5 Golden State Warriors that are untouchable, 3 that should be cut loose

Untouchable No. 3 – Andrew Wiggins

There were a number of factors contributing to the Warriors’ poor record this season, but one substantial one was the absence of Andrew Wiggins. For most of the season he was either injured, away tending to his ill father, or playing at less than 100 percent. The Wiggins who was the Warriors’ second-best player on the way to the 2022 title wasn’t around consistently.

There is no reason to expect those things to marr next season, and a healthy Wiggins is invaluable to this team. He can defend up to check guards and down to take on combo forwards, and his combination of scoring, shooting and rebounding is unmatched by anyone on the team. The Warriors need Wiggins as that No. 2 option as Thompson ages, helping to carry the burden and unlock all the various lineups the Warriors will use to win in the playoffs. At one point he was the salary ballast in trade ideas for stars; now he is the star.

Untouchable No. 4 – Kevon Looney

Kevon Looney has to be the best player in the NBA who is routinely pushed to the bench because of lineup tinkering. He is a top-five rebounder in the entire league, able to pull down boards like the ball is metal and he has super magnets under his skin. He knows exactly where the ball tends to carom on misses from his teammates and works his way to those spots, beating out larger opponents and those in better position to get the board.

Five times in the past two postseasons Kevon Looney has had 20 rebounds or more; the rest of the NBA has combined for eight. He is a solid defender, comfortable switching out into space and making smart rotations behind the play. On offense he is a good passer and a crushing screen-setter, and his timing in the roll game is exquisite.

For his combination of play on the court and demeanor, gamely allowing Steve Kerr to move him in and out of the starting lineup, Kevon Looney is absolutely crucial to the Warriors’ success. Add in that his value to other teams is likely less than it is to Golden State, and he joins his teammates on the “untouchable” list.