Golden State Warriors are still a tier below NBA’s contenders

The Golden State Warriors are a competitive team, but this current roster is a tier below the NBA’s true championship contenders.

Although they stunned the reigning champs last night, the Golden State Warriors are still a tier below the true contenders in the NBA. A lack of firepower on this roster has them just a missing piece (Klay Thompson) away from really being competitive.

The Dubs managed to squeak by the Los Angeles Lakers due to a second-half comeback spurred by Stephen Curry himself. It helped that Kelly Oubre and Andrew Wiggins played lights out while Draymond Green did his usual thing as the most versatile defender in the world.

And yet, with nearly everything clicking in place for the Dubs, the Lakers still had a shot at the buzzer to win the game. Even with LeBron James in cruise mode, it took a monster team effort for the Dubs to win.

We know it’s the regular season, but it’s hard to say the Warriors will be able to beat a top tier team four times in seven tries.

Teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets, Milwaukee Bucks, LA Clippers and Boston Celtics all have a noticeable edge on the Dubs. Aside from having more star power, each of those franchises also has deeper rotations. Furthermore, only the Nets have less experience together than the current Warriors – but I think the sheer force of James Harden, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant is enough to place them above the Dubs.

It’s evident the Warriors aren’t in that tier of contenders. But, where do they rank? Personally, I would consider them on the borderline of that top tier. I see them in the same boat as teams like the Denver Nuggets, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers and Utah Jazz.

I don’t see any chance of the Warriors missing the postseason if they remain healthy. This team had a rough start but will only get better as the season progresses. The return of Draymond Green has helped immensely and we will see just how strong this supporting cast is as Kelly Oubre and Andrew Wiggins continue to hit their strides.

The Warriors aren’t favorites to win the title this season and it doesn’t appear to be their primary goal. Instead, there has been a focus on developing the young core and integrating multiple new faces into the rotation to prepare for a push next year. Without Klay Thompson, this year is mostly a dud.

We won’t see the Dubs back in the lottery this season unless drastic happens. Even so, until Thompson returns, the Dubs will be on the outside looking in at the real contenders.