NBA Power Rankings: One reason every team can be optimistic

By Ian Levy | Dec 18, 2018

BROOKLYN, NY - DECEMBER 3: Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers handles the ball against the Brooklyn Nets on December 3, 2018 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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SACRAMENTO, CA – DECEMBER 14: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors stands during the National Anthem prior to the start of an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings at the Golden 1 Center on December 14, 2018 in Sacramento, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

21-10. Previous: 4th. Golden State Warriors. 6. team. 41.

The Warriors have a difficult road ahead. This has been their must uneven season since Steve Kerr took over. The field of challengers is looking as strong as ever, internal conflict seems to be just below the surface and eventual free agent/extension decisions are looming for Kevin Durant, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson. And yet, with all that, they’re still the presumptive favorites and have a gear that no other team can match.

Oh, and if they had to choose between Durant and Draymond this summer, they’d still be a top-tier championship contender. If they somehow lost both and had to rebuild around Stephen Curry and Klay, they’d still be a championship contender. If Klay eventually departs as well and they have to get creative with personnel around Curry by himself, they’d still be a championship contender. As long as they have Curry, everything will be fine.

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