Stephen A. Smith thinks Warriors can win NBA Title with healthy Klay

The Golden State Warriors have started the season off hot, sweeping both the teams in Los Angeles.

While they were favorites at home against the Clippers, not many gave them a shot to beat the Lakers to help kick off the season. After taking down both, the Warriors have again earned the respect of the league and those that cover it.

ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith believes that the Golden State Warriors can win the NBA Championship with a healthy Klay Thompson.

One analyst that’s among the most well-known in media, Stephen A. Smith, thinks once Klay Thompson returns, if he’s near full strength, he could be what unlocks the Warriors to truly contend for a title.

Thompson is a five-time All-Star guard and one of the best shooters in the history of the game. He will give two-time MVP Stephen Curry that other elite playmaking threat.

While Jordan Poole is serving that role right now, he’ll likely be too inconsistent to get big-time minutes down the stretch when Thompson returns. Yet, if he can show that progression, the Warriors could be even better off.

Those three running together along with Draymond Green would have a plethora of playmaking that should allow Curry to thrive. That said, here’s why Stephen A. thinks Thompson is the key to unlocking the Warriors’ potential.

“If Klay Thompson comes back healthy … The Warriors might win it all. I really mean it, I’m not playing with anybody,” Smith proclaimed during ESPN’s “First Take” on Friday. Now, the big thing to worry about here is the “healthy.”

Thompson has had two season-ending injuries. While he’s expected to be back at full strength, is that the same full strength we saw him at throughout 2019? There should be hope it is, but we won’t truly know till he gets back on the court.

The star had averaged over 20 points per game for five straight seasons. He’s that good, and if he is at full strength, with the additions this team has made, they will be true contenders. A capable bench, an improving Poole, and a plethora of veterans will help this team compete.

Thompson will be the difference between competing for a playoff spot and contending for a championship.