For the last decade, the Golden State Warriors have marched into the postseason with large aspirations of making a big push for a championship.
This season is a little different, as the Warriors have a record of 37-45, their worst record since the 2019-2020 pandemic season.
Both downturns have been for similar reasons: injuries.
Losing Jimmy Butler to a torn ACL back in January, Stephen Curry missing the majority of the past two months and the rest of the supporting cast dealing with injuries has taken a toll on the team.
Having lost seven of their last 10 games, the Warriors have relied on short rotations that sometimes consist of only seven players.
While the team is getting the benefit of players on two-way contracts logging solid minutes in a professional setting, the roster collectively has hardly had enough playing time to develop any sense of chemistry.
Especially with the acquisition of Kristaps Porzingis back in February, who also has missed time, there is very little to no vision regarding the current state of this Warriors team.
Although they sit in the 10th seed, with a rematch against the Los Angeles Clippers tonight, there should be zero expectation or ceiling behind what this team is capable of accomplishing this postseason.
Before we can even talk about the first round, the Warriors would first need to beat the Clippers, then face the loser of the Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers match-up, the other play-in tournament game. So they have a long road ahead to even get into the actual postseason.
In reality, getting knocked out in the first game would be a bigger win than having a first-round appearance.
There is an opportunity to secure a better draft pick in an upcoming class that is one of the most talented the NBA has had in a long time.
If the goal is to maximize the final stretch of Curry’s career, it would be better to shift that focus to next season, when the team can start fresh with a healthier roster.
The harsh reality is this season has been nothing short of a disaster for the Warriors.
There have been an overwhelming number of obstacles, and while they are still the Warriors, this team is nowhere near as deep or talented as in previous seasons. This needs to resonate with some Warriors fans. It’s no longer 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2022 – the years the team took the championship.
The bar should not be set as high anymore, as it is obvious they are miles away from being a championship contender right now.
Let alone, there’s no shot they can withstand the Oklahoma City Thunder in a seven-game series.
The Thunder have had a similar case of consistent injuries like the Warriors, but they still have the best record in the NBA. On top of that, their starting lineup is at full health now.
They are young, athletic and deeply talented, unlike the Warriors. They have no clear weaknesses and rank first in both offensive and defensive rating this season.
I’m sorry, but I don’t think any Warriors fan wants to see their team get swept and lose by 20 points every game. You put Curry and others at risk for another potential injury, and you’re hurting your draft stock while doing so.
If they can manage to keep Porzingis for future seasons and have him join Curry, Draymond Green and Butler in the starting five next season, the Warriors can make a case to make a significantly bigger splash in the West next season.
That could be bolstered by a potential top-10 to top-15 pick as well. The current freshman class in the NCAA is one of the best classes they’ve had in a long time. If the Warriors can land a draft pick around that area, it can add some much-needed depth not just for next season, but once Curry is retired.
General manager Mike Dunleavy and the Warriors know that the dynasty is over, but they still want to compete and manage to get another championship.
This is exactly why Golden State will attempt to fight for the eight-seed, but the hassle just is not worth it.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has made it clear that he doesn’t want to tank or lose, which is understandable; his job is to win.
But by losing early this season, it gives Kerr and his team a much more serious case for next season being a bigger victory and gives the Bay Area a potential last run for its money at an NBA championship.
