Blue Man Hoop
Fansided

Golden State Warriors: 3 Keys to making the playoffs

By Tony Pesta

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 26: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors looks on against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on March 26, 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 26: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors looks on against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on March 26, 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
Golden State Warriors (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Golden State Warriors’ keys: Make strides in youth development

It didn’t take long for the Golden State Warriors to realize a championship was out of the picture this season. The loss of Klay Thompson pretty much erased that possibility. As a result, their attention quickly shifted to developing the youth.

In particular, players like James Wiseman, Jordan Poole, Eric Paschall and Nico Mannion would have to step into their roles fairly quickly if the Warriors wanted any chance of competing for a postseason spot.

Thus far, youth development has been shakey. Poole has stood above the rest, showing significant improvements from his rookie season. The 21-year-old guard is averaging 15.9 points and 2.7 assists since rejoining the team in March.

Unfortunately, progress has been slow for Wiseman. Transitioning to the NBA hasn’t been easy for the No. 2 overall pick and his inexperience has held him back from playing consistent minutes. It’s hard for Wiseman to get his reps in when each game is so pivotal for the Warriors’ playoff hopes.

Wiseman hasn’t been all bad. In fact, it’s clear that when the game is simplified for him (dunk the ball and clean the glass) he’s actually pretty good. However, his ability to round out his game and begin doing the little things will play a huge role in determining if the Warriors reach the postseason.

Wiseman will have his hands full during the home stretch of the season. Games against top-notch centers like Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid, Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert will put him to the test.

Home/Warriors News