In the last two seasons, Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors have dealt with a plethora of problems. Heading into 2021-22, many of those issues are being corrected, but two massive difficulties can stop them from being contenders: rebounding and rim protection in the paint. There's only one player on the roster who can rectify the matter, and that's injured center James Wiseman.
Outside of injuries, the most significant on-court problem for the Dubs has been rebounding the basketball. Last season, they were one of the worst rebounding teams in the NBA. So far in the preseason, not much has changed. 2021 MVP Nikola Jokic dominated the Dubs during his limited time on the court in their matchup, notching 17 points and 10 rebounds in only 16 minutes of play.
In the next game, the Dubs faced the Los Angeles Lakers, who had Dwight Howard and DeAndre Jordan available but not Anthony Davis. Howard finished with 23 points and 12 rebounds, while Jordan had 10 points and nine boards. The Warriors were outrebounded in each game, and they lost the battle of points in the paint.
According to NBA.com, when opponents are shooting between 5-9 feet, they are shooting 52 percent against the Warriors. It's a very small sample size, but it's the second-worst mark in the entire league. The numbers around the rim have also just been mediocre, though last season they were actually pretty good thanks in large part to Draymond Green's brilliance. But with Green getting older, the problem with opposing big men dominating the game can stand in the way of the Warriors making a big run in the playoffs.
Yes, teams around the NBA all play small ball, but the cream of the crop can play big when needed. The last two NBA championships were won by two teams that often played traditional big men. Brook Lopez played a massive role for the NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks last year. In the prior Finals, Howard and JaVale McGee were key ingredients in the middle to a Los Angeles Lakers championship, with Davis playing a starring role.
Wiseman got thrown in a difficult position in his rookie campaign, although the pressure will still be on when he returns from a torn meniscus. The situation is slightly different this time around. The Warriors aren't having any problems scoring the ball, and that shouldn't be an issue in the future. Klay Thompson is nearing a return, and he will give the team an instant boost in scoring and shooting efficiency.
This season, Wiseman will be allowed to focus on the things that 7-footers do best: rebound the basketball and protect the paint. Kevon Looney does a solid job at both, but he's limited and has dealt with a lot of health problems, so it's tough for him to play big minutes. Green remains a defensive savant, but he's undersized and the Warriors don't want to wear him out.
The second-year big man in Wiseman has received a ton of praise for what he can do on the court. Out of all the things he's able to do, nothing is more needed this season than him becoming a force in the paint. If Wiseman can stay on the court and consistently rebound and alter shots around the rim, the Warriors will be ready to challenge anyone in the Western Conference. If he isn't able to do those things, the road ahead will be more challenging.
Listen to the latest episode of the Warriors' Multiverse by ClutchPoints.
Follow Us
Subscribe