5 predictions for the dramatically different Warriors
By Alan Mena
2. The Warriors finish 15th in defensive rating
The absence of Klay Thompson until at least after the All-Star break will result in the Golden State Warriors taking a step back defensively. Last season, even with Klay and KD, they finished 11th (108.6) in defensive rating. Losing several key veterans and Klay for most of the season are just part of the growing pains the Warriors must play through with a younger, less experienced roster.
In the backcourt, the Warriors are slim on defensive end, having to rely on Curry, Russell, Jordan Poole, Alec Burks (when he returns from injury) and Jacob Evans.
The Warriors are even slimmer in the frontcourt, as Omari Spellman, Eric Paschall, Alfonzo McKinnie, Glenn Robinson III and Marquese Chriss (if one player is released) will need to step up and help Draymond in the paint while Kevon Looney, Alen Smailagić and Willie Cauley-Stein recover from their injuries.
Focusing on beating opposing teams with their offensive firepower has been the Warriors’ forte for the past five years, which will be put to the ultimate test this season.
Steve Kerr will have to continue his approach to position-less basketball due to the accumulation of injuries (primarily to forwards and centers) during the preseason, as he is presently working with an undersized roster.