5 predictions for the dramatically different Warriors
By Alan Mena
1. D’Angelo Russell averages 18 points
After proving his doubters wrong and leading the Brooklyn Nets to the playoffs by playing his best NBA basketball, D’Angelo Russell is now a Splash Brother.
Replacing Kevin Durant is an impossible feat, but D-Lo will fit right into Steve Kerr’s selfless offense. As Klay recovers and tries to make his return post-All-Star break, D-Lo will take a step back as the No. 2 option for the Golden State Warriors.
The Warriors will need all the firepower they can get in an even more competitive Western Conference, and D-Lo has the right offensive skill set to play alongside Curry, Klay and Draymond.
Because Curry will have to play out of his mind (unsurprisingly) to keep the Warriors in the playoff race, D-Lo will not average last season’s points per game (21.2 points per game) due to the added help and the fact that Draymond will be even more involved than before.