Golden State Warriors: 5 reasons they won’t make the NBA Finals
By Brad Rowland
Health
This caveat could be applied to any NBA contender, but even with a deep squad, the Warriors are susceptible to an injury that could derail their title hopes.
On a specific basis, the biggest injury concern surrounds center Andrew Bogut. Bogut has failed to crack 70 games played in each of the past seven seasons, and while he did put together 67 appearances this season, the Warriors simply aren’t the same team when he isn’t available and healthy. For context, Golden State outscores opponents by more than 16 points per 100 possessions when Bogut is on the floor, but that number tumbles when he comes off, and if not for a limited workload, Bogut may have earned legitimate Defensive Player of the Year momentum.
There are other more minor concerns, i.e. Shaun Livingston, David Lee or even Stephen Curry (ankles!), but Bogut represents the biggest hiccup. He is healthy right now, and that has to be said, but a multi-game absence for a key contributor could throw a wrench into the mix if it comes at the wrong time.
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