Are the Golden State Warriors the league’s best team without Kevin Durant?
The Golden State Warriors are the league’s best team with Kevin Durant, but if he leaves this summer, will they still reign supreme?
If the Golden State Warriors lose both Kevin Durant and DeMarcus Cousins, are they still the NBA’s best team? They’d be left with Klay Thompson, who would inevitably get the max, Draymond Green, Stephen Curry, most of their bench, and potentially one new signee.
Kevin Durant leaving is becoming more and more real by the day. The pressure for Golden State to get it done for a third straight postseason could be at an all-time high with Durant exodus likely dependent on their postseason play.
Even without dominance this postseason, the Dubs may lose their star to New York. While it’s unlikely the four-time scoring champion leaves for LeBron’s Lakers, the Knicks seem like a realistic possibility for the former MVP.
That said, if he dips to New York, are the Warriors the league’s best team?
Yes.
How could one say otherwise?
While the NBA’s number of superteams have grown since the Warriors’ 73-9 season back during the 2015-2016 season, the Dubs would still likely be at the top of the league. Teams like Los Angeles and Boston would have to make blockbuster moves to dethrone them.
The Warriors have all the star pieces from that historic team. It’s even still possible that they retain DeMarcus Cousins too. Splitting Durant contract between Thompson and Cousins may give him enough freedom and money to stay in the Bay.
However, the gap would be much slimmer.
The Celtics, Bucks, Raptors, Rockets, and Thunder would all have a legit claim to the throne with just a few moves this offseason. Even the Knicks would be in the conversation if they snag Zion Williamson, Kevin Durant and potentially another superstar like Kyrie Irving.
The NBA will be drastically different following the 2019 offseason.
Until dethroned, the Warriors, even without Kevin Durant, should still be considered the NBA’s best team. After all, a Curry-Thompson-Green-Iggy-Cousins lineup might still be the best possible five-man lineup in the NBA.
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At the end of the day, if Durant were to leave, he’d be considered a legend in Golden State, potentially helping bring the city three championships. Without him, the Warriors still shouldn’t be counted out though.