The Bay OK Without Klay
Why the Warriors are still playoff, and maybe finals contenders
By Jace Szarlacki
Why the Warriors are still playoff, and maybe finals contenders
By Jace Szarlacki
On Nov. 18, during a routine workout in Southern California, Warriors star Klay Thompson suffered a season-ending Achilles tear, sidelining him for yet another year. The guard from Washington State University was restricted to the bench this prior season after suffering a torn ACL during the 2019 NBA Finals.
Thompson has been a staple to the Warrior’s dynasty. The 6-foot-6 guard has shot 46% from the field in his career and like his co-Splash Brother Stephen Curry, is lethal behind the arc. Thompson provides a strong defensive presence, being able to play on both sides of the floor.
The Warriors have already seen star talent such as forward Kevin Durant leave to sign with the Brooklyn Nets two offseasons ago. Gaps in the starting rotation need to be filled and finding a replacement for number 11 is no easy feat.
Teams in the past have seen their records and championship dreams suffer due to gruesome injuries to their star players. An example is the 2012 Chicago Bulls who lost their league MVP point guard, Derrick Rose, during a 1st round playoff series which they would ultimately lose in six games. After that year, the Bulls wavered around a .500 record, and Derrick Rose never saw his career takeoff again.
Remember though, this is the Warriors, and if they’re really good at something, it’s putting their team in a position to win. After hearing news of Thompson’s torn Achilles, Golden State immediately picked up former Phoenix guard Kelly Oubre during free agency.
Although Oubre is no Klay Thompson, he’ll provide the shooting power and versatility this team desperately needs. Last year, the guard from New Orleans averaged 18.7 PPG on 35% shooting from three. Paired with Curry in the backcourt, the two will be a nightmare for opposing teams.
One skill Golden State lacked last year was a defensive rim presence who could transition into the offensive game. Too many opposing centers could ease their way into the paint and find points left and right. The Warriors with this in mind, drafted the 7-foot-1 agile center out of the University of Memphis, James Wiseman.
Wiseman adds speed and flexibility to a Warriors lineup which loves to play fast. During his short collegiate run which spanned only three games, Wiseman averaged 20 points and 11 rebounds per contest. This key addition to a struggling Warriors team now without their all-star guard gives the club a reliable rim protector and shot blocker.
Golden State also had the steal of the draft by selecting Nico Mannion with the 48th pick.
The league’s start is not far off and the current Warriors lineup, despite the injury to Thompson, looks very solid on paper. Curry, Oubre, Wiseman, Andrew Wiggins and Draymond Green will most likely be the named starters on the floor for the first tip of the season opener.
Star potential in Wiggins and Oubre is one of the excitements Warriors fans are hoping to see on display at the Chase Center. Former MVP Steph Curry will look to have a bounceback year after being sidelined with a broken wrist during the majority of the 2020 season. Headcoach Steve Kerr will be returning for his 7th year in Golden State.
Thompson’s position has been filled for the time being, and the future looks bright for Dub Nation!
Thompson has been a staple to the Warrior’s dynasty. The 6-foot-6 guard has shot 46% from the field in his career and like his co-Splash Brother Stephen Curry, is lethal behind the arc. Thompson provides a strong defensive presence, being able to play on both sides of the floor.
The Warriors have already seen star talent such as forward Kevin Durant leave to sign with the Brooklyn Nets two offseasons ago. Gaps in the starting rotation need to be filled and finding a replacement for number 11 is no easy feat.
Teams in the past have seen their records and championship dreams suffer due to gruesome injuries to their star players. An example is the 2012 Chicago Bulls who lost their league MVP point guard, Derrick Rose, during a 1st round playoff series which they would ultimately lose in six games. After that year, the Bulls wavered around a .500 record, and Derrick Rose never saw his career takeoff again.
Remember though, this is the Warriors, and if they’re really good at something, it’s putting their team in a position to win. After hearing news of Thompson’s torn Achilles, Golden State immediately picked up former Phoenix guard Kelly Oubre during free agency.
Although Oubre is no Klay Thompson, he’ll provide the shooting power and versatility this team desperately needs. Last year, the guard from New Orleans averaged 18.7 PPG on 35% shooting from three. Paired with Curry in the backcourt, the two will be a nightmare for opposing teams.
One skill Golden State lacked last year was a defensive rim presence who could transition into the offensive game. Too many opposing centers could ease their way into the paint and find points left and right. The Warriors with this in mind, drafted the 7-foot-1 agile center out of the University of Memphis, James Wiseman.
Wiseman adds speed and flexibility to a Warriors lineup which loves to play fast. During his short collegiate run which spanned only three games, Wiseman averaged 20 points and 11 rebounds per contest. This key addition to a struggling Warriors team now without their all-star guard gives the club a reliable rim protector and shot blocker.
Golden State also had the steal of the draft by selecting Nico Mannion with the 48th pick.
The league’s start is not far off and the current Warriors lineup, despite the injury to Thompson, looks very solid on paper. Curry, Oubre, Wiseman, Andrew Wiggins and Draymond Green will most likely be the named starters on the floor for the first tip of the season opener.
Star potential in Wiggins and Oubre is one of the excitements Warriors fans are hoping to see on display at the Chase Center. Former MVP Steph Curry will look to have a bounceback year after being sidelined with a broken wrist during the majority of the 2020 season. Headcoach Steve Kerr will be returning for his 7th year in Golden State.
Thompson’s position has been filled for the time being, and the future looks bright for Dub Nation!