The NBA preseason is underway, which means the regular season is getting closer. The offseason led to numerous big moves for teams around the league. The Clippers, the Lakers and Nets have improved, as they jumped from playoff teams (the Clippers and Nets)to contenders. Or in the Lakers case, a team that missed the playoffs but are now a top team of the West. The Lakers added a star in Anthony Davis, and like the Clippers have catapulted to contenders.
The NBA will have a new look, as there are more teams that can compete for a championship. However, there are a few familiar faces in the race as well. There is at least one contending team (from last year or earlier) that still has a chance to compete with the new teams.
Last year, the Golden State Warriors made their fifth straight Finals. While their 2019-20 roster is different, it is hard to count them out. In other words, despite the rise of teams such as the Clippers and Lakers, the Warriors are still a team to consider. So much so, Warriors players like Draymond Green are still confident they can reach the Finals. Green and the Warriors used media day to express that confidence.
On Monday, NBA teams held their media day. Media day gives players a chance to speak with the media and discuss their expectations for the upcoming season. During the Warriors media day, Green discussed his team and alluded to their goal of another Finals appearance.
Can the Warriors go to The Finals for the 6th straight year despite all the roster turnover? Draymond still believes they can. "Is Steph Curry on our team? Klay? Yup."https://t.co/eBgExeLhkG
— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) October 1, 2019
“I am not sure what everyone’s expectations are,” Green said. “We haven’t really had any team meetings yet. But I know what my expectations are. They don’t change from year-to-year. They are always the same.”
Green also responded to a question of whether or not the Warriors can reach the NBA Finals this season. He replied by mentioning his teammates Steph Curry and Klay Thompson.
“Is Steph Curry on our team? Klay Thompson?” Green said confidently. “Yup.”
Green also mentioned younger players such as Kevon Looney (who has two championships with the Warriors) and D’Angelo Russell, who the Warriors acquired this summer.
“Because I think obviously what we have returning [in] myself, Steph and Klay — with the experience that we have, the championship pedigree that we have and obviously all of us still being in our primes,” Green said. “Then you add in a young D’Angelo Russell, you add in Kevon Looney, who just got a new contract — it is a lot of talent. Like I said, experience and also a lot of younger guys who are out to prove themselves.”
This summer, the Warriors lost numerous players. They lost Kevin Durant to the Nets, traded Andre Iguodala to the Grizzlies and Shaun Livingston retired. These three players played a significant role in the Warriors’ championship wins. So, their presence will be missed.
However, the Warriors have pieces such as Russell to help them throughout the season. On the other hand, Golden State will be without Thompson until the All-Star break. This could potentially affect their first half of the season, but if Russell can temporarily fill that void, the Warriors can make it work.
The Warriors have a tough season ahead of them. They not only have to adjust to their losses but adapt to new additions. While reaching the Finals will be much harder, they believe they can achieve it. Now, it is only a matter of doing it.
Featured Image courtesy of Kyle Terada
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