Miami Heat: A trade proposition for the Golden State Warriors

Warriors outlook

It would be the understatement of the season to say that things haven’t gone swimmingly for the Golden State Warriors.

After reaching the NBA Finals for the fourth consecutive year, this accumulative effect appears to somewhat contributing to the Warriors’ 23-13 start to the season.

Granted, the Warriors have been without Stephen Curry for an extended stretch, while also awaiting the debut of All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins, still rehabilitating from an Achilles injury.

Unfortunately for the Warriors, the play of All-Stars Klay Thompson and Draymond Green has not equalled that of previous seasons. While Green’s perimeter shooting has simply plummeted, its been the play of Thompson that has been the most confronting.

Not only is he shooting at a 43.6 percent clip from the field. Thompson’s renowned 3-point shooting has also taken a significant hit.

Entering the season as a 42.2 percent shooter from long distance over his first seven seasons, Thompson has converted at just a 33.3 percent clip from deep this season.

The other notable area of concern this season has been the Warriors bench.

While Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston have been invaluable members of their second unit as part of their three championships, they are now aged 34 and 33 respectively, with their best days as integral members of the second unit likely behind them.

Currently, the Warriors’ bench unit has been struggling mightily, ranking 28th in scoring at just 29.7 points per game.

Therefore in looking ahead, the Warriors would need to ascertain whether to stick with the core group that has taken them so far to this point, or inject some fresh blood in the hopes of sparking the team this season and beyond.