OKC Thunder vs. Golden State Warriors, 2019-20 team preview

Warriors trio is still a factor:

For most teams losing a two-time Finals MVP, another Finals MVP, and a quality sixth man it would equate to years of toiling in the lottery. But the Warriors maintain their competitiveness because they still have a trio of stars.

Stephen Curry could be a factor this season as Most Valuable Player and will do his best to keep the Warriors relevant until Klay Thompson can return. As for the latter, Thompson will miss at least 55 games. Thompson represents the best two-way player on the team. Moreover, his ability to stretch the court in combination with Curry gives the Warriors so much more floor spacing. He’s also typically the player who guards the best backcourt player so finding an option in his absence will be key.

Last season Draymond Green kind of mailed in his efforts for the first half of the season. However, down the stretch, he dedicated himself to getting in shape via his diet and conditioning. Given the circumstances of the offseason losses, Green arrives in camp in the best shape he’s been in quite some time.

Again, most teams who be delighted to boast a two-time regular season MVP, Defensive Player of the Year and one if not the best NBA 3-point shooters. That’s the type of core teams covet to build their cores and the Warriors still have that!

Title Experience:

Regardless of the player losses, the Warriors have a host of players who’ve been involved in all or a portion of the five seasons of NBA Finals appearances and three titles.  Steve Kerr came on board and tweaked the Warriors offense to make them virtually unstoppable.

Kerr’s job this season will be equal parts fast-tracking the new players buy-in to the Warriors system mixed with emboldening the roster to believe in their championship experience.