Written by: Jordan Jasper
Can the Warriors still be a threat with a loss of 3-point shooting?
Coming off an unfortunate season ridded with injuries and losses, the NBA’s Golden State Warriors look to gain relevance once again in the competition for a championship. This past season’s acquisition of D’Angelo Russel was short-lived after he was traded for Andre Wiggins, who may potentially be a better fit alongside the main stars of the team, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. However, the issue is that Klay Thompson will not be returning this season after suffering another injury. This year the Warriors’ roster is not filled with shooters or even includes their second top player, this is more set up like an old school team with more athletes such as Wiggins.
Over the past five years, the Warriors have arguably been the most impactful team in all of basketball. Other athletes and even fans have been influenced and intrigued by watching 3-pointers being constantly made by the likes of Curry. It has gotten to the point where teams like the Rockets barely cared about mid-range shots anymore. The Warriors do not seem to have such a luxury this year as players like Kelly Oubre Jr., Andrew Wiggins, Eric Paschall, and more are not excitingly accurate from the three-point line. This can only lead to an assumption that adjustments will be made by the head coach, Steve Kerr.
This team may not have the shooting, at least on paper, but the high-flyers and dunkers cannot be overlooked. Many reporters and even Max Kellerman of ESPN are counting this team out right now, due to Thompson’s absence. However, the Warriors have proven time and time again, that they know how to win. We can expect to see much scoring from the post this year as big-man James Wiseman was also added to the team in this year’s NBA Draft. They have already played a major role in influencing the way basketball is played, so it is possible that they can come up with a style to due so again.
Before we admired Stephen Curry, Damian Lillard, and more for launching threes, we looked at Tim Duncan, Vince Carter, Dirk Nowitzki and more players for their amazing dunks and post play. Not saying that this team is full of players of this level, but we are looking at an interesting roster that mirrors the way teams were built in the past. The Warriors may find success this season despite doubts, or maybe the players shoot better this season. We’ll have to wait and see how this goes throughout the season.
