The Golden State Warriors will miss five-time All-Star Klay Thompson, who has been a franchise icon for over 13 years. Now, the sharpshooter is part of the last season’s runners-up, the Dallas Mavericks roster. He has been looking for a fresh start ever since the end of the 2023-2024 season. The Dubs did not have a season to remember last time. They failed to make the playoffs. Moreover, the Sacramento Kings knocked the seven-time champions out in the play-in game. Klay Thompson had a scoreless night when the Dubs needed him the most. Hence, the Dub Nation was afraid that the organization might trade him in free agency.
That’s what happened this offseason after the veteran shooting guard expressed his desire to move elsewhere. Now, the Warriors have to ensure that the two other four-time champion franchise icons stay happy. Stephen Curry had said in an interview a month ago that he wouldn’t want to stay part of a “Bottom-feeder.” But after his ‘Splash Brother’ left, the Dubs might not look like a contender in the Western Conference anymore. However, Anthony Slater of The Athletic has a different opinion.
Why Slater Thinks Warriors Are Still Among Top 4 Favorite Western Conference Teams?
Anthony Slater thinks the Golden State Warriors must be in the top four teams of the Western Conference next season. The Athletic writer mentioned that the Dubs believe they improved in the offseason. Moreover, the team sources was pretty confident on the basis of the internal number models that gave a partial “Positive value thumbs up.” Apparently, the GSW is happy with the additions of “Buddy Hield, Kyle Anderson, as well as D’Anthony Melton.” Slater said that some employees who drive through the analytics “From around the league” agreed with the team sources. Moreover, The Athletic writer pointed at one “Rival’s metric model” that had the Warriors fourth in the Western Conference. Initially, things looked bad but it is important to look at the positives.
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The Dubs let a couple of aging stars who were losing their step go. Meanwhile, they created much-needed cap space. However, losing household names like Klay Thompson and even Chris Paul might seem initially as big time fumble by the Warriors. To fill the voids of Thompson and Paul, the seven-time champions landed some veterans as well as young players like Hield, Melton and Anderson. Hield might be a good replacement for Klay Thompson. Melton can play the role of the backup of the two spots of Steph Curry and Hield, too. Perhaps adding these three guys on two-way contracts was a smart move.
Can Stephen Curry Help The Dubs Win One More Title?
Stephen Curry led the GSW to four NBA Championships between 2015 and 2022. Klay and Draymond Green have been Steph’s most trusted comrades. Moreover, the chemistry between the head coach, Steve Kerr and Steph has been special since Day 1. Lately, they won the Olympic Gold medal together.
Now, they will have to get ready for another mission. They must lead the Dubs to rebuild so that they can contend for more NBA Championships. Moreover, Mike Dunleavy Jr. has made some smart moves in the offseason. All these can come in handy next season. Hence, the fans wonder if Steph will win his fifth ring with the Warriors.
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