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Golden State Warriors: Did they get worse or better this summer?

By Leandro Carranza

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 03: Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr and Stephen Curry #30 stand on the side of the court during their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Chase Center on November 03, 2021 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 03: Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr and Stephen Curry #30 stand on the side of the court during their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Chase Center on November 03, 2021 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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Golden State Warriors (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

More rhythm for Klay Thompson

Klay Thompson averaged 20.4 points per game with 38.5% shooting from three in the 2021/22 regular season. In the Playoffs, he basically kept those figures.

If the four-time champion was able to do that immediately after missing two straight years of competition, imagine how much impact he could have with just more sport rhythm and another full offseason. Other than a few glimpses, we haven’t seen the complete picture of Thompson’s dominance.

A more dynamic, consistent Klay is a legit boost for the Warriors.

Prime Andrew Wiggins is coming

Andrew Wiggins just had the best season of his career and he is only 27. It stands to reason that he is about to enter his prime.

What does this mean? That, at best, Golden State will enjoy an ever stronger version of his two-way star. And that, speaking of a guy who finished the 2021-22 season as the second-best player of the NBA Finals, is saying a lot.

The potential Sixth Man of the Year is in the house

Although Jordan Poole exhibited some intermittency during the Playoffs, the Warriors found in the 6-4 Michigan guard the perfect microwave.

Just like Wiggins, Poole’s impact will only increase: another year on the system, a bigger role and the desire to earn a big contract could be the perfect mix to fuel his progress. Steve Kerr will have a championship-level starting lineup, but also the type of Sixth Man a contender needs.

The young guys

Oh, yeah: the Warriors also have very young talent… with experience. Both Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody already know what it means to be a champion. And they’re in the perfect situation in terms of a development competition.

We’re talking about two lottery picks with great potential. But, unlike what would happen in other teams, they will not be asked to do more than fulfill specific roles. It’s the same with James Wiseman, who will have to earn the minutes Kevon Looney leaves despite being the most promising young player on the team. That’s a rare luxury that only Golden State can afford.

Bottom line

No, Golden State doesn’t have a worse roster than last year. In fact, it’s arguably an even better and more varied one: they still have their Big Three in Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson, a pair of emerging stars in Wiggins and Poole and a solid rotation made up of vets and youth.

There will be time for Myers and company to think about the contract issues of the future, but now there’s only one truth: the Warriors are the team to beat in the NBA.

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