Blue Man Hoop
Fansided

Golden State Warriors placed No. 3 “next 3 seasons” power rankings

By Nathan Beighle

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - NOVEMBER 27: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors smile during a game against the Chicago Bulls on November 27, 2019 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - NOVEMBER 27: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors smile during a game against the Chicago Bulls on November 27, 2019 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Golden State Warriors, after a serious down year, have been placed No. 3 in a recent ESPN power ranking that forecasts the next three seasons.

15-50 is what the Golden State Warriors’ current record is. Three losing streaks of at least seven games has plagued this season and taken from one of the league’s best teams to the Western Conference’s clear worst team.

Why?

Well, as many know, it can all be traced back to injuries.

Klay Thompson, after exploding in Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals, went down awkwardly on his knee after his dunk was contested by Raptors’ forward Danny Green. Thompson, with the area quite, came back and sank the free throw but was later diagnosed with a torn ACL.

On top of that, to kick the season off, Stephen Curry had broken his left hand after an awkward collision with Suns’ center Aron Baynes. Those two bring out does have some intriguing silver linings though.

Those silver linings and the powerful duo of Curry and Thompson is why the Warriors came in right before their Los Angeles foes in ESPN’s power rankings of the best teams over the next three seasons.

Eric Paschall and Jordan Poole are two of those silver linings.

Both have developed tremendously since the season’s commencement. Paschall is averaging 14 points per game while Poole notched double figures in 12 of his last 13 prior to the league’s suspension.

Another is the team’s retaining of their 2020 first-round pick.

One that will be tied for the highest odds at the No. 1 pick in the draft, the Warriors can either trade back for more draft capital or they can select what could be their franchise’s next superstar talent. Anthony Edwards or Obi Toppin are the two prospects considered to be at the top of their big board.

On top of all that, the Warriors, in a deal that brought in Andrew Wiggins and sent D’Angelo Russell to Minnesota, will have a top-three protected first-round pick in 2021 along with their selection. Those will have a significant role in their future as well.

We haven’t even mentioned Draymond Green, but his numbers, which have plummeted in recent years, should return next season as he’ll be a main offense force beside Curry and Thompson.

Next. Top 25 Golden State Warriors in franchise history. dark

Combine all that along with the Big 3 being under contract for a few more seasons, and it’s clear that Golden State will indeed be one of the best three teams over the course of the next few seasons.

Home/Warriors News