For many sports analysts, the odds of the Golden State Warriors repeating as NBA Champions is about 99.9%. When you roll out their roster, coach and winning pedigree, the other contenders in the West should sign up for the runner up consolation prize of making the playoffs. But hold on a minute; the rest of the best just may have a word to say about that!
There are several teams in the West that could cause the Golden State Warriors major problems; they include the Memphis Grizzlies, Clippers, Dallas, Phoenix and believe it or not, the Spurs. While the teams mentioned are getting younger, the Warriors remain veteran heavy, with a few key jewels that give them both youth and experience. The core of the Warriors, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Steph Curry are over 30 and have succumbed to injuries at points in the past two seasons. The name of the game for head coach Steve Kerr is to limit the minutes of his vets and rely on the progression from the supporting cast to throughout the 82-game season.
The supporting cast consists of rising superstar Jordan Poole, Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody and James Wiseman. The number 2 pick of the 2020 NBA Draft, James Wiseman was hyped to be one of most dominant young centers to change the league; however, James was derailed by a knee injury that sidelined him last season. With Wiseman back and healthy, it sure’s up the center position which will be reinforced by Center/Power forward Jonathan Kuminga. The powerful duo will cause havoc in the paint for a lot of teams. The small forward/guard position offers an array of young guns and skilled sharp shooters.
With nearly a week into the NBA season, one thing is for certain; this will be one of the most intriguing seasons in recent memory. To be quite frank, all 30 teams have a REAL chance of making the playoffs. As everyone knows, once you make the playoffs, anything can happen! Both the East and the West are stacked with all-stars and young talent that can emerge and propel their team to championship levels. From first week indicators, the NBA landscape seems to be playing out to script. Both the Warriors and the Milwaukee Bucks look destined to meet each other in the NBA Finals.
The Golden State Warriors look focused and determined to defend their title this season. With key acquisitions of young talent during the off-season, the train should keep on the right track. While many argue that the “Big 3”,are showing signs of falling off the wagon, it is clear that collectively they show up when it counts. Much was said last season when Steph Curry struggled with his shot around the mid-season point. However, we know how that story ended.
The Golden State Warriors have all the key ingredients to win their fifth NBA championship in ten years. They have clearly established themselves as the team to beat in the NBA. If the core can stay focused and free of off court distractions, the sky’s the limit. Everyone on the planet knows that Draymond Green can be menace at times; however, he is essential to the overall goal. All indicators point to the 2023 NBA Season to be a re-emergence for Klay Thompson who slowly made his way back to elite form in last year’s playoffs. In addition, with the signing of JaMychal Green and Donte DiVincenzo, the Warriors are fully stocked and loaded at all five positions on the floor. The younger nucleus will have time to develop in real-time game scenarios which will strengthen the Warriors vigor as they roll into the playoffs.
Unless an avalanche of injuries or a seismic breakdown occurs, the Golden State Warriors will be the 2023 NBA Champions.
