Who Will Be The Next Great Warriors Rival?
By Corey Libow
The Golden State Warriors have sent the rest of the NBA’s elite into disarray and remain the heavy favorites to repeat the champions. Is there anyone who can challenge them? Here we examine five teams that could become the Dubs new arch-nemesis.
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The Golden State Warriors meteoric rise to the top of the NBA landscape has been intertwined with the Cleveland Cavaliers. For the first time in NBA history, two teams met in three straight finals. Now with last years 4-1 drubbing in the finals, it seems that both fans and players are ready to move on.
There was fierce backlash when the third consecutive Christmas game matchup between the Dubs and the Cavs was announced. Even the players think it’s time to move on, as Kyrie Irving forced his way out of Cleveland and it looks like LeBron James is next.
Every great team needs a great rival. NBA and Warriors fans want to see Steph and company pushed to their highest levels. With the Cavaliers and Celtics more focused on each other than on Golden State, there’s an opening on the next great Warriors rival. Here are five teams that could reach that level.
5) Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves have been more young pups than Dire Wolves in the last few seasons. This could be the season they make the leap into a more lethal threat around the league. Being one of the few teams who can match the Warriors athleticism, their match ups have been pretty explosive. The key to this rivalry lies in the hands of young big man Karl Anthony-Towns. The former Rookie Of The Year has transcendent potential and could be the antidote to the Warriors small-ball revolution. He’s big enough to bully the Warriors on offense, but quick and skilled enough to keep up with them on defense.
4) Oklahoma City Thunder
This is already one of the most heated rivalries in the NBA, filled with juicy storylines. Kevin Durant left OKC for the greener pastures of the Bay Area. Russell Westbrook snatched the MVP award from Stephen Curry. The bad blood is there, but unfortunately the level of play is not; last year the Dubs washed them each time they played. With the addition of All-Star Paul George, the Thunder are better poised to be a deep playoff threat. Now they just have to worry about keeping their stars from following Durant out the door.
3) Milwaukee Bucks
An unlikely rivalry was born when the Milwaukee Bucks ended the Warriors miraculous season opening 24 game win streak two years ago. That rivalry gained steam when the Warriors mocked the Bucks afterwards, licking their chops for the next time they’d play.
However, this team is no laughing matter. Led by franchise stud Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks are rising the ranks of the Eastern Conference. Head Coach Jason Kidd has crafted a smothering, position-less defense that has continually given the Warriors trouble. If this team ever gets to full strength, they could be next up in the East and give the Dubs a run for their money.
2) Houston Rockets
Two physical playoff series have steeled these two teams against each other, but the parallels run even further. Analysts think that the Rockets three heavy approach to basketball is the only way to topple the Warriors.
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James Harden and Stephen Curry were pitted against each other in an intense 2015 MVP campaign. Klay Thompson has only Harden as a rival for best shooting guard in the league. The Rockets may have missed their chance for a showdown with the Warriors last year after they crapped out in the playoffs, but they’ve upped the ante this year. Trading for professional Curry antagonist Chris Paul should only increase the animosity and competition between the two teams.
1) Los Angeles Lakers
A former coach of the Warriors that loves to talk trash to the team?
A rookie point guard prodigy who’s father already claims is better than Steph??
A potential landing spot for supreme Warriors villain LeBron James???
The Lakers may still be in the rebuilding phase, but they are primed to be the next great Warriors rivalry. Whether it’s the existing interstate rivalry between Los Angeles and the Bay Area, the player connections between the franchises (former Laker Nick Young is now on the Warriors; Klay Thompson’s father is established in Laker lore), or the inexplicable fact that the Dubs somehow get crushed every year at Staples Center, the Lakers and the Warriors have their destinies entangled. Here’s hoping we get that exhilarating seven game series in the Western Conference Finals in three years – where the Dubs come out on top of course.