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NBA: 2016-17 Predictions For The Pacific Division

By Carter Johnson

Jul 7, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; A large welcome Kevin Durant digital billboard is displayed outside of Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 7, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; A large welcome Kevin Durant digital billboard is displayed outside of Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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July 26, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; USA guard Kevin Durant (5, left) shakes hands with Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (right) after an exhibition basketball game at Oracle Arena. USA defeated China 107-57. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Golden State Warriors

2015-16 Record: 73-9 (1st in Pacific Division) 

2016-17 Prediction: 67-15 (1st in Pacific Division) 

It’s a no-brainer that the Golden State Warriors will likely sit atop the Pacific Division and the Western Conference once again in 2016-17. In fact, the only question that really lingers on fans’ minds is whether or not they’ll top their record-breaking effort from last year.

Common sense says that likely won’t happen, even with this incredible new roster that now features two league MVPs, an All-Star and perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate and a guy who scored 37 points in a quarter as the potential fourth best player on the team. It’s just expected that there will be growing pains when you have three lethal scorers now being asked to share the ball.

However, that doesn’t mean they won’t still dominate.

More from Hoops Habit

The Kevin Durant signing wasn’t just a slam dunk because of his obvious superstar status but also because he’s a superstar whose skill set fits seamlessly into the Warriors’ offense. His stellar ability as a catch-and-shoot threat doesn’t impede the team’s emphasis on ball movement and they now have a go-to scoring option on nights when the Splash Brothers aren’t firing on all cylinders. His length and positional versatility also gives the vaunted Death Lineup an even deadlier look on paper.

While the team did lose some depth in the pursuit of Durant, they managed to retain their essential role players and somewhat replace their more expendable ones.

It will be interesting to see what, if any, sacrifices are made by the returning players and whether or not Stephen Curry will be able to win the MVP yet again now that he will have to concede to Durant some. While there will undoubtedly be an adjustment period, the amount of talent alone will be enough to carry the team until everyone gets comfortable with each other.

More hoops habit: Golden State Warriors: 2016 Offseason Grades

While they won’t be a 73-win team again in 2016-17, expect the Warriors to once again be the top team in the regular season next year.