The Wild, Wild West: A Team-By-Team Preview Of The NBA Western Conference

 Golden State Warriors (Pacific Division)

Last year’s result: Regular Season (51-31). Lost in Western Conference Quarterfinals to Los Angeles Clippers in 7 games.

Significant players added: Shaun Livingston, Brandon Rush

Significant players lost: Steve Blake

Projected starting lineup:  Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andre Iguodala, David Lee, Andrew Bogut

Analysis: The Warriors were unable to swing a draft day trade and ended up missing out on all the draft action.

In an effort to shore up their bench, they signed point guard Shaun Livingston to a three-year, $16 million agreement, using their mid-level exception. On Wednesday, the Warriors brought back fan favorite, Brandon Rush, on a two-year, $2.5 million deal. Rush will have the player option going into the 2015-2016 season. This is a low risk, high reward signing that gives the Warriors a HUGE upgrade at the backup guard spot compared to last year’s Blake/Crawford/Douglas revolving door. While Rush shares some similarities to Livingston (length, defense, athleticism), he is a great shooter. In his last healthy season with the Dubs, he shot 50% from the field and 45% from beyond the arc.

In other news, the Kevin Love trade rumors have re-ignited, but it remains unclear if the front office has changed its stance on keeping Klay Thompson. Steve Kerr has made it clear that he wants to stand pat and coach the current lineup. While you can’t call it a flashy off-season for the Warriors, they are doing a competent job of shoring the bench with defense, playmaking, and scoring.

Grade: B+