Golden State Warriors: 5 west teams that could challenge
By Mark Gunnels
In the wake of Kevin Durant’s power shifting move, we’re wondering who in the west can compete with the Golden State Warriors.
After the addition of Kevin Durant, the Golden State Warriors look like an unstoppable machine on paper. They’ll be the only team in history to have two players from the 50/40/90 club and oh by the way, they just happen to have the reigning back-to-back MVP and former MVP on the same squad.
Following their historical (73-9) campaign and coming within a couple of possessions of repeating as NBA champs, the Warriors didn’t need an overhaul by any stretch of the imagination, especially when their core guys are just entering their prime.
However, whenever you have an opportunity to get someone of Durant’s talent, you’re going to take it in a heartbeat.
In order to get Durant, Golden State let go of Andrew Bogut and Harrison Barnes. Losing Barnes doesn’t hurt, but the absence of Bogut inside could become problematic when facing bigger teams such as San Antonio for instance.
Sure, Bogut isn’t a scoring threat at this point of his career, but his ability to rebound and be a rim protector is something Golden State may miss when things get tough come playoff time.
Since reeling in Durant, the Warriors have signed center Zaza Pachulia and power forward David West. Both acquisitions should help in the front court rotation, however, neither player is particular known as defensive stoppers to say the least.
As we anticipate the 2016-2017 campaign, here’s five teams in the west who can give Golden State a run for their money.
Next: San Antonio Spurs