Blue Man Hoop
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Golden State Warriors depth could be a serious problem

By Nathan Beighle

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - OCTOBER 19: The Golden State Warriors celebrate the game-winning shot by Jonas Jerebko #21 of the Golden State Warriors during a game against the Utah Jazz on October 19, 2018 at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - OCTOBER 19: The Golden State Warriors celebrate the game-winning shot by Jonas Jerebko #21 of the Golden State Warriors during a game against the Utah Jazz on October 19, 2018 at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors are top-heavy, and it might be a weakness other teams are going to be able to exploit this season.

It’s honestly pretty obvious. At least for the early season, the Golden State Warriors will struggle to maintain leads, being forced to stagger the breaks with their superstars due to either injury or just a lack of talent on the second unit.

Durant and Curry are the team’s main offensive weapons, and everyone else hasn’t been too helpful, including Klay Thompson. Thompson has scored just 26 points in the Dubs first two games and has shot under 40% from the field to start the season.

It’s not just Thompson though. Outside of Thompson, Durant and Curry, the Dubs don’t have a player that averaged over eight points per game. Golden State is currently getting well over 50% of their production from their two superstars.

Quite a bit of their lost production can be attributed to injury which is understandable. Both DeMarcus Cousins and Andre Iguodala have been injured to start the season. While Iguodala should return within the week, Cousins is out till at least the new year.

Without those two, the Dubs second unit leaves a ton to be desired.

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With just 23 points per game, with just two seasons under the belt, the Dubs have the league’s lowest bench points per game. Kevon Looney and Shaun Livingston have led the way, scoring a combined 28 points through the first two games.

They need more than that though. Last season, the Dubs second unit was led by Nick Young, David West and Quinn Cook scoring-wise. Only one of those, Quinn Cook, returned. The Dubs also lost Patrick McCaw as his contract situation is still being disputed.

This puts major minutes on their superstars.

In the postseason that might not be a glaring issue, but until then, overplaying their stars might not be a great idea. For starters, injury could eventually set in, especially with Stephen Curry who has an extensive injury history.

Both Curry and Durant have played over 36 minutes per game. All of the Dubs core four have played over 33 minutes per game, not a good sign. However, to be fair, they have played two of the West’s top teams, so hopefully, this tough competition will subside and the Dubs dominating style of play will help limit those minutes.

The Golden State Warriors need to understand their strengths and weaknesses. And, if this is going to be a problem moving forward, why not reach out to Nick Young or another free agent to help provide that depth?

Next. 4 players that could make or break the Warriors season. dark

The Dubs might eventually have to do something, and that’d be the move.

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