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Health is the Golden State Warriors’ greatest enemy

By Tony Pesta

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 16: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors looks to pass the ball in the first quarter against the Boston Celtics at Chase Center on March 16, 2022 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 Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 16: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors looks to pass the ball in the first quarter against the Boston Celtics at Chase Center on March 16, 2022 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 Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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One of the more underrated aspects of the Golden State Warriors‘ five consecutive trips to the NBA Finals was their health. Prior to the 2019 NBA Finals, the Dubs had mostly navigated through four grueling journeys without any major setbacks.

Since then, the basketball gods have not been so kind. One injury after another continues to pop up each time the Warriors feel they are starting to trend in the right direction.

The Golden State Warriors can’t catch a break as fresh injuries continue to dampen their revenge tour in the 2021-22 NBA season.

It started with Klay Thompson, who suffered consecutive season-ending injuries. Stephen Curry missed all but 11 games in 2019-20 while Draymond Green is fresh off a two-month layoff in 2022.

Green’s injury came shortly before Klay’s much-anticipated return. Once Green finally made his own return, it only took one game for Curry to fall with a freak foot injury.

This isn’t even mentioning the ongoing James Wiseman saga. The former No. 2 overall pick has now had two separate setbacks in his recovery from last year’s season-ending injury. His status is beyond uncertain with his second scheduled game in Santa Cruz written off.

This leads us to the ultimate question — can the Warriors get healthy in time for the playoffs?

We can count on Wiseman being out for the postseason. Even if he makes a miraculous return in April, it’s hard to see him ramping up for key playoff minutes in such a brief amount of time.

On the bright side, Curry should be back by the end of the month. At least, he will be evaluated and given an updated timetable. Assuming he is back for the start of the playoffs, the task of reintegrating him into the lineup will not be overly difficult.

At full strength, the Warriors have an opportunity to compete for another championship. However, if they continue to be plagued with injuries, it’s possible they fall short of the ultimate goal.

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