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Golden State Warriors: Who will replace Kevin Durant’s scoring?

By Tony Pesta

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 26: Stephen Curry #30 and Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors react as they leave the game late in the fourth quarter with a lead in a 129-110 win over the LA Clippers during Game Six of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 26, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) 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.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 26: Stephen Curry #30 and Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors react as they leave the game late in the fourth quarter with a lead in a 129-110 win over the LA Clippers during Game Six of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 26, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) 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. /
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The Golden State Warriors have some massive shoes to fill with Kevin Durant gone.

It’s no secret that Kevin Durant is one of the worlds best scorers. He was never anything less than elite with the Golden State Warriors, racking up buckets in effortless fashion. With Durant now gone, who will fill in the offensive void?

In his three years with the Dubs, Durant averaged 25.8 points on 17.5 field goal attempts per game. The four-time scoring champion was even more effective in the postseason, putting up 29.6 points on 19.7 field goal attempts per game across those three seasons.

Who will replace Durant offensively? The first and most obvious answer is Stephen Curry. The two-time MVP has led the league in scoring before and even led the Dubs in scoring last season.

Before KD joined, Curry was attempting an average of 20.2 shots a game. Since Durant’s arrival, Curry has never had a season in which he attempted that many shots. His lowest was Durant’s second season in which Curry attempted just 16.2 shots and his highest average came last year at 19.4 attempts per game.

It’s safe to say that an increase in shot attempts is certain to happen for Curry. Not only because of the lack of Durant but the loss of Klay Thompson too. Klay will have to miss more than half of the season with an ACL injury, opening up more shots for Curry. But, who will be the one replacing Klay offensively then?

Klay himself was responsible for 21.5 points per game last season. More importantly, his shooting opened up the floor for the rest of his teammates. Meaning, Klay was likely responsible for even more than the stat sheet shows.

Perhaps D’Angelo Russell could be the Dubs savior. The first time All-Star averaged 21.1 points last year and was a terrific playmaker. He is far from being the shooter that Thompson is, but his ability to create looks off the dribble for himself and others could make him a suitable replacement.

Last, but not least, the Warriors bench is stronger this season than it was before. Alec Burks averaged 11.6 points per game last season with the Cleveland Cavaliers and will be the number one option off of the bench (if that’s the role he is given). This increase in production from the second unit should help balance the Dubs offensive attack.

Next. The Warriors are going to shock the world. dark

Overall, the Warriors shouldn’t be too worried. They still have a great offensive team and will be even better once Klay returns.

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