They're going to look different, and chances are they're going to play different, but the Golden State Warriors will be back in contention in 2020-21 with their new-look roster.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr's projected starting five includes some new faces, some healthy veterans, and a midseason acquisition: Stephen Curry, Andrew Wiggins, Kelly Oubre Jr., Draymond Green, and James Wiseman.
Klay Thompson tearing his Achilles tendon and having to subsequently miss another season is certainly a dagger to the organization both on and off the floor. Thompson was a vital aspect of the Warriors' rise to prominence and three championship titles in the last decade. Being without him for a second consecutive season is an emotional hit.
From a basketball standpoint, though, the aforementioned starting five can still do damage and compete as the homegrown wing recovers.
With Curry back on the floor, the Warriors get the best shooter ever who's adept at finding his teammates in the right places and scoring in isolation. Meanwhile, Green dealt with multiple injuries last season. His return provides Kerr with an instinctual frontcourt player who makes an impact on both ends of the floor with his versatility.
Curry and Green are surrounded by new individuals, but ones who can flourish alongside them.
The Warriors got to see Wiggins for 12 games last season after acquiring him from the Minnesota Timberwolves at the 2020 NBA trade deadline. The former No. 1 overall pick will be counted on to pick up the scoring slack with Thompson sidelined. Wiggins has been inconsistent in the league, but he's a capable scorer at nearly 20 points per game for his career. When focused and engaged, he uses his athleticism to get to the rim at ease and score in the paint. His jumper is streaky, but he can catch fire at times.
Oubre is a physical specimen. He's a speeding bullet off the dribble and a threat to dunk while roaming around the baseline. The young wing is coming off a season in which he averaged a career-best 18.7 points per game while shooting 35.2 percent from beyond the arc. Oubre will assist Curry and friends in the scoring department while providing a burst out on the perimeter.
Warriors president Bob Myers selected Wiseman with the second pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, which was their best option if they kept the pick. The big man is a superb inside finisher who hits the boards and blocks shots at a high level. He has the skill set to be the next Rudy Gobert. With an improved jumper, he could be one of the elite centers in the NBA.
With the 48th pick in last week's draft, the Warriors nabbed Arizona point guard Nico Mannion. Once a projected lottery pick, Mannion underwhelmed a bit but still showcased the ability to run an offense in one of the most competitive conferences in college basketball (Pac-12). He's a nifty passer and averaged 14.0 points per game in college, and he could make an impact providing depth behind Curry.
In the midst of their lowly 2019-20 campaign (Golden State finished with the worst record in the NBA), the Warriors had some young players showcase themselves as considerable scoring threats, specifically Eric Paschall and Damion Lee, who averaged a combined 26.7 points per game last season.
Veteran big man Kevon Looney will return to the floor and hopefully stay healthy, adding a starting-caliber center to operate in the paint on both ends and potentially serve as a mentor to Wiseman. Kent Bazemore returns to the fold for another Warriors stint and brings defensive prowess and a solid jump shot to the table.
They have star power, youngsters with star potential, proven scorers, a deep bench, and a coach who has familiarity with most of his players. The Warriors will be a force to be reckoned with next season.
Now, are they the favorite to win the Western Conference? They are not. That honor goes to the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers — working under the presumption that Anthony Davis re-signs. At the same time, the Warriors have as good of a chance as the rest of the field to be successful, even in a loaded Western Conference that should feature some other familiar faces in contention (Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets, Portland Trail Blazers, Dallas Mavericks, Utah Jazz) and some teams on the rise (Phoenix Suns, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans). The Houston Rockets are a total wild card thanks to James Harden and Russell Westbrook.
It's certainly not going to be easy to rise above the pack. Wiggins and Oubre have to trust Curry to run the show as the The Man, Wiseman needs to let the game come to him, and the Warriors have to put an onus on the defensive end. The talent is there offensively, so it's just a matter of everyone buying in, making the extra pass, and being responsible on the defensive end.
The Golden State Warriors may not have Klay Thompson this season, but they have the best point guard in the NBA, a productive wing, an energetic forward, an all-around forward, a tantalizing young big man, and depth. That's enough for them to be back in contention.
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