The Golden State Warriors ruled the Western Conference for years, but injuries and superstar departures ruined the Dubs' 2019-20 campaign.
Now, the Los Angeles Lakers rule the West and the entire NBA after capturing the Larry O'Brien Trophy on Sunday.
However, the Warriors are hoping the return of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson will reignite a dynasty in the Bay Area.
In order to do that, rival executives are telling Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer that Golden State needs an upgrade in the frontcourt to deal with Anthony Davis:
Just in the past week, multiple executives from different teams have texted me to say that the Warriors had better find a big in order to get by the Lakers. It’s a fair concern, but maybe nothing will change. Maybe teams will continue to emphasize small ball, signing more guards and wings to get perimeter skill and shooting on the floor. After all, teams can choose only from the pool of players available, and there really aren’t all that many big guys who check lots of boxes on both ends of the floor.
Of course, the Warriors have prioritized playing small and exploiting the perimeter shooting of Curry and Thompson.
Draymond Green has been Golden State's equivalent of the undersized big who guards multiple positions and also spurs the team's ball movement on the offensive end of the floor.
However, after watching Davis torch opposing bigs in the playoffs, will the Warriors and other Western Conference foes change their approach? Might this mean Golden State considers drafting James Wiseman or Onyeka Okongwu later this fall?
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has already hinted at a need to get bigger and more athletic. Davis' two-way dominance in the frontcourt poses a challenge for opposing coaching staffs and front offices across the league, and Golden State will be looking to counter.
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