Golden State Warriors: 7 Bold Predictions for 2013-2014
By Mike Dill
4. Injuries won’t be a problem
December 26, 2011; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Monta Ellis (8) stands next to guard Stephen Curry (30) after Curry injured his ankle against the Chicago Bulls in the fourth quarter at ORACLE Arena. The Warriors defeated the Bulls 99-91. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Warriors Fans always worry about Stephen Curry and Andrew Bogut when it comes to injuries – and for good reason. They both have had some bad luck in their careers. And while Curry’s ankles seem to be a recurring problem, Bogut’s have mostly been “freak” injuries.
The beginning of this past season showed that Bogut still wasn’t healthy. He tried to play through an ankle injury, but he ended up having to shut himself down until late January. His ankle was still giving him problems in the playoffs, but it couldn’t have been any worse than it was at the beginning of the season.
Curry’s ankles are definitely something to worry about, but it seems as though he is learning to live with weak ankles. He tweaked his ankles a few times this past season, but he played in 78 out of 82 regular season games and didn’t miss any in the postseason. This should give Curry – and Warriors fans everywhere – confidence that his ankles aren’t as bad as everyone seems to think.
In addition to Curry and Bogut, David Lee tore a hip flexor, Brandon Rush tore an ACL and Harrison Barnes had a possible concussion in the last game of the season. The Warriors had some major injuries – injuries that definitely had an effect on their season.
The bottom line is the Warriors were never fully healthy, but they still managed to make a little run in the playoffs.
Injuries will always be a part of the game, but they can also be bad luck. This prediction might be one of the most bold because injuries are so fickle. Warriors fans will – and should – get worried every time a player takes an awkward fall. Injuries hit the Warriors hard last season – chances are it won’t happen next season.