Fansided

NBA post-free agency power rankings

By Brendon Kleen

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 15: LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers attends a quarterfinal game of the 2018 NBA Summer League between the Lakers and the Detroit Pistons at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 15, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 15: LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers attends a quarterfinal game of the 2018 NBA Summer League between the Lakers and the Detroit Pistons at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 15, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – JUNE 8: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during warms up before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals on June 8, 2018 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – JUNE 8: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during warms up before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals on June 8, 2018 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. Golden State Warriors

Only in a league with a flexible salary cap and a powerful force of collective will on the part of its players would such a phenomenon as the Warriors be possible — indeed, the rich got richer this summer.

Aside from DeMarcus Cousins, about whom the uproar is really too loud, the Warriors were able to keep Kevin Durant at a price lower than his absolute maximum salary, keep Kevon Looney (and likely Patrick McCaw), and add Jonas Jerebko. Assuming larger roles next season for youngsters Jordan Bell and Quin Cook, Golden State is entering next season with depth and, of course, heaps of talent.

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Even if they had been unable to find an upgrade at center and never filled the role Omri Casspi was supposed to play by adding Jerebko, the Warriors would still be the favorites to win a championship. They have two of the five best players in the NBA, and two additional All-Stars beyond that. That embarrassment of riches won’t disappear until one of Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant or Draymond Green goes away.

Perhaps the addition of LeBron James to the Western Conference will give the Warriors the push they need to perform at their highest level throughout the 2018-19 season. By June, last year’s team was publicly declaring it the hardest collective effort they had been through. Coach Steve Kerr knows drive is the strongest impediment to continued to greatness for his veteran squad.

I’ll believe they can fail when I see it.

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