The Golden State Warriors had been spiraling final season earlier than buying Jimmy Butler previous to the commerce deadline. After the commerce, they completed the season 23-8, and went to the second spherical of the playoffs. They misplaced to the Timberwolves in 5 video games, however that was with out Stephen Curry, who had an injured hamstring.
The Warriors have largely stood pat this offseason, as they’re the one group within the league to make any strikes with free brokers. This contains their months-long standoff with restricted Jonathan Kuminga, who doesn’t wish to return to Golden State however could also be pressured to take the qualifying provide. Their core of Curry, Butler, and Draymond Inexperienced is undamaged, however is it sufficient?
Golden State dangers falling behind in a stacked Western Convention
Whereas the Warriors have been quiet, the groups round them within the West have been engaged in a mini arms race of types. The Thunder are the defending champions. The Nuggets pushed them to seven video games, and so they bought higher, including Cam Johnson, Tim Hardaway Jr., and others.
The Rockets acquired Kevin Durant. The Clippers added Bradley Beal and John Collins. The Lakers, Mavericks, and Timberwolves boast star energy. Even the Spurs led by Victor Wembanyama are coming. The West goes to be an absolute massacre as soon as once more.
Golden State banking on simply working it again and having higher harm luck isn’t the very best technique. Curry, Butler, and Inexperienced are all at the very least 35 years outdated. They’ve a obvious lack of dimension after the departure of Kevon Looney. They may use one other scoring wing, particularly one that’s much less risky than Kuminga and a greater match.
As at present constructed, the Warriors will not end with a high six seed
That’s the reason it was a little bit stunning to see them so inactive, particularly with different groups within the West making massive strikes. With their older core, they need to be going for it. Curry and Inexperienced have each not been shy about making one final run at a championship, so Golden State has to make the most of this window.
The Warriors are projected to be among the finest defensive groups within the league with Butler and Inexperienced, and Curry has proven that he’s an ageless marvel. They do want some extra dimension within the frontcourt and possibly one other versatile piece for his or her bench, however they need to be capable of compete for a playoff spot within the West.
With this older core although, that isn’t adequate. The query is, have they got sufficient to compete for a championship?
