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Golden State Warriors: Missing playoffs isn’t a bad thing

By Tony Pesta

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 02: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after he made a basket and was fouled in the first quarter against the Boston Celtics at Chase Center on February 02, 2021 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 02: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after he made a basket and was fouled in the first quarter against the Boston Celtics at Chase Center on February 02, 2021 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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As the league currently stands, the Golden State Warriors will have to give it their all to punch their ticket to another postseason run. This has us asking, is it really worth making the playoffs this year?

The Warriors had a lot on their plate entering the season. Nearly half of their rotation was brand new and integrating Stephen Curry back into the mix wouldn’t be as easy as you’d think. It takes time to build chemistry and we have to assume the team will look better as the year goes on.

However, we also have to be realistic with this team’s ceiling. There are a number of things holding them back from being contenders and those glaring flaws are on display each time they face a top-tier team.

It’s time to accept that the Warriors’ depth is non-existent and Kelly Oubre Jr. will never even come close to replacing Klay Thompson’s production on either side of the floor. Barring a miracle, this Warriors team caps out as a second-round exit.

The Golden State Warriors can scratch and claw their way to a postseason berth – or, they can be satisfied with an additional lottery pick.

Through a quarter of the season, Golden State holds an 11-10 record. This makes them the ninth seed in the West, contending with squads like the Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, Memphis Grizzlies and Portland Trail Blazers for a playoff spot.

Sure, the Warriors could spark a run that elevates them above the other teams in their group. This is always possible when you have Curry playing at an MVP level. And, gaining some playoff experience with this new group would benefit them in future runs.

However, the team is much better off missing the playoffs. Securing a lottery pick means the Warriors will retain their 2021 first round pick (top 20 protected) rather than sending it to the Oklahoma City Thunder. This is important, as the 2021 class is reportedly full of quality prospects.

Add this to the Minnesota Timberwolves’ pick, which currently has a 50/50 chance of giving the Warriors the fourth or fifth selection in the draft, and this upcoming offseason could be huge for rebuilding the franchise.

Selecting two potential building blocks in the 2021 NBA Draft and placing them next to James Wiseman would give the Warriors a contending squad for the foreseeable future. This sounds like a better plan than scrapping for an early playoff exit.

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