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Golden State Warriors: Potential impacts of next season being delayed

By Tony Pesta

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - OCTOBER 27: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors looks on before the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 27, 2019 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - OCTOBER 27: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors looks on before the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 27, 2019 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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As the NBA looks to bring the 2019-20 campaign to a conclusion, the Golden State Warriors are wondering how next season will be impacted.

Every day the NBA takes another step towards resuming the 2019-20 NBA season. The players and the league want to see a champion crowned one way or another. While the NBA pushes dates back to accommodate the ongoing pandemic, the Golden State Warriors are mostly looking ahead to the future.

Finishing the current season won’t be pointless for the Warriors but they don’t have much to gain. Instead, the Dubs are simply waiting for a new opportunity to compete for a title once again. There are plenty of x-factors that could hold them back but the big question that few have been able to ponder is how long will it take for the 2020-21 season to even begin?

The Athletic reported that the league is considering resuming the 2020 season as late as November. Optimism is growing that they can return and begin the playoffs sometime in late July but nothing is certain in this increasingly unpredictable world we are living in.

How a delayed season could affect the Dubs

Let’s assume the NBA manages to finish this season by September. The league would then have to determine how to move forward with the pending draft and allow a reasonable amount of time for a proper free agency period. Then, they have to find a way to safely start the next season.

At best, we are looking at a January start date for the 2020-21 season. If this is the case, the Dubs benefit in a few ways. Klay Thompson will benefit greatly from having additional time to recover from his ACL injury. There is no telling how much this could help the All-Star guard make a successful return to the floor.

Meanwhile, Stephen Curry will have extra time to rehab his fractured left hand. Curry has reportedly been suffering from nerve damage and it will certainly help to avoid irritating it any further.

In contrast, the Warriors will be struck heavily by the negative implications of next season being delayed. Assuming the NBA plans on shortening the season and having playoffs in April per usual, the Dubs will have limited time to build chemistry and prepare for a title run.

The Warriors roster is very different than it was during their last trip to the NBA Finals. Fresh players such as Andrew Wiggins, Eric Paschall and Marquese Chriss won’t have proper time to gel alongside Curry and Thompson before entering the playoffs.

Next season was shaping up to be challenging for the Warriors regardless of the circumstances. Now, the Dubs have more adversity to overcome.

3 Stars to pair with Curry and Thompson. dark. Next

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