3. Overall competitiveness and urgency
What’s preseason basketball actually mean? While win-loss results are often pointless for almost every team, recent history would suggest that it may actually pose some significance for the Warriors.
Rewind two years and Golden State, having missed the playoffs the previous season, came out and blitzed their opposition with a 5-0 record. The Lakers, on the other hand, stumbled to a 0-6 record.
When the regular season got underway, the Warriors caused an ‘upset’ over the Lakers at what was then Staples Center on opening night. But to anyone who actually watched preseason and believed even a small portion, it was no upset.
Golden State came out with urgency and purpose that preseason, clearly motivated after their Play-In Tournament exit at the hands of the Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies. The 5-0 record spurred a 17-3 run to start the regular season, eventually culminating in a triumphant 2022 NBA championship.
Last year the Warriors looked a little sluggish after the championship, and although a 3-2 record was hardly cause for concern, their 3-7 start to the regular season certainly was. They may have battled their way to the second-round of the postseason, but many would reflect back and say their chances for another title were lost 10 games into the season.
It feels like the motivation and urgency has returned based off the offseason moves and the general vibe within training camp. That can’t be fully assessed till games begin though, leaving even this first preseason game as an interesting test of where Golden State is at.
There’s motivation for almost everyone looking down the roster. Chris Paul is looking to integrate himself with a new team, and Stephen Curry, like everything, is the key in helping to make that happen.
Klay Thompson is reportedly in great shape and will want to start the season in hot form following his disastrous form late in the playoffs. Andrew Wiggins will hope to re-establish himself after a heavily-interrupted 2022-23 season, while Kevon Looney will be looking to ensure he’s not pushed back to a bench role once Draymond Green returns.
Every other player is either fighting for minutes in the rotation, or simply battling for a spot on the roster come the end of the preseason. This is not to say preseason is the be-all and end-all, but it should be regarded as something rather than simply nothing.