Golden State Warriors Season Preview

Golden State had an unceremonious exit from their dynasty, losing to the Toronto Raptors in six games. What should you expect from the Warriors this season and can they win another title?

• Out Goes Kevin Durant: KD left the Warriors to join Kyrie Irving in Brooklyn, leaving the Warriors with a bit of a void on the pick-and-roll. They also lost a dominant figure in the NBA, with Durant’s big presence being a problem for opposing teams. There’s no doubt Durant’s absence will affect the Warriors. However, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green have been secured for a long time. This will be good for the Warriors since keeping that core intact will keep them competitive for a good amount of time. Replacing KD is...
• In Comes DeAngelo Russell: Russell isn’t going to be the replacement for Durant the Warriors want. But Russell has drastically improved over the past year. Russell can score and is a solid playmaker. Golden State will bank on the former number two pick reaching his true potential in his tenure.
• There’s Actual Competition This Time: It isn’t just Golden State losing Durant that makes them vulnerable. The Clippers got their dynamic duo as did the Lakers, Jazz, and Rockets. The Lakers even went the extra mile to add some scorers off the bench. If Stephen Curry and company are to make it back to the NBA Finals, they’ll have to navigate through a Western Conference that is much more competitive.