The Golden State Warriors might have an aging set of players. But the season opener against the LA Lakers showed that they could also be one of the most threatening.
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Although the Lakers put on a brave show despite LeBron James’ absence, and Luka Doncic stepped up with 43 points, it wasn’t enough to overcome the combined efforts of Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, Jonathan Kuminga, and Draymond Green.
Unlike their competitors in the West, the Warriors didn’t sign new talent in the offseason. They remained focused on getting Kuminga back into the fold and signed former champion Al Horford toward the end of the window. It might be too early to judge, but the Warriors outfit looks a bit different from last season.
They seem more focused and far more deadly. However, their core of Curry (37), Butler (36), Green (35), Horford (39), and Buddy Hield (33) are old. So a lot will eventually come down to fitness, and the Warriors are aware of that.
After all, if they hadn’t lost Curry to an injury in the playoffs last season, they could have been genuine contenders. But, if they can manage to stay fit, NBA analyst Monica McNutt believes, they will be the team to beat in the West.
“I was asked about my darkhorse finals picks recently with Carmelo Anthony, and I kind of got the Warriors coming out of the West right now, if they stay healthy,” predicted McNutt.
“Now, here’s the thing,” she continued. “The experience is undeniable, the work ethic is undeniable, the urgency in the case of Jimmy Butler is undeniable.”
But this doesn’t mean there aren’t any doubts about the Warriors’ outfit. “What does this team look like in April?” McNutt asked. “Because the mileage, it adds up.”
The team has indeed struggled without the Big 3 of Curry, Butler, and Green in full fitness and form. Most notably, when Steph has gone missing, they have failed to find any rhythm on the court.
At 37, Curry might have a few seasons in him still. But the Warriors will have to prepare for the inevitability of a post-Steph era. The Warriors’ front office has taken some steps toward that, having young stars like De’Anthony Melton, Gary Payton II, Brandin Podziemski, and Moses Moody. But they are still heavily dependent on Curry at the moment and will hope he can stay fit come the playoffs.
Players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Doncic have already hit their stride. So the West is only going to get tougher as the season progresses, making the fitness of the aging Golden State core a crucial factor for the team’s success.
