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Warriors: 5 legitimate challengers who can prevent a three-peat

By Ryan Ocenada

CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 08: Andre Iguodala #9, Klay Thompson #11, Stephen Curry #30, Draymond Green #23 and Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors celebrate after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 8, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Warriors defeated the Cavaliers 108-85 to win the 2018 NBA Finals. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 08: Andre Iguodala #9, Klay Thompson #11, Stephen Curry #30, Draymond Green #23 and Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors celebrate after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 8, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Warriors defeated the Cavaliers 108-85 to win the 2018 NBA Finals. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, CA – JUN 8: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors holds the Larry O’Brien Championship trophy after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals won 108-85 by the Golden State Warriors over the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Quicken Loans Arena on June 6, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, CA – JUN 8: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors holds the Larry O’Brien Championship trophy after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals won 108-85 by the Golden State Warriors over the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Quicken Loans Arena on June 6, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Golden State Warriors are a potential dynasty in the making.

Coming off a dominant postseason run to a second straight championship, the Warriors are eying an impressive third consecutive title. According to ESPN, the Golden State Warriors have a 40% chance to win the NBA Championship, the next closest team is the Celtics at 18%.

When one takes a close look at the Warriors and potential challengers, it is hard to argue against ESPN’s predictions.

When healthy, the team can trot out four All-Stars (five whenever DeMarcus Cousins can recover from his achilles injury) at the same onto the court, including two former MVPs in Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant.

No other team in the NBA can match that kind of star power. Pair that star-studded roster with a top-notch coach in Steve Kerr as well as a brilliant basketball executive in Bob Myers, and it becomes clear that the Warriors are set up nicely for continued success.

The Warriors are heavy favorites to win the NBA Championship once again this season, but it is not a foregone conclusion.

Injuries are always a concern since this team typically plays deep into June. Curry suffered a knee sprain before the playoffs, and a number of other Warrior players missed time due to various other injuries.

Aside from injuries, there are other teams who can derail the Warriors on their way to a three-peat. Let’s a take a look at the legitimate challengers who can threaten the Warriors hopes for a third straight NBA Championship.

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