First and foremost, the Golden State Warriors are the reigning NBA champions. As long as they kept their core intact, they were going to be fine throughout the offseason. After a couple of down seasons due to injury, the Warriors returned to health and extended their dynasty. Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Andrew Wiggins are all stars and will continue to dominate on the court. Golden State did lose a couple of key pieces, namely Gary Payton II and Otto Porter Jr., but overall the team rebounded quite nicely.
Golden State Warriors Prepare for Another Championship Run
New Additions
One of the biggest additions to the team this offseason is Donte DiVincenzo. He will be largely expected to mitigate the loss of Payton II. The guard can also see some time at the three covering for Porter Jr’s loss. It wasn’t very long ago that DiVincenzo was shining for the Milwaukee Bucks in their championship run. Injuries slowed him down, and he’s been somewhat forgotten since. During that season, DiVincenzo averaged about 10 points, six boards, and three assists per game. He can play tenacious defense and has shown an ability to drain the deep ball. The Warriors’ system has proven to benefit all players, and DiVincenzo is next in line.
JaMychal Green is expected to join the Warriors as well. He’s seen solid roles for playoff teams in the past such as the Denver Nuggets and LA Clippers. He’ll bring his hustle and grit and be one of the first names off the bench just like DiVincenzo. Green will likely spend most of his time at the four, but also allows the Warriors to go small if he plays the center position.
A number of rookies arrive too, namely Patrick Baldwin Jr. and Ryan Rollins. Both will need time to develop and it’s unlikely either truly break into the rotation this coming season. With that being said, Baldwin Jr. holds plenty of potential and can play a major role in the future.
Three Players Ready to Break Out
Golden State’s young core includes three players ready to break out – Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, and James Wiseman.
Kuminga is an elite athlete who’s already shown impressive talent on both ends of the floor. Last season he already averaged about nine points and three boards per game. His game was on full display in the Summer League, including a game where he dropped 28 points in a win versus the San Antonio Spurs. Kuminga is set for an increased role and a legitimate spot in the rotation.
Moody didn’t receive a lot of minutes last season on average, but he typically played well in short spurts. Outside of a somewhat poor showing in the Warriors’ final Summer League game, Moody was an offensive flamethrower. Learning behind the likes of Curry and Thompson has done wonders, and like Kuminga, Moody will likely find a solid rotation spot this season.
Wiseman carries limitless potential at the center position. Injuries have held him back, however. In the 2020-21 season, Wiseman averaged about 12 points, six boards, and a block per game in 21 minutes on the floor. He only played 39 games and hasn’t appeared in one since then. He made his return to basketball in the Summer League, however. Wiseman still has recovery to go through, but the Warriors invested heavily into him in 2020. He projects to be the starting center of the future but can make that role his own as soon as this season.
The Constants for the Golden State Warriors
Curry will be Curry. He’ll likely be in the MVP conversation throughout the season and earn another nod as an All-Star game starter. None of this is likely to change. He’s the best point guard in the league and will do wonders once again. Another longtime Warrior in Green will also continue to do his thing on the defensive end.
Thompson looked better and better as the playoffs progressed last season. He may have finally put his injury woes behind him. A healthy Thompson equals unparalleled success for Golden State. The Splash Brothers are back in full force. Wiggins mitigated the loss of Thompson for quite some time, but also established himself as a new star. Wiggins looks to be underrated due to his past, but he’s a true difference-maker.
Finally, there’s Kevon Looney and Jordan Poole. Looney was all over the place during the regular season, but once again proved his worth in the playoffs. He signed a three-year extension with the team and will open the season as the starting center. Looney will do the dirty work, collect rebounds, and score down low.
Poole, however, is in line for a major contract. He broke out last season to the tune of about 19 points, four assists, and three rebounds per game. He’s better than the role that he has, and could very well be the Warriors’ future star. Having Poole off the bench simply makes the Warriors spoiled, but shows just how special their depth is.
Golden State will surely be ready to compete for yet another championship next season.
The post Golden State Warriors Rebounded Nicely This Offseason appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.
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