The Golden State Warriors had been an offensive offensive juggernaut the last five years, but where they really hung their hat over the years was on the defensive end of the floor.

However, this past season, the Warriors slipped defensively, ranking 16th in the NBA. And after a summer in which Golden State lost numerous key defensive players, the Dubs may be in some trouble on that end of the floor.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr understands this and says that the team's defensive system will look different heading into the 2019-20 campaign:

Article Continues Below

“When you look at the number of wing defenders we've lost—Klay, Kevin, Andre, Shaun—that was our wing defensive core,” said Kerr, according to Anthony Slater of The Athletic. “It'll look different. We can't play the way we've played. We have to be imaginative.”

The Warriors lost Kevin Durant to free agency and traded Andre Iguodala to the Memphis Grizzlies. Shaun Livingston retired, and Klay Thompson is recovering from the torn ACL he suffered during the Finals and will be sidelined for much of the season as a result.

Golden State still has some nice defensive pieces on its roster, such as Draymond Green and Kevon Looney. Nonetheless, with so many subtractions, it is going to be difficult for the Dubs to reclaim their spot among the best defensive teams in the NBA.

The Warriors just need to hope that players such as Willie Cauley-Stein and Alfonzo McKinnie can step up to ensure that Golden State's defense is at least solid.