The fall from grace of the Golden State Warriors, the former lords of the NBA, parallel that point. An almost unreasonable expectation, considering they are doing so in the super competitive Western Conference. The past The team won their first championship in 2015 then quickly established a dynasty, winning three additional titles. They are in a delicate bind. Despite those disappointing seasons, hope is on the horizon that they might soon find themselves back in the thick of contention.
The Warriors have faced their own hardships in recent years, losing their All-Stars to injuries including Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. Now, perennial all-star Stephen Curry has done more than just dabble in injuries. From the 2019-20 season onward, he’s averaged a miss of 15 games a season. This absence has had a direct and substantial influence on the team’s success this year. Promising recent contributions from younger players such as Jonathan Kuminga have fans fired up and hopeful. He averaged an insane 24.3 points on 55% shooting in the last four playoff games last year.
As the Warriors look to defend their title next season, they have a surprisingly strong collection of cog players alongside their nucleus in the fold. The list goes on from there with Buddy Hield, Gary Payton II, Moses Moody, De’Anthony Melton and, of course, Kuminga. Collectively, these players create a defensive perimeter that would be invaluable in enhancing the team’s future outlook.
A Strong Foundation Amidst Challenges
Despite the perception that the Warriors have been passed by other teams in the Western Conference, they achieved a remarkable 23-8 record over a certain span last season. This performance extrapolates to 61 wins over a full season. Analysts like Zach Kram have noted that the Warriors “have 11 players who rate better than league average, tied with the Thunder for most of any team.” That kind of depth, if they can stay healthy, can be crucial as they look to re-establish themselves.
After the trade for Jimmy Butler, the team ranked first in the league in defensive rating. What makes this feat even more impressive is that they managed to do so in the absence of Al Horford. They were going up against opponents that were making an unsustainable average of three-point attempts. How well the Warriors continue to defend will be key line for them as they look to get back towards their championship form.
Challenges loom on the horizon. This continuity problem will hurt the team during stretches with Curry on the bench regardless. It’ll be exacerbated without Butler. That might add even more burden on Kuminga and the rest to raise their level offensively and pick up the slack.
Key Additions and Future Outlook
This offseason the Warriors secured a critical upgrade by replacing Kevon Looney with Al Horford. Horford, who surprised many by signing with the squad after departing the Boston Celtics in free agency, Horford’s defensive acumen and playmaking skills are still at a higher level compared to Dario Saric and Quinten Post. His contributions promise to make the team that much better. Further, his experience and leadership will be vital as the Warriors look to blend their young stars with a core of established veterans.
In addition to future seasons — which they’ll be able to capitalize on with Utah’s pick — Warriors are set up for stability. They’ve returned 12 of their 13 players that logged the most postseason minutes last year. Such a high retention is a great testament to the positive continuity and cohesion going forward.
Even underwhelming years in the recent past have analysts predicting that the Warriors will be in contention once more this season. Of note, Kram really stresses their deep/strong lineup. They mix together plenty of youthful talent alongside experienced veterans, a winning combination that just might catapult them back into title contention.
“They should be a contender again this season.” – Zach Kram
The Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, and Cleveland Cavaliers aren’t just going to roll over — they’re energizing and focusing their demolition. Here’s hoping the Warriors return to the moment! Combined with the competitive nature of the Western Conference, it’s fair to say that every game is going to be important.
The Road Ahead
The 2023-24 campaign will be a high-profile litmus test for the Golden State Warriors. Most importantly, they need to figure out how to work around injuries while adapting new guys in and without their defensive DPOY candidate disappearing. Curry’s back, and his role players are all leveling up. Together, they’ll contend to regain their seat back at the table of one of the top teams in the league.
Stars such as Jonathan Kuminga could very easily break out this year, showing that there’s an immense amount of talent that has yet to be fully realized. If he continues his upward trajectory and other role players contribute consistently, the Warriors could indeed reinstate themselves as a formidable force.
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