New champion among 10 bold predictions for 2019-20 NBA season

(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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7. Don’t count out the Warriors just yet

Like it or not, the Golden State Warriors have set the standard in the NBA over the past several seasons. In addition to having the best backcourt shooting tandem, the Dubs have also won more than 70 percent of their regular season games in four of the past five seasons.

Let’s also not forget that they broke the NBA record for most regular season wins in 2015-16, posting a 73-9 record, and they have won three titles in a five-year span.

With Kevin Durant leaving for Brooklyn and Andre Iguodala traded to Memphis, along with Klay Thompson expected to miss most of next season rehabbing a torn ACL, one NBA insider has expressed doubts about the Warriors’ chances of being a playoff team next season.

During that segment on ESPN’s Get Up, Bobby Marks pointed out that the Warriors’ bench would be thin due to being able to add only minimum-level players after acquiring D’Angelo Russell in a sign-and-trade deal with the Brooklyn Nets and agreeing a to a four-year, $117 million deal.

True, there’s no more KD or Iggy and Thompson’s absence will be felt, even with the acquisition of Russell. However, last time I checked, Curry still plays for this team — a guy opposing teams have to defend all the way up the court. Additionally, Draymond Green, who is a jack of all trades, is still there as well.

So, while Marks’ concerns are certainly valid, it would be unwise to count out this group before the season begins. My bold declaration here is not only will the Dubs make it to the playoffs for the seventh straight season; I’m going to pencil them in to go at least as far as the conference semifinals.