Golden State Warriors shouldn’t be judged till Klay Thompson’s return

I’d say I wish this was obvious, but I don’t think it is. That said, don’t just the Golden State Warriors until after Klay Thompson has returned.

It’s very likely the start of the season doesn’t go the way many expect. The Golden State Warriors will square off against the team favored to win the NBA title. If their home-opener isn’t all it cracks up to be, don’t be judging this team quite yet.

While not an excuse for their play, it’s just an offseason reminder that this team is young. They’re a new group that may not execute well right off the rip. Let’s also remember that they’re without a five-time All-Star in Klay Thompson.

Thompson has been an integral piece of this team over their past five straight Finals appearances. Since his ascension into stardom, the Warriors have been highly regarded as the league’s best team, arguably boasting the best roster of all-time.

Thompson does far more than just fill up the box score. It’s the spacing that he brings offensively. The team is just better with Thompson on the court, and his absence will hurt Curry and the offense at large.

However, it stretches farther than just one end of the court. Thompson is one of the best two-way guards in the game as well. His owner has even praised him for being such a solid contributor on both ends of the court.

That’s partially how he earned a nine-figure contract while being out over the first four months of this upcoming season. Lacob and the owners know what Thompson brings to the table, but many fans may not understand that in the early parts of the season when the struggles arise.

With Kevin Durant on the team, Thompson averaged 21.5 points per game last season. A much more all-around player than when Durant initially joined the team, Thompson, like Green, could’ve easily been in for a career-year.

That said, he’ll be dominant when he returns, and he’ll change the entire landscape of this team. So, rest assured, fans, the team’s struggled won’t last all season, and a seven-straight Finals appearance could easily be on the way.