3 reasons Golden State Warriors should be seen as title favorites

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 16: Andre Iguodala #9, Draymond Green #23, Klay Thompson #11 and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors pose for a photo after defeating the Boston Celtics 103-90 in Game Six of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 16, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

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Why Warriors should be title favorites: They filled their holes

As noted, the Warriors lost Otto Porter Jr. and Gary Payton II.

Both were instrumental in the Dubs’ Finals run. Payton II had several highly impactful performances once he was able to get back onto the court. Portland gave him a three-year contract which Golden State didn’t match.

Payton II was a defensive mastermind and, despite being undersized, typically locked up either Jaylen Brown or Jayson Tatum. As for Porter Jr., he was the stretch-four option which was pivotal in the Dubs’ success against the Celtics’ bigger lineups.

Golden State needed to replace both in free agency, and although their replacements aren’t quite at the level of the two departures, guard Donte DiVincenzo, who was a champion with the Bucks, and JaMychal Green, who was last with the Nuggets, will be able to fill the void left by those two.

The Warriors truly needed to find that stretch-four talent, and Green should offer that. Along those lines, while the defense will take a hit, DiVincenzo will offer a higher upside offensively than Payton II.

Next. Top 30 Golden State Warriors players in franchise history. dark

The Big 3, a lack of holes, and their improving young talent are why the Dubs again should be seen as title favorites.

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