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Your daily dose of optimism.
The Golden State Warriors roster won’t look the same next year. There will be changes. Donte DiVincenzo will almost surely opt out of his contract and sign a larger deal elsewhere. Draymond Green could potentially do the same. Jordan Poole could be traded to save money. And they may (or may not) welcome another first-round pick into the fold.
But it will probably look similar. And if it looks similar — or even if it looked identical — that would be a good thing. Remember, the Warriors are less than a year removed from winning a championship. And even though this season was largely a frustrating disappointment, don’t forget that the Warriors did start to figure things out. In the second half of the season, Golden State had the fifth-best net rating in the NBA, per Cleaning The Glass ... and the best net rating in the Western Conference. And that was with Andrew Wiggins only playing in 13 of those 41 games.
They ran out of gas down the stretch and never fully clicked. But make no mistake: this is still a championship-level team.
If they were to run it back next year — which, again, they won’t, but it will likely look very similar — I’d feel highly confident that they’d be a significantly improved team, with a much better record and a much stronger chance of returning to the highest stage in the NBA.
Here are six reasons why.
1. More rest
People underestimate how exhausting it is to win a championship. Don’t forget that Michael Jordan, perhaps the most relentlessly competitive player in NBA history, retired at age 30 in large part due to exhaustion. A very different situation? Sure. But you get the point.
The Warriors drowned in confetti last year on June 16. They were eliminated this year on May 12. They had to play nine additional games last year, which for the stars means around 330-350 additional minutes. They had 124 days off between ending one season and starting the next, and that number shrinks considerably when you start at training camp or offseason programs instead of opening night.
This year, if their seasons again starts on October 18, they’ll have 159 days off.
That might not seem like a big difference, but it absolutely is. The strain and stress of a professional athlete — flying across the country every few days, sleeping out of hotels, then doing insane workouts, and having cameras and microphones shoved into your face until the late hours — is immense. Having to do that less — and then having significantly more time to recover before having to do it again — can’t be understated.
I say this with zero hyperbole: when last season started, I was still exhausted from the season before. And I just write about the team. From my couch.
2. Gary Payton II
Payton was one of the keys to the Warriors success during their title run in 2022. He was only eighth on the team in total minutes played, but the advanced metrics painted him as one of the team — and league’s — most impactful players. His unique defensive abilities proved extra important in the playoffs, when the Warriors could throw different looks and coverages at players to disrupt them. Payton defended Ja Morant, Luka Dončić, Jayson Tatum, and Nikola Jokić in the postseason.
Golden State, of course, let Payton walk in the offseason, then traded for him at the deadline. An injury limited him to just seven regular season games before the playoffs, and while he was good, it was also clear that he wasn’t at full strength.
Knock on wood, but the Warriors should have a healthy GPII next year ... and for 75 more games than they had him this year.
3. Improved chemistry
Before the dust had even settled on the Warriors season, Steve Kerr and Draymond Green were talking openly and honestly about how Green’s preseason punch of Jordan Poole had disrupted the team all season long.
By the end of the season, a lot of recovery had been done. Poole was more willing to talk about the subject, rather than being reclusive or cryptic about it. Poole and Green appeared to have a healthier and more comfortable relationship than they had back in October. Green had started to resume his vocal leadership role, with reports even revealing that he had called out a few teammates, including Poole, in February ... and that Poole had openly taken the criticism.
An offseason away from the spotlight will help. They (meaning the duo and the team) will unquestionably begin the 2023-24 season in a much healthier and happier place than they started the 2022-23 season in. And for a team reliant on chemistry, trust, and, yes, joy, that can make all the difference.
Speaking of which...
4. A Poole bounce back
No one knows why Poole took a step backwards in his fourth NBA season. Perhaps the punch had rattled him. Perhaps landing his first large NBA contract had made him complacent. Perhaps he got a little too confident in his skills. Or perhaps he simply had a down year. It happens.
Everyone’s development is different, but most NBA players don’t peak when they’re 22 (and if they do it’s usually because it’s their last year in the league). History tells us that Poole will likely be better next year than he was last year ... and maybe even better than he was the year before.
5. Increased youth contributions
Moses Moody appeared to turn a corner at the end of the season. Kerr trusted him in the playoffs, and was quick to note that Moody had, in a very short span, put everything together in practice.
That suggests that he’ll start next year firmly in the rotation. And it wouldn’t be at all surprising to see Jonathan Kuminga next to him.
Kuminga showed why the Warriors — and the league — are so high on him during the absences of Wiggins and Payton. He has all the tools to be a plus-plus defender with a multi-faceted, dynamic offensive game.
There are things he has to do better to get consistent playing time, mainly rebounding and making better decisions on offense. Those are the types of things that you can feel optimistic a player will start to do in their third season.
I wouldn’t use a pen when putting Moody and Kuminga playing 40-50 minutes a night of quality basketball in my 2023-24 Warriors crossword puzzle ... but I will write it in pencil and assume it’s the right answer.
6. A full offseason for Klay
Klay Thompson had an odd offseason. He didn’t play over the summer, which is virtually unheard of in the NBA. Thompson, who tore his Achilles while playing summer pickup in 2020, explained the decision as being for his mental health given his fears of a repeat event.
He had the Warriors blessing, but there was no denying that it hurt his game, as did the fact that he showed up to camp not quite in shape.
I believe it was the right move — it doesn’t matter what physical tools you have if your mental game isn’t strong — but it came with a cost. That cost will likely be gone this offseason. Thompson looks ready for a normal summer, and Kerr has already talked openly about how he’ll work with his five-time All-Star to help him find new ways to add to his game.
Klay didn’t have a bad season. He shot 41.2% on threes, led the NBA in threes made, and finished 75th in the league (and third on the Warriors) in EPM.
But a better offseason likely leads to a better season, and a better Klay season likely leads to a better Warriors season.
Don’t write your dynasty obituaries just yet.
Brady Klopfer
https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/2023/5/24/23737034/warriors-improvements-steph-curry-klay-thompson-jordan-poole
By: Brady Klopfer
Title: 6 reasons the Warriors will be better next year, even if they just run it back
Sourced From: www.goldenstateofmind.com/2023/5/24/23737034/warriors-improvements-steph-curry-klay-thompson-jordan-poole
Published Date: 05-27-2023
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the time frame to become a NBA superstar?
To become a true professional NBA star, it takes a lot of dedication and time. Becoming an NBA star requires years of hard work, physical conditioning, and skill development. Most players spend three to five years studying in college before they are ready for the draft. Once they are drafted, players must perform well in the NBA. Doing so requires even more training and professional guidance from coaches and trainers. The ultimate goal of becoming a NBA superstar is not possible in a few short years. It takes dedication, commitment, and time to reach such accolades. If you are determined and have the right mindset, you can achieve your goals and become a NBA Superstar!
What team is the most successful NBA team ever?
The answer to this question can be subjective and will likely remain a topic of debate for years. The Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers have 17 NBA championships each. In the 1990s, the Chicago Bulls won six titles under Hall of Fame coach Phil Jackson. The San Antonio Spurs have won five titles since 1999. In the same decade, the Golden State Warriors has won four. Other notable NBA teams include the Philadelphia 76ers from the early 1980s, Kobe Shaq Lakers of 2000s, and LeBron's Miami Heat team which won back to back championships in 2012/2013.
Who is the greatest player in basketball history?
This is a difficult question to answer as there are so many excellent players. Each person has their own opinion. However, Larry Bird and Kobe Bryant are among the top contenders for the title. Each of these legends have had an enormous impact on basketball, and they all deserve a place in basketball history. These legends also had their own unique styles of play and have been admired around the globe by millions. This makes it difficult to say definitively who is the greatest player ever. It's clear, however, that this list must include six of the most remarkable players.
Most people agree that Michael Jordan was the greatest basketball star of all time. He was born in Wilmington, North Carolina, on February 17th, 1963.
Jordan started his professional basketball career in 1984 with the Chicago Bulls and quickly became one of the most successful and famous players of his time. Six-time NBA champion, six time NBA finals MVP and five-time NBA regular-season MVP. He was also a 10-time NBA scoring leader.
Jordan was also a double Olympic gold medal winner. He was inducted in the Basketball Hall of Fame, in 2009. Jordan is best known for his extraordinary ability to make plays and score from anywhere on court. He will forever remain an inspiration to millions worldwide due to his never-ending drive and ambition.
Jordan's legacy will last forever. He is undisputedly the greatest basketball player ever. No other player may ever come close to matching his level of greatness. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest sports figures in history. There isn't much more that can be said about Michael Jordan except that he truly is the greatest of all time. His incredible career and achievements will never be forgotten. He was, is and will always be "The Goat," The One and Only Michael Jordan.
What is a NBA "Hybrid" contract?
A hybrid contract allows the NBA to offer players higher salaries that they wouldn't otherwise be able. These contracts count a part of the salary against the team's limit, while the rest is paid directly to players as a bonus. This allows teams offer higher salaries while maintaining compliance with league salary limits. This gives players incentive to sign with certain teams as they could make more than they otherwise would.
Which NBA player is the best defender?
No one who knows basketball would be shocked to see "The Dream", the number one player on this list. Hakeem Olajuwon blocked 3,830 points over his 18-year NBA experience, more than any other player. He was also an All Defensive and 2-time DPOY player, helping his team win two NBA Championships. He was a formidable defender. His quickness, timing, athleticism and footwork allowed him to be an exceptional shot blocker, rebounder, and runner. He was a terror for opponents because of his ability guard any position. Not only was he a formidable defensive player, but he was also a top offensive player. He was quick, agile, and had a wide range of spin moves that allowed him to score at the post. His versatility and ability to play all positions made him one the most valuable players in the game, not to mention defenders. This list should include Hakeem Olajuwon.
Bill Russell barely makes #2 on this list due to his average of 15.1 ppg, but he was the best defender during his era and gave opposing teams nightmares. Bill Russell, who has 11 NBA Championships and the highest defensive win share in NBA history (133.64), is a true legend. His defensive prowess as well as rebounding abilities were key to the Boston Celtics' incredible success. His ability as a defender to anticipate plays and comprehend the strategies of his opponents made him an intimidating presence. This is why many consider him the best defender in NBA history.
This is the third place list, with Dennis Rodman. He was one the most important players in NBA history. His contributions were always significant. Rodman played tough defence, rebounded well, and didn't need the ball to score, which allowed his team win often. In fact, Dennis Rodman was a 7-time Rebounding Champ, 8-time All-Defensive Player, 2-time DPOY, and a 5-time NBA Champion. His defensive end skills were among the most impressive, with his determination and ability to stay in the right position at the correct time. He was also an excellent rebounder, often out-jumping much taller players and snatching boards away from them.
Statistics
- The opening game of the 2020 Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat brought in only 7.41 million viewers to ABC, according to The Hollywood Reporter. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The 2013–14 season opened with 92 international players on the opening night rosters, representing 39 countries and over 20% of the league. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Williams would 'likely' accept a deal worth $14-15M/year; Celtics are 'unlikely' to offer such a deal (HoopsHype) (bleacherreport.com)
- "NBA first-round ratings drop 27 percent, 40 percent since 2017–18". (en.wikipedia.org)
- Williams would 'likely' accept a deal worth $14-15M/year; Celtics are 'unlikely' to offer such a deal (HoopsHype) (bleacherreport.com)
External Links
basketball-reference.com
- Thomas Bryant Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more | Basketball-Reference.com
- Dennis Schroder Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more | Basketball-Reference.com
twitter.com
- Tweet / Twitter
- Sam Amico on Twitter: "Timberwolves Waive PJ Dozier, CJ Elleby and AJ Lawson - Hoops Wire https://t.co/xKu1ZTuQZN" / Twitter
sports.yahoo.com
- Mail, Weather, Search, Politics, News, Finance, Sports & Videos
- NBA Finals Game 1 receives the lowest audience in recorded ratings history
si.com
How To
How can I prepare for an NBA Game Experience?
To be ready for an NBA experience, you need to make sure that you have the right ticket. You can buy tickets online through the team or from a third-party ticket seller. Then plan and know the arena policies, such as what items are allowed inside the stadium, so you don't get unaware. Be sure to arrive in plenty of time to warm-up or do pre-game activities. Get team merchandise like a shirt or helmet if you need it. To capture close-up views of the court action, bring your camera. Finally, consider other entertainment options at halftimes, such as a concert or special event, if you don't want to miss any of the action. Enjoy the game!
