While waiting for the opening of the regular season on October 18, We Sport offers you an overview of the thirty franchises that will compete for the title in the NBA. Today, focus on the Golden State Warriors.
The balance sheet of the Golden State Warriors last season
From the bottom of the wave to the roof of the world, there was probably only one step. After two seasons plagued by injuries, a miss from the playoffs and the second-worst percentage in franchise history – since it was called the “Golden State Warriors”, the Warriors have returned to the top. Hot on the heels of a fit Stephen Curry, a Klay Thompson back from injury, and surprising first-time All-Star Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole, Golden State wrapped up the regular season. with the third-best record in the league, finding the postseason after two years of absence. With stars in form and an exemplary defense, better defensive rating of the entire NBA, Steve Kerr could approach the playoffs quite calmly.
And this serenity was quickly felt in high-stakes matches. Easy in the first round against MVP Nikola Joki’s Denver Nuggetsvs (4-1), the franchise of the Bay was not really more worried against the Memphis Grizzlies (4-2) and the Dallas Mavericks (4-1). A smooth journey that allowed the Warriors to find the NBA Finals they had played five times in a row before the trough of the past two seasons. Last obstacle on the road to the title, the Boston Celtics were tougher, managing to lead 2-1 after three games, but the Warriors were able to complete the series in six sets to clinch the seventh title in their history. Grandiose, like a found Stephen Curry and MVP of the Finals.
[53-29]3e of the Western Conference, winners of the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics (4-2)
The Golden State Warriors Free Agency
At the end of this successful season, Golden State had to resolve to let go of several members of its second unit. Much used by Steve Kerr off the bench last year, Damion Lee (Suns), Gary Payton II (Blazers) and Juan Toscano-Anderson each joined another West Coast franchise. Also valuable in the rotation, Otto Porter Jr. took over for Canada (Raptors), while Serbian Nemanja Bjelica returned to Europe. Golden State still managed to retain Kevon Looney, its starting pivot last season, as well as veteran Andre Iguodala.
To compensate for these departures, the Warriors have recruited smart. In view at the start of his career with the Bucks, Donte DiVincenzo will try to revive himself in the Bay after a partially white season and a transfer to Sacramento. The interior sector was also reinforced by JaMychal Green, useful off the bench for two years in Denver. In addition, Golden State has densified its back lines via the draft, with the arrival of two rookies (Rollins, Baldwin Jr.). We will also follow the evolution of the Brazilian Gui Santos, even if the latter is, for the moment, not listed in the roster of the defending champion, yet in sight this summer.
Arrivals: Donte DiVincenzo (Kings), JaMychal Green (Nuggets)
Departures: Nemanja Bjelica (Fenerbahce, TBSL), Chris Chiozza (Net), Damion Lee (Suns), Gary Payton II (Blazers), Otto Porter Jr. (Raptor), Juan Toscano Anderson (Lakers)
Extensions: Andre Iguodala, Kevon Looney
Draft: Patrick Baldwin Jr. (28e choiceUW Milwaukee), ryan rollins (44e choiceToledo), Gui Santos (55e choiceMinas–NBB)
The workforce ofs Golden State Warriors 2022/2023
Leaders: Stephen Curry, pat spencer
Rears: Donte DiVincenzo, Mac McLung, Moses Moody, Joran Poole, Lester Quinones (TW), jerome robinson, ryan rollins, Klay Thompson, Quinndary Weatherspoon (TW)
Wingers: Patrick Baldwin Jr., Andrew Wiggins
Power forwards: Draymond Green, JaMychal Green, Jonathan Kuminga
Pivots: Kevon Looney, Trevion Williams, James Wiseman
Coach: Steve Kerr
[TW = two-way contract]
NB: During the off-season, each franchise is authorized to have up to twenty players in its workforce. When the regular season begins, said numbers will have to be reduced to fifteen players, to which two two-way contracts may be added.
Golden State Warriors : Ambitions and ranking
After a season closed with the title and an offseason where the bench has weakened but no executive has left, the Warriors will not be able to hide. The most dominant franchise of the past decade, Golden State must have ambitions to retain its crown and achieve a new back to back. If the franchise remains dependent on the production of Stephen Curry, the progression of young people could make the team even stronger and ensure a bright future for the seven-time winner of the NBA Finals. Golden State has the weapons to play for the title, it’s up to Steve Kerr and his men to confirm it on the field.
Player to watch: James Wiseman
Will James Wiseman finally launch his career? After two complicated seasons, marked by injuries and a white season last year, the 2e choice of the Draft 2020 will have to assert itself during the coming exercise. In a position where the Warriors are ultra-dependent on Kevon Looney, the return to form of the 21-year-old pivot would do the greatest good. If the Nashville native finally manages to stay in shape, Golden State could be even more impressive than last year and see the future serenely in the interior sector.
The calendar ofs Golden State Warriors in 2022/2023
- 10/12: Boston Celtics @ Golden State Warriors
- 25/12: Golden State Warriors @ Memphis Grizzlies
- 11/03: Milwaukee Bucks @ Golden State Warriors
The words “Minnesota Miracle” and “No-Call” are scratched from my vocabulary. My heart mourns the retirement of Drew Brees and the loneliness of RJ Barrett in Madison Square Garden.