The Golden State Warriors are entering the 2021-2022 campaign without two of their main starters due to injuries. They also missed the Playoffs over the last two seasons, so the Warriors are very determined to bounce back and reignite the championship runs from years past. They have the talent and depth to compete with the powerhouses from both conferences, but their core must once again prove themselves on the biggest stage.
Some media members see the Warriors reaching the Western Conference Semifinals or Finals, while others are predicting the Warriors to compete in the play-in tournament once again. It is tough to analyze the outlook for Golden State this year, but the guarantee for their fans is that they will be entertaining to watch every single game. Thus, here are four bold predictions on the season of the Golden State Warriors.
Four (4) bold Warriors predictions for 2021-22 season
Draymond Green wins Defensive Player of the Year
With the offensive schemes of Steve Kerr focused on freeing up Stephen Curry with a multitude of screens and off-ball movement, there are instances wherein it is tough for the squad to manufacture any sort of offense. Klay Thompson is expected to return around December or January, while Green and Wiseman are two other starters that are not consistent contributors on the offensive end.
With the expected struggles on offense, Green must capitalize on his IQ and awareness to excel on the defensive side of the spectrum. Despite his undersized stature, Green is the anchor for one of the best defensive units in the association as he also motivates his teammates to improve on their ability at that end of the court. Entering the season, the Warriors lack rugged big men on the post, but if Green unleashes his full potential and wins Defensive Player of the Year, Golden State will be a headache to play every single night.
Warriors form a trade package for disgruntled superstar
Even with the big 3 of Curry, Thompson, and Green, their franchise has the trade chips to construct an enticing trade offer for a superstar that wants to be traded to a championship contender. Wiseman, Jordan Poole, Jonathan Kuminga, and Moses Moody are four young studs that have immense potential whom could fit in other teams as well.
Some of the superstars being linked to the Warriors are Ben Simmons, Pascal Siakam, and Bradley Beal. However, it will be tough to acquire any of these All Stars right now, but Golden State can remain patient and continue developing their youthful men to raise their value. As someone gets frustrated with their current team, the Warriors can form multiple trade packages in order to obtain a fourth star to compliment Curry, Thompson, and Green.
Klay will return as one of the best SGs in the league
Klay Thompson suffered two gruesome injuries over the past two seasons despite being healthy for majority of his career. The main concern for Thompson is to continue being a hard-nosed defender and containing superstars, such as Damian Lillard and James Harden. His mobility and lateral quickness is a notable aspect that people will observe, but the long layoff and Thompson's determination to work on his rehab will be a testament to his success this season.
Thompson's shooting prowess will still be a huge threat for the offense of Golden State. His ability to score 60 points on 11 dribbles is an indicator that Kerr does not need to run a ton of plays for him, but he will still convert several long range bombs. With the gradual increase of his minutes, Kerr has the liberty to increase the minutes of Poole as well after an impeccable performance in the preseason.
Warriors are serious threat for Western Conference Finals
System and culture are two of the main facets of this franchise that will possess a massive advantage over their Western Conference counterparts. Even with Thompson's current injury, he will return much earlier than Jamal Murray and Kawhi Leonard, which will provide a vast amount of time for Thompson to get back into the groove.
With the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers lacking one of their superstars, it will be difficult for them to triumph over the Warriors or other teams like the Los Angeles Lakers or Phoenix Suns. The Suns have their own problems with the pending contract extensions of both Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges, while the Utah Jazz have yet to reach their peak consistently in a playoff series.
The Lakers are parading three Hall of Famers this season, but they also have numerous holes on their squad which bolsters the chances of the Warriors to crack a spot in the Western Conference Finals. Many aspects of their game must flourish as well, but a fully-healthy Warriors squad will be a force to reckoned with in this coming 2021-2022 season.
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