Golden State Warriors might be sneaky good defensively

Believe it or not, this Golden State Warriors team might end up being one of the best defensive teams in the league.

The Golden State Warriors have taken some major L’s over the last two years. We don’t need to waste time explaining the impact of losing key players like Kevin Durant and Andre Iguodala – or the massive gap left in the rotation by another season-ending injury for Klay Thompson. All of these losses cumulated to make the Warriors the worst team in the league last year.

While it seems obvious the team will be vastly improved on offense with the return of Stephen Curry and additions like Kelly Oubre Jr. and Andrew Wiggins – many are under the assumption that the Warriors will be a vulnerable defensive team without some of their prior enforcers on the floor.

But, if what we saw in their first preseason game is any indication of what is to come, this team could be sneakily good on defense.

The first indicator that the Dubs will hold their own defensively is their sheer length. Draymond Green, Kent Bazemore, Marquese Chriss, Alen Smailagic and Wiggins all have 7-foot wingspans while Oubre has an impressive 7-foot 3-inch reach. The only two players on the team with longer arms than Oubre are Kevon Looney and James Wiseman, who has an incredible 7-foot 6-inch wingspan and a standing reach of over 9-feet.

This type of length, and most importantly athleticism, is going to make for a tough wall to work against for opponents. If the team continues to be as aggressive in their press as they were in the first preseason game – we can expect the Warriors to annoy the hell out of opposing teams.

Oubre, in particular, showed tenacity on the perimeter and wasn’t afraid to get in someone’s face. He was often chest to chest with his opponent, refusing to give up any ground. Wiggins looked more engaged as well, perhaps showing that he is finally ready to ramp up his energy level on this side of the ball. Then, we have the former Defensive Player of the Year, Draymond Green waiting to shine once again. At his peak, Green can elevate this defense to elite levels.

However, the biggest of them all is Wiseman. The rookie center has a chance to instantly become one of the league’s best rim protectors and can provide the type of electric shot blocking the Warriors have been missing throughout their dynasty.

Golden State is going to surprise a lot of people this season if they are able to play with intensity and precision throughout the year. The physical talent is there – now they just need to put it to use.