When it comes to the Golden State Warriors and their NBA title hopes, three things need to happen to get there. Three accomplishments the Warriors have already attained in the past.
Steph Curry winning MVP
One thing that needs to happen is Curry winning his third MVP award. Achieving this means his teammates are healthy and the Warriors are a top-three seed in the NBA Playoffs. The MVP is more of a team award than most people think. It's rare to take home the accolade without team success.
If Curry, at 32 years old, does become the MVP, he would be the oldest player to win it since a 31-year-old Steve Nash in the 2005-06 season. As Curry gets older, he continuously seems to get better. Last season, he averaged a career-high 32.0 points per game and took home the NBA scoring title.
Draymond Green maintains DPOY form
The second thing that needs to happen is for Green to be a Defensive Player of the Year candidate once again. Green won the award in the 2016-17 season. Last season, he finished in the top three for the accolade.
When Green impacts the game on the defensive end, it's always good news for the Warriors. He's the heart and soul of the squad, and him winning as DPOY or ending the season as a finalist can put the Warriors right where they want to be in the NBA Playoffs.
Letting it fly!
Thirdly, the Warriors need to be the best three-point shooting team in the NBA. With Klay Thompson returning and the additions of Otto Porter Jr., Nemanja Bjelica, and rookie Moses Moody, they will deepen the team's depth of three-point threats.
There are six Warriors who have shot above 40 percent from deep at least once during their career. Then there are Andrew Wiggins and Damion Lee, who shot above 38 percent from rainbow country last season and could easily slide into the 40 percent club this year. The amount of floor spacing could make for an exciting year for the Warriors.
Warriors youngsters have to ball
Lastly, the production from the youthful players is essential. They must be effective if the team wants to be contenders. Jordan Poole had a breakout season in his sophomore year and is expected to have a better year this go around. A great campaign from him could have him in the Sixth Man of the Year conversation.
If James Wiseman can build on the things he learned from last season, he could be the X-factor to winning it all. He showed tons of promise but was in and out of the lineup all year due to injuries.
The two confident rookies, Moody and Jonathan Kuminga, also need to take advantage of every opportunity they're given. Establishing themselves on the floor with the other veterans is key. It could provide unexpected looks teams aren't prepared to handle.
If the Warriors can do these four things, representing the Western Conference in the NBA Finals is very feasible.
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