The Golden State Warriors need a healthy D’Angelo Russell and a quality win streak, but the playoffs are still a possibility.
There’s no denying that the Golden State Warriors without D’Angelo Russell are the NBA’s worst team.
They didn’t have him on the court last night, and they may not have him for a few more games, potentially crippling their chance at victory.
However, with Russell, the Warriors could go on a short win streak, potentially reviving their playoff aspirations.
Yes, I said it.
The playoffs.
They’re still in reach.
It’s not because the Warriors are a good team right now by any teams. It’s because other teams have been that bad this season. The top seven seeds in the West are pulling away, but the No. 8 team, the San Antonio Spurs, prior to last night’s game, were 14-20.
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The Warriors, prior to their performance against the 13th-place Kings, were 9-28. That’s around a six-game to six-and-a-half-game spread between the two. With under half the season in the books, it’s still entirely possible a Stephen Curry-return could make the Warriors a playoffs team.
Some fans don’t even want that though as it could mean giving up their 2020 first-round pick. Even if they keep it because of the protections on the pick, it still wouldn’t be in the lottery. If the Warriors make a playoffs run, it’d be a far worse pick than if they were the West’s worst team.
Just heal up and come for the crown next year, some fans post to media outlets. Well, this team has the talent now. Klay Thompson would return, Green is still an energized as ever, Russell and Curry would be healthy.
This team would have it all with Alec Burks and Glenn Robinson III hitting stride with the opportunity to succeed right in front of them.
So, yes, while the playoffs may still be a stretch, it should be a goal for this team. Show the young rookies and second-year players what fighting is like.
This is how Dub Nation was built, and with an Eastern Conference road trip to end the month, it’s entirely possible they utter off six or seven straight victories against mediocre opponents.