NBA Power Rankings week 17: OKC Thunder and peers enter break

FEBRUARY 11: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the OKC Thunder handles the ball during the game against the San Antonio Spurs (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
FEBRUARY 11: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the OKC Thunder handles the ball during the game against the San Antonio Spurs (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
3 of 31
OKC Thunder, NBA Power Rankings W17
OKC Thunder, NBA Power Rankings W17: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors warms up before the game (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

Golden State Warriors:

Offense: (103.9) 30th
Defense: (112.4) 24th
Net: (minus -8.5) 29th

Results Week 17: (0-2) Lost vs. Heat: 101-113, Suns: 106-112
Games Week 18: (2 games) Thurs vs. Rockets | Sun vs. Pelicans

Once Steph and Klay return Steve Kerr will have time to figure out just how well Wiggins fits. Through three appearances with the Dubs, the returns are positive as Wiggs is posting 23.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.7 blocks. And, not that the Warriors will need it next season but if the Canadian keeps up his 3-point efficiency of 53.3 percent it’ll be considered an unexpected bonus.

Albeit, the wingman is producing like this because he is the number one option on the hardwood, which he won’t be with the return of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. Still, the thing to keep an eye on will be whether he keeps playing with the same focus, energy, and commitment or this is simply the initial excitement of being out of Minny and KAT’s demands

Again, what no one seems to be discussing is the very real likelihood the Warriors will nab the top draft pick this summer and as long as the Wolves don’t finish next season in the bottom three will gain their pick in the highly valued 2021 draft.

This means the Warriors could select James Wiseman potentially and end up with a starting five of Steph, Klay, Wiggins, Draymond Green, and either a healthy Kevon Looney or Wiseman.

The Warriors are sitting back, getting healthy and purposely tanking.  Ultimately, they may end up having the last laugh over this season and eventually refer to it as the year of recharging.