The Golden State Warriors will no longer be the conference favorite

After the 2019 NBA Finals, the Golden State Warriors knew everything was going to quickly change, but they could’ve have predicted what happened next.

The Golden State Warriors will return to being one of the league’s best teams next season. After five straight Finals appearance, the Warriors reign overtop of the Western Conference was cut off by injuries to their star players.

Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry combined to play five games in the team’s first 65. That’s the reason the Warriors won just 15 of them. Even with Curry and Thompson, the Warriors shouldn’t expect to once again reign over the West in the regular season.

The competition has increased significantly in the West, one reason Golden State was not placed No. 1 in the “next three years” rankings by ESPN. It was both teams in Los Angeles. The Clippers and the Lakers both added a superstar, or two, to their roster.

They were the West’s only teams with 44 or more wins prior to the league’s suspension. And, with their rosters in tack for the upcoming years, they will be among the best for the long-term future.

While Golden State also has its core put together for multiple years to come, their roster won’t be as deep or may not have the high-profile stars. After all, it’s tough to compete with a duo like Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.

Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson will rival the best in the league. As developed stars, the Warriors will still maintain their command in the West, but they won’t be the best of the best like they were used to being.

A high-level pick in the 2020 NBA Draft will help them fill out roster along with a $17 million trade exception. Adding in crucial players to their second unit will help Golden State climb the chain in the West.

But, until we see them compete with some of those teams that have made significant jumps, it’s hard to envision they’re going to be the conference’s preseason favorites as this NBA season may not wrap up until the fall.