Golden State Warriors: This season is an audition for young Dubs

A different expectation

This is a sub .500 side as it stands. With Steph gone until February, this will not change. But there is still plenty to play for. The season can be successful without a playoff berth, and while that may be lightyears away from previous expectations, it stands true nonetheless.

This young unit has demonstrated fight, hunger, and desire.

They will be crushed by some teams, as they already have been, but they will also scrap their way to unlikely victories, as they also have done. Monday’s game exemplifies that, while the playoffs may not be attainable, this squad could still throw a few spanners in others’ hopes for the top seeds.

And while this season will act as an audition for the future for the players, the same must be said for the fans. Often accused of being fair-weather bandwagons, Dub Nation must still rise in support of the young Warriors.

Expectations must be lowered, but the wider context must be considered. Everything that happens this season will translate into the next.

This is a fanbase that holds the achievements of a misfit 8th seed in their hearts in conjunction with a side that made five consecutive trips to the NBA Finals. These fans will love you if you play hard and show some spirit.

A losing season, while uncommon in this decade, is not unfamiliar with Dub Nation, but these Warriors have the opportunity to make something out of a negative.

Led by the likes of Eric Paschall, this current Warriors team has the potential to have one of the more encouraging losing seasons in the league. That is what the Warriors should seek for this year.