The Los Angeles Lakers became the NBA champions after a decade in the 2019-20 season. They were the best team in the West amidst the tremendous competition they faced from teams like the Los Angeles Clippers, the Denver Nuggets. But there was a glaring miss.
The Golden State Warriors missed the Playoffs for the first time in 7 years in 2019-20. The Warriors had an injury laden season.
Their stars Steph Curry and Klay Thompson are slated to make their returns this season. The Dubs also have the 2nd pick in the draft. The Warriors look set to have a great comeback season and possibly challenge the champions.
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The 7-time All-star and newly crowned NBA champion Anthony Davis recently spoke with Mark Carman, on the Da Windy City podcast.
When asked about the Warriors as a competitor for next season, Davis said “I am not sure what they are doing. I am not worried about Golden State. I am worried about myself and trying to figure out my situation.
“I am not worried about another team, and what they are doing. Its not my job to worry about other teams. But they have a lot of great players over there for sure.
“With Steph and Klay coming back healthy. We’ll se. They have been great all these years, I am pretty sure they will bounce back.”
Why the Warriors might be the biggest threat to the Lakers
The healthy Golden State Warriors haven’t faced Anthony Davis and the Lakers yet. The champions should be wary of the Dubs for the next season, though.
The Warriors finished the 2019-20 season with a 15-50 record, the league’s worst. But saw the emergence of some impressive young players.
In the Big 3’s absence, Andrew Wiggins stepped up as the primary scorer for the team. The 2014 No.1 pick averaged 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game.
With the return of the Big 3 next season, the Warriors will have a good backup scorer other than Curry and Thompson.
Golden State also have the 2nd pick this draft. They can use this pick as leverage to trade a superstar to the team. They could potentially bring in a young star like De’Aaron Fox from the Sacramento Kings.
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Fox might be getting frustrated due to his team’s lack of success. A move to the Warriors could be the step he needs to elevate his game.
The Dubs can also keep this pick, to sign a prospect like James Wiseman or LaMelo Ball. The presence of veterans like Draymond Green and Steph Curry can really help these talents and will ensure their development.
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A healthy team of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green can wreak havoc in any opposition’s mind. Adding a draft pick or a star will only strengthen them.