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Golden State Warriors: Versatility will be a difference maker

By Tony Pesta

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 13: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors reacts against the Toronto Raptors in the first half 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: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors reacts against the Toronto Raptors in the first half 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 are entering the 2019-20 NBA season with a very different roster than previously.

The Golden State Warriors have undergone some drastic changes since last year. A few new faces and plenty of departures leave the Dubs in unfamiliar territory, uncertain of how they will gel together on the court.

First, let’s talk about who the Warriors have lost. Most notably, Kevin Durant. Though the team was already elite before KD, his presence elevated them to a level they couldn’t reach without him.

The list of players lost this summer include Andre Iguodala, DeMarcus Cousins, Shaun Livingston, Quinn Cook and Jordan Bell. These losses will hurt the Warriors depth and veteran leadership.

However, the Dubs still emerged from free agency victoriously. Hauling in D’Angelo Russell, Alec Burks and Willie Cauley-Stein, Golden State has more versatile than ever before.

Last season, D-Lo averaged a career-high 7.0 assists per game. Plugging him alongside Stephen Curry will open up scoring opportunities that weren’t never available before. His playmaking will take them to the next level.

Running two point guards is something the Dubs have rarely done. Curry and Russell will terrorize opponents and make each other’s life easier on the offensive end. This duo is going to score a ton of points next to each other.

As for Burks and WCS, these two can play vital roles. Burks is a capable bench scorer while WCS is on the verge of becoming a productive two-way player. If Cauley-Stein improves as a rim protector, he can have a big-time impact on the Warriors.

The bench is now younger and more prepared to play big minutes. Meaning, Curry and the rest of the stars should be able to rest more often. No longer will the team need to manage aging veterans such as Iggy and Livingston.

This youth could become a negative. In the postseason, their inexperience might end up costing them.

Next. Warriors: 3 players that could captain the bench. dark

Regardless, the Warriors roster is much more versatile than it was in years previous. Only time will tell if this versatility pays off.

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