3 reasons the Golden State Warriors will be title contenders next season

TORONTO, CANADA - JUNE 10: Klay Thompson #11 and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors celebrate after a game against the Toronto Raptors after Game Five of the NBA Finals on June 10, 2019 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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Rising stars

The Golden State Warriors found a few diamonds despite not having a single top-25 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.

Both Jordan Poole, who came alive at the back half of the season, and Eric Paschall, who was dominant from the start, have started to thrive in the Bay. Their success and ability to contribute in a role that should translate to a contending team is a huge reason for hope.

A second-round pick, Paschall is averaging 14 points per game and shooting 49.7% from the field. He’s shown an ability to rebound well and has also proven to a capable shooter when left unguarded.

As for Poole, he was once assigned to the team’s G-League affiliate but couldn’t be tamed for too long. His last 13 games, he scored double figures in every outing which he saw over 20 minutes (12 of the 13). He also shot over 47% over the course of those few weeks.

His playmaking, like Paschal’s, has improved with his time in the league, and by this time next season, they should both be consistent contributors on a team that will be craving their relatively cheap production.

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