New year, new changes, same Warriors?
The NBA 2019-2020 officially kicked off back on October 22nd. Many teams underwent changes and rosters look far different this year than they did last year. For example, look at the Los Angeles Lakers. Not only do they have a seemingly healthy Lebron James, but they have a new coach in Frank Vogel and of course, the acquisition Anthony Davis. Another team that has undergone a massive change during the off season were the Golden State Warriors. You remember them, right? They’re only the team that had won three of the last four NBA championships and appeared in the Finals four straight times. Well, they are different this year.
Kevin Durant is gone. He went to go play for the Brooklyn Nets along with Kyrie Irving. Which has left many to wonder: Are the Warriors the same team they were? Obviously, the short answer is no. Klay Thompson is still recovering from injury, there are questions about how D’Angelo Russell will fit into the Warriors system and also if Draymond Green and Steph Curry will be able to carry such a large load until Thompson’s return. So many questions with very few answers. I have no doubt things will be a struggle for Golden State as they desperately search for the answers to those particular questions. Sadly, they may not find the answers they seek this season. The harsh reality? The Warriors are a mere shell of themselves!
Two awful games
No one expected this kind of struggle right out of the gate. Sure, there were those who knew the Warriors would struggled, but suffering blowout losses the first two games of the season? I’m sure no one saw that coming. What exactly do I mean? Well, after a 141-122 loss to the Clippers, followed by a 120-92 loss to the Thunder, Golden State fell to an 0-2 start and gave up a whopping 264 points in the first two games! 264 points in two games is absolutely horrible for a team that has always taken great pride in their defense. With depleted depth on their roster don’t expect their defense to be as elite as it has been.
To say that things seemed bleak would be an understatement, because they were more than bleak they were absolutely abysmal! However, Golden State would crack the win column when they beat the New Orleans Pelicans. Was it good they beat New Orleans? Yes, because it got them their first win of the season. Was it something to write home about? Not really since the problems that plagued Golden State in their first two games continued. Regardless a win is a win.
Steph Curry breaks his left hand!
Is anyone familiar with the old expression; “when it rains it pours?” It’s a saying that applies not only to life, but also to sports. Usually, just when you think things can’t get worse they often do and that rings true for the Golden State Warriors and the spate of injuries they have had to deal with thus far. Injuries in sports are far from uncommon. I’ve seen more than my fair share. No one is immune not even a player the caliber of Steph Curry who ended up breaking his left hand during a game against the Phoenix Suns.
Curry who coach Steve Kerr described as being; “at the peak of his basketball powers, mentally and physically,” will now spend the next three months recovering after having surgery to repair the damage. Three months is a long time especially for someone like Curry who may or may not have been on his way to an MVP type of season. Instead, he’ll join his fellow splash brother Thompson, riding the pine as the team continues to muddle its way through the rest of the season.
Or will he? There is speculation that since Curry underwent what was successful surgery that he could and I stress could potentially return before the season ends, possibly to help Golden State make a playoff push should they make it that far. In fact, Curry himself said he could see himself returning to play this year. Could that happen? I’m not entirely sure. Perhaps, the best course of action would be for the Warriors star point guard to sit out and come back healthy for the 2020-2021, campaign.
Losses are piling up, should the Warriors tank?
10. That’s the number of losses the Golden State Warriors currently have so far this season. A far cry from years past when they were dominating games and opponents on a nightly basis. A 2-10 record puts the Warriors in 15th place in the Western Conference. So, does this mean the playoffs are out of the picture for a team that has enjoyed so much dominant success? If things don’t change and change quickly the short answer is an unfortunate, yes. I just don’t see it happening.
With the playoffs seemingly out of reach even though the NBA season is only a few weeks old some are wondering if the Warriors should consider tanking. Now, what is tanking? Basically, it means the Warriors would lose on purpose giving them a higher chance of landing a quality draft pick. I’m not sure any of the players or anyone in the Warriors organization would want the team to take that route. Instead they will have to exercise patience. Light is often darkest just before dawn and I believe a light will shine on the Warriors once more.
http://www.slickstermagazine.com/smackdown-comes-to-fox-the-blue-brand-celebrates-20-years/
http://www.slickstermagazine.com/will-tiger-woods-ever-find-his-groove-again/
http://www.slickstermagazine.com/summerslam-comes-to-toronto/
http://www.slickstermagazine.com/lakers-considered-title-favorites-after-landing-anthony-davis/
http://www.slickstermagazine.com/paul-heyman-and-eric-bischoff-named-executive-directors-of-raw-and-smackdown/
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