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1 Major Storyline for Eliminated Teams that Golden State Warriors Fans should Follow

By Peter O'Keefe

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 7: James Wiseman #13 of the Detroit Pistons sits on the court after a 119-117 loss to the Washington Wizards at Little Caesars Arena on March 7, 2023, in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - MARCH 7: James Wiseman #13 of the Detroit Pistons sits on the court after a 119-117 loss to the Washington Wizards at Little Caesars Arena on March 7, 2023, in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /
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While the Golden State Warriors are headed to their eighth postseason in the last decade, it’s already curtains for ten teams prior to the commencement of the NBA Play-In Tournament on Tuesday.

Some rebuilding teams were bound to finish doldrums from the outset, while others created major storylines for incredibly disappointing seasons. Either way, there’ll be storylines that reverberate around the league for each and every team.

There will be plenty of storylines for those teams that finished in the bottom five of their conference, some of which could impact the Golden State Warriors next season.

Most of the storylines around these teams will center on whether they can gain access to the number one overall pick and French sensation Victor Wembanyama. For the purpose of this exercise, we’ll exclude the draft from conversation. Let’s start with the Western Conference where, naturally, things are more likely to impact the Warriors.

Dallas Mavericks

Will Kyrie Irving remain with Dallas in free agency? That’s the question on many lips after the Mavericks’ disastrous end to the season. They can once again be a threat to the Warriors and others in the West should they built the remainder of the roster effectively around Irving and Luka Doncic. Of course, Irving could leave to another team and catapult them to above Golden State’s level.

Luka Doncic battles against the Golden State Warriors late last month? (Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images)
Luka Doncic battles against the Golden State Warriors late last month? (Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images) /

Utah Jazz

Did Utah’s competitiveness this season help or hinder their long-term future? There’s no doubt the Jazz were one of the stories of the early portion of the season, before eventually falling out of the Play-In mix. They’re unlikely to garner a top three like many may have expected at the start of the season, putting into question the time frame on when they can become a genuine contender.

Portland Trail Blazers

Is Damian Lillard on the trade table? We’re likely to see plenty of speculation around the Portland star, though it appears the franchise is more willing to move on its lottery pick at this stage. A situation that could clearly impact the Warriors depending on Lillard’s landing spot were he to be traded.

Houston Rockets

Can a new coach start to gel their talent as a team? The Rockets are starting to accumulate talent but are yet to put it together as a collective. Stephen Silas is out as head coach, with Golden State assistant Kenny Atkinson in the frame to replace him.

San Antonio Spurs

Is Gregg Popovich coaching on? Maybe not the most impactful factor to Golden State necessarily, but it’s sure to be a sad day for everyone in the league once Pop does decide to step away.

Indiana Pacers

Do they think they can be a playoff team from next season? The Warriors know all too well the talent Indiana possesses, having lost both games to them this season. With Tyrese Haliburton running the show and Benedict Mathurin completing an exciting rookie season, the Pacers should be an even greater threat next season.

The Indiana Pacers got the better of the Golden State Warriors in both matchups this season. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
The Indiana Pacers got the better of the Golden State Warriors in both matchups this season. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Washington Wizards

What happens to their two big free agents? Kristaps Porzingis and Kyle Kuzma are two of the more high-profile names potentially available this offseason, should the former opt out of his player option. The rest of the league should be hoping they remain at the Wizards given the franchise’s mediocrity, with the pair sure to make an impact should they arrive at a new team.

Orlando Magic

Are they happy with Markelle Fultz as their starting point-guard? With a frontcourt including Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, the Magic already have the big pieces in place. They could use their salary space to sign an upgrade in the backcourt, potentially moving them into playoff contention from as soon as next season.

Charlotte Hornets

Will LaMelo Ball sign a rookie contract extension this offseason? If he doesn’t, this franchise could spiral downward even further and simultaneously be someone else’s benefit.

Next. 1 Positive Regular Season Statistic for every Golden State Warriors Rotation Player. dark

Detroit Pistons

Where does James Wiseman’s future lie? Most Warrior fans wish the big man the best after he was dealt by the franchise two months ago. Wiseman had a decent close to the season in Detroit, but his future is still up in the air given the presence of Jalen Duren and potentially Wembanyama. The former number two overall pick has one year left on his rookie contract, so it will be interesting to see what he’s offered beyond that.

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