Golden State Warriors: 3 Make or break x-factors next season

Klay Thompson’s health will make or break the Golden State Warriors

There is no easy way to say it. The Golden State Warriors will only have a fighting chance at competing in the Western Conference if Klay Thompson is the same Klay Thompson he was before consecutive season-ending injuries.

The Warriors are going to be counting on Thompson to provide the 3-and-D contributions he did in the past. A full year of watching Stephen Curry get harrassed by opponents was enough to make anybody sick. Sadly, nothing will change if Thompson doesn’t return as the greatest backcourt partner in NBA history.

I have no worries that Thompson will be able to shoot 3-pointers next season. If there is anything we can bet our money on — it’s Klay being consistent from deep. This alone will work wonders for diverting attention away from Curry and giving the Warriors a sense of spacing they never had last season.

Where concerns emerge are the defensive end. Will 31 year old still have enough lateral quickness to be the elite perimeter defender he once was? Thompson is absolutely vital to keeping the Warriors strong on this side of the floor. Without him, the Dubs have a glaring weakness that can’t be covered.

Thankfully, the Dubs do have a solid collection of defenders to help out. We are all familiar with Andre Iguodala and should recognize Andrew Wiggins as one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA at this point. Furthermore, Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga can provide an injection of youth and energy on the defensive end.

What’s more, Thompson should be inspired by the firey way Kevin Durant returned from injury this season. KD is playing some of the best basketball of his career — showing that Klay can see similar success in his recovery.

It doesn’t take high-level analysis to say that the Warriors will only go as far as Curry and Thompson can take them. But, it is the truth. Thompson’s healthy will make or break the Dubs next year.