The Golden State Warriors haven’t had an ideal start to the season, kicking the year off 2-12, and they’re now ranked as the league’s worst team.
After a few atrocious losses, the Golden State Warriors have continued to dip in rankings around the league. However, they are now at the bottom of the league, and there’s no looking up with injuries mounting.
As many know, the Warriors two best players, Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry, will both be sidelined till at earliest February. Thompson, a five-time All-Star, could easily miss the entire season as well.
It doesn’t stop at just the top though.
Kevon Looney and Jacob Evans III are still out while 2018 All-Star D’Angelo Russell has also missed a few games. Even Draymond Green hasn’t been completely healthy. Willie Cauley-Stein has missed time while big man and second-round draft pick Alen Smailagić has yet to play as well.
That said, the ESPN staff came together for their Week 5 NBA Power Rankings, and they did not love Golden State, ranking them dead last in the league. Here’s what they had to say on Dub Nation.
"Golden State’s rankings free fall is complete, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few bright spots for the defending West champs. Eric Paschall scored a game-high 30 points at New Orleans on Sunday, and the 2019 second-round draft pick now has scored 30-plus points twice this season. The former Villanova forward is the first Warrior with at least two 30-point games in his rookie season since Stephen Curry (eight times in 2009-10). The last Warriors player not drafted in the first round to have at least two 30-point outings during his rookie season was Anthony Morrow in 2008-09. — Spears"
The Warriors are the league’s last two-win team, and after their loss to New Orleans, it seems like all hope is lost. After all, New Orleans was just as banged up with Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart and others out as well.
With one of the league’s worst defenses and lacking in size compared to just about every team, the Warriors just haven’t put the product on the court that many had hoped for. It’s been a sad few weeks for Golden State.
As detailed, this could be the worst year-over-year difference in league history after a terrific season last year. However, the Dubs could bounce back and re-write that history next season as, at full strength, this roster still has championship-contending talent.
While 2-12 is the reality the team is facing, there are silver lining. After all, Eric Paschall does have two 30-point performances while many others have performed well at times. There is reason to hope with a return to dominance on the horizon.