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Golden State Warriors: 2018-19 NBA season preview

By Daniel Lubofsky

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 24: (L-R) Kevin Durant #35, Draymond Green #23, Stephen Curry #30, Klay Thompson #11, and DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the Golden State Warriors pose for a group picture during the Golden State Warriors media day on September 24, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 24: (L-R) Kevin Durant #35, Draymond Green #23, Stephen Curry #30, Klay Thompson #11, and DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the Golden State Warriors pose for a group picture during the Golden State Warriors media day on September 24, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2018-19 roster

Key additions: Jacob Evans (draft), DeMarcus Cousins (free agency), Jonas Jerebko (draft)

Key subtractions: David West (retirement), JaVale McGee (free agency), Zaza Pachulia (free agency), Omri Casspi (free agency), Nick Young (free agency)

It really hasn’t mattered what the Warriors do in any given season, they still manage to find ways to upgrade their roster.

How much of his former self will return once he does in anyone’s guess, but even 75 percent of what DeMarcus Cousins was prior to his injury is a massive upgrade for Golden State. His offensive skill-set is something the league hasn’t seen before, and to plug that into a pass-happy squad that doesn’t need him to be his best every night is a scary thought for 29 other teams.

The signing of Jonas Jerebko went fairly under the radar, but at 41.4 percent shooting from deep last season, the 6’10” forward will space the court and hit most of the open shots his new teammates are bound to get for him.

Jacob Evans is a 6’6” wing who projects as a prototypical 3-and-D player. Given how the Warriors make use out of everyone on their bench, he’ll likely find spot minutes at some point or another.

With those additions came a few notable subtractions as well, most notably to the rotation of big men. JaVale McGee is now a member of the purple and gold, and with that goes a solid rim-running shot-blocker who gave Golden State quality production in limited minutes.

David West wrapped up a terrific 14-year career by retiring over the summer. Despite being 38 years old, his size and toughness down low coupled with his IQ will surely be missed by a Warriors squad that relies on off-ball movement.

Zaza Pachulia headed east to the Detroit Pistons. He lost his starting spot as last season wore on, but during his 14.1 minutes a night he was an enforcer in the paint and a terrific screen setter.

Rounding out the losses is Nick Young, who remains a free agent after shooting 37.7 percent from 3 last season on 4.1 attempts per game.

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