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Unlike popular belief, the Golden State Warriors dynasty is not over

By Nathan Beighle

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 13: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors is called for a technical foul for calling a timeout with none remaining against the Toronto Raptors during Game Six of the 2019 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 13, 2019 in Oakland, California. 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 13: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors is called for a technical foul for calling a timeout with none remaining against the Toronto Raptors during Game Six of the 2019 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 13, 2019 in Oakland, California. 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors dynasty is suffering after losing the 2019 NBA Finals and seeing two stars go down with career-altering injuries, but they’re not out.

Many think this is it. There’s no return for the Golden State Warriors. That’s just not true, and that shouldn’t be the narrative that fans and those that despise Golden State should have this upcoming offseason.

Yes, two of their stars are down. Klay Thompson, in Game 6, tore his ACL after going up for a dunk which was contested by Danny Green. The game before, Kevin Durant went down with a franchise-altering Achilles tear. He’s since had successful surgery.

This just wasn’t the offseason for Golden State. But, they fought. They showed their championship pedigree.

With 30 points through three quarters, Thompson was rolling in Game 6, but given how he plays, it’s unlikely that an ACL tear will impact his play if he gets a full recovery. The same can be said of Kevin Durant who uses his height, not necessarily athleticism to his advantage.

That said, the Warriors’ goal is to bring back both. Whether or not that happens is still up in the air.

Durant will likely return if he can’t get any long-term offers which, as of now, isn’t likely. For Durant, he can opt into his last year, valued at over $31 million. However, for Thompson, it’s almost guaranteed that he’ll be back for the 2019-2020 season.

The Warriors will still have Stephen Curry and Draymond Green holding down the fort. Those two alone along with a potentially re-signed DeMarcus Cousins would be enough to get Golden State to the postseason.

But, without at least Thompson, their chance of getting deep into a sixth playoff run is rather unlikely. Thompson isn’t or shouldn’t be out all of next season while Durant’s reportedly out all next season.

That said, the Warriors have a four-time All-Star and a two-time MVP on their roster. Curry will be 31 at the beginning of the 2019-2020 season. That’s still prime. Green and Thompson will still be in their prime.

This dynasty was hurt because of injury, but like the Cavaliers in 2015, they’ll be able to rehab and get back to full strength. While the Warriors aren’t deep by any means, it’ll be pivotal for them to bring back Kevon Looney and others.

They won’t have the cap for Durant, and if he walks, the dynasty is still alive. They’re one good forward replacement away from beating Toronto and Houston without Durant. That being said, this idea that their dynasty is over is absurd.

Next. Top 25 Golden State Warriors in franchise history. dark

They’ve been to five-straight Finals and aren’t going down that easily.

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