Golden State Warriors: 3 Takeaways from 2020-21 NBA season

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: Jordan Poole #3 and Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after Wiggins made a three-point shot against the Phoenix Suns during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on May 11, 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 - MAY 11: Jordan Poole #3 and Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after Wiggins made a three-point shot against the Phoenix Suns during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on May 11, 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)
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Golden State Warriors (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

Golden State Warriors need Klay Thompson

This isn’t much of a take. I could have written this last year, or the year before, or six years ago for all that matters. Sometimes, the truth is pretty simple. The Golden State Warriors need Klay Thompson in order to succeed.

All that the Warriors accomplished this season would have been magnified by Thompson’s presence. Imagine this same exact team, one that was near the top of the league in defense and 3-point shooting (arguably the two most important factors in the NBA), and then add perhaps the best 3-and-D player in the entire association. To say this would raise the Warriors’ ceiling is an understatement.

Thompson is the perfect partner for Stephen Curry. Not only is he one of the world’s greatest shooters but he understands motion offense to a T. Everything the Dubs look to do becomes smoother with Thompson out on the floor.

Assuming Klay is able to make a full recovery from his injury, there is good reason to assume the Dubs will be back in title contention next season.