These 3 things could decide if the Warriors are championship contenders
On a day when the Golden State Warriors were supposed to be in a celebratory mood, drafting their first number two pick since Hall of Famer Rick Barry, the team instead received the dreaded news of Klay Thompson’s achilles tear which meant he was going to miss his second year in a row.
While there was still a celebration to be had with the selection of new center James Wiseman, the Warriors suddenly find themselves at a crossroads.
Is the dynasty over? Could the Warriors even make the playoffs? Or does the team have enough talent to still compete for a championship?
There are significant hurdles the Warriors need to overcome if they want to continue competing for world titles. Yet, despite the devastating effect of Klay Thompson’s injury on the mental state and personnel of the team (it’s important to note that had the injury occurred after the start of free agency, the Warriors could’ve potentially recruited star players that would’ve played for less in pursuit of a championship), the team brass have decided to open the pocketbook and continue pursuing talent.
They traded future lower round draft picks for small forward Kelly Oubre Jr., a highly talented and young swing man who could contribute offensively while potentially being a defensive stalwart. That addition alone could add a luxury tax fine in excess of $80 million.
The Warriors didn’t stop there. They signed former Boston Celtics point guard Brad Wanamaker, a solid three point and free throw shooter who prides himself on defense. And former player Kent Bazemore passed up recruitment from as much as eight other teams to return to the Warriors for the veteran minimum.
Here’s where the Warriors roster stands as of now.
Starting Lineup:
- Stephen Curry
- Andrew Wiggins
- Kelly Oubre Jr.
- Draymond Green
- James Wiseman
Bench:
- Kevon Looney
- Kent Bazemore
- Eric Paschall
- Damion Lee
- Marquese Chriss
- Brad Wanamaker
While there are other players currently on the roster, these are the 11 who are surely making the team. The remaining players are either going to Santa Cruz, or being waived (if this doesn’t happen you could forget about the Warriors being championship contenders).
That’s three roster slots remaining, and the way things are coming together there’s a strong possibility that while unlikely, this Warriors team could actually compete for a world championship.
There are three variables that must happen for this fantasy to become a reality.
1. Stephen Curry stays healthy
This is a no brainer. Klay Thompson’s injury was a somber reminder of how easily a team’s championship aspirations could vanish faster than Dwight Howard’s tweet that he was rejoining the L.A. Lakers. Yet while losing Klay Thompson is devastating, he isn’t the team’s best player.
Stephen Curry is.
And his health is paramount for the Warriors’ success. If he plays a minimum of 70 games and is available for the duration of the playoffs, the Warriors are a serious threat.
(On a sidenote, this applies to the entire starting lineup and the majority of the bench. The Warriors simply can’t afford any more injuries if they want to be contenders.)
2. James Wiseman wins ROY
It’s unfair putting pressure on a rookie to help your team win a championship. While the Warriors won’t need Wiseman to play necessarily at an All Star level in his rookie campaign, they do need him to play at a level that earns him Rookie of the Year honors.
If Wiseman plays at that high of a level where he starts showing All Star potential, the Warriors are in business. If Wiseman doesn’t meet his expectations, it won’t necessarily mean he’s going to be a long term disappointment, but the Warriors won’t be championship contenders.
3. Wiggins and Oubre Jr. play like All Stars
Wiseman doesn’t need to reach All Star level of play for the Warriors to be championship contenders, but Wiggins and Oubre Jr. do. The Warriors are going to need their perimeter swing man duo to not only pick up the offensive slack lost by Thompson’s injury, but they’re going to need these men to hold their own against the likes of LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Kawhi Leonard.
It’s imperative that these two elevate their games to greatness.
If any of these variables aren’t reached, this Warriors season could go in a myriad of directions, from them still being playoff contenders to settling for yet another lottery pick and the potential for a full rebuild.
If they do succeed in reaching these three variables, the Warriors could shock the world and win the world championship.
