After one of the most entertaining off-seasons we had ever witnessed, the NBA is finally back today. Despite teams doing the impossible to imitate a “super team” like the Warriors, the boys from Oakland remain the team to beat this season. The Western Conference has become the popular destination for a lot of the league’s best but even then, it won’t be enough. While all the teams participated in this chaotic offseason, the Warriors quietly observed.
Unlike last year, the Warriors didn’t make any splash signings. They didn’t trade for an All-Star to help create a “Big Three”. Instead, they focused on re-signing key assets to their mini dynasty. Steph finally got his money, Iguodala somehow got the contract that he wanted, tied up Shaun Livingston and signed crucial bench players. All with little to no drama that has affected teams in the past. There was no soap opera distractions just fantastic ownership and a team that continues to improve their team chemistry.
Statistically, the Warriors not only have one (if not) the best offensive team but they’re also a defensive firepower. They have the reigning Defensive Player of the Year who can guard all five positions. The heart and soul of the team who embraces the role of bully in a team that is labeled “soft”. Not only can Draymond guard most of the centers in the league, he also led the league last year with 2.3 steals per game. Combine that with Steph’s 1.80 steals per game and the Warriors’ fast pace and assist-friendly offense. Despite playing with a 6’7 center, the Warriors ranked 9th in total rebounds. They were the best rebounding team on the defensive end with an average of 35.3 defensive rebounds per game.
They have the personnel to match up with most teams in the league. Draymond, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant and Iguodala are all fantastic defenders meaning that they can potentially have every position well covered. As a team, they’re fantastic at defending the perimeter. Last season, their opponents scored 26.4% of their points from behind the arc (7th best in the league) while they gave up an average of 27.6 ppg from 3-pt territory (8th best).
Offensively speaking, the Warriors have become a team in which almost every player on the court is capable of shooting threes. Even JaVale McGee has been seeing working on his shot.
Steph Curry and Klay Thompson led the league last year in 3 -pointers made with a total of 592 between the two of them. Though not on the same level, Kevin Durant also shot 39% from behind the arc and is still more than capable of making a clutch 3-pointer (just ask the Cavs). Even Draymond has averaged 33.4% throughout his career. Not only did they have the best shooting percentage in the league, they averaged 12 three-pointers made per game AND were the team with the least blocked shots in the league. In addition to that, they added a fire-away-mentality shooting guard/small forward Nick Young who can also rack up some threes when needed.
It doesn’t matter who your team signed, traded for, or drafted. Their chances to beat the Warriors are slim to none. If Cleveland doesn’t have a historic night from behind the arc in Game 4 of the Finals, the Warriors sweep the playoffs. No team is going to be able to replicate a performance of that magnitude for four out of seven games in the playoffs. Teams around the league may have drastically improved their roster but the Warriors are simply on another level.
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