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Golden State Warriors off-season may have been a blessing in disguise

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 suffered some major losses in free agency this summer, or did they?

On the surface, it might seem like the Golden State Warriors lost quite a lot in the 2019 NBA offseason. Multiple star players and a few quality veterans all departed from the team his summer, altering the future of the franchise.

There is no way to work around it, losing Kevin Durant sucks. The two-time Finals MVP played a pivotal role in pushing the Warriors over the top in recent years, turning them into an all-time great dynasty.

The loss of DeMarcus Cousins was predictable, but disappointing nonetheless. Cousins joined the team in hopes of capturing a title but ultimately left the franchise before accomplishing this goal. With Cousins gone, the Warriors lose a bit of depth.

The Warriors also dealt with the loss of Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston. These two veteran players have been consistently producing with the second unit for Golden State. Without Iggy and Livingston, the Dubs will have to place their faith in a new batch of bench players.

In return, the Warriors added a young All-Star in D’Angelo Russell, as well as players like Alec Burks, Glenn Robinson III and Willie Cauley-Stein to round out their lineup.

It’s easy to be upset over these replacements. There is no doubt that this is a downgrade in terms of talent. However, this situation may be a blessing in disguise.

For starters, take Durant’s Achilles injury into account. While we wish nothing but success for his recovery, there is a reason to be doubtful that Durant will ever return to full strength. The Achilles has notoriously ended the career’s of many NBA legends, with Dominique Wilkins as the only star to ever fully recover.

Cousins finds himself in a worse position than Durant. The lumbering center already took a significant step back last season after his Achilles and quad injury. Now, the four-time All-Star has suffered a torn ACL that could serve as the final nail in the coffin for his career.

As for Livingston and Iguodala, they have thankfully not suffered any injuries. Still, both are nearing the end of their playing career’s and have given all they can offer to the Warriors.

Warriors can still win the Western Conference. dark. Next

It hurts to lose all of these players, but the risk in keeping them was compelling. In the end, the Dubs may be better off in their current situation than if they had managed to retain the entirety of their 2018-19 roster.

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