexander - quality frontcourt depth behind STAT and Melo.
• Invite 6'8" SF Tim Abromaitis to summer league/training camp for his shooting ability and added depth (could take over the Shawne Williams role if Shawne wants too much money). If he plays well, offer him a contract.
(6) Bring in Jerome Jordan - incorporate both he and Andy Rautins if he's still around.
EDIT: Just saw on shamsports.com that Jeff Adrien is still technically Golden State property. He signed a partially-guaranteed deal for next season for $788,872 with only $50,000 guaranteed up front. The remainder kicks in provided he isn't waived by 6/20/11 (which is right before the draft). If I'm Donnie, I'm monitoring this situation closely. If the Warriors cut him loose, I'd jump all over him. If I could get Adrien along with a 2nd big to help out with the rebounding (say a Dwayne Jones) I don't think there's a need to take Faried at 17.