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Is Andrew Wiggins correct in thinking Warriors are title contenders?

By Nathan Beighle

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 18: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors brings the ball up court during a 115-113 Warrior win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Staples Center on January 18, 2021 in Los Angeles, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 18: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors brings the ball up court during a 115-113 Warrior win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Staples Center on January 18, 2021 in Los Angeles, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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Andrew Wiggins thinks the Golden State Warriors are championship contenders. Is he right?

After being cleared to play all 41 games at home, the Warriors should have a renewed sense of hope that they can finish in the top six teams in the Western Conference, avoiding the dreaded play-in tournament.

The Golden State Warriors will commence their 2021-2022 season in just a few hours. With that in mind, does this team has real championship potential?

Getting to the playoffs is one thing, and it’s certainly something Golden State has its eyes on. But, can the Warriors make it past that hump and actually win the title? Are they quite at that level without knowing the level Klay Thompson will return at?

Wiggins shared his thoughts on where the Warriors roster currently ranks among the league’s best. “With all the pieces we have. I definitely think we’re a championship-caliber team,” Wiggins said after practice via NBA Sports’ Monte Poole.

To be actual challengers, the Warriors will need quite a few things to go in their favor.

For starters, they’ll need Jordan Poole to explode, much as he did in the preseason. Poole averaged 12 points per game in under 20 minutes per game last season. With drastically increased minutes looking likely, Poole needs to clear 18 points per game.

Wiggins also needs to help Golden State out and perform at a similar level as last season. The former No. 1 overall pick hit a career-high from the field and from deep. Golden State will desperately need that production on both ends of the court.

Poole erupting and Wiggins continued efficient play isn’t the only thing that would need to happen. The Warriors would need Curry to top 30 points per game this season and Draymond Green to step up. The development of James Wiseman will be paramount as well.

Ultimately, the Warriors could have a championship-contending team. The Finals are their ceiling, but getting there will not be easy. The margin for error is slim, and they’re certainly still not a top-tier team like Brooklyn or Milwaukee.

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For now, Golden State still needs to prove they belong with the best of the best, but the roster can do that, if everything goes as to plan.

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