Real Reasons Behind Warriors’ Early Season Success

So far, the Warriors boast a very impressive 19-10 record, refusing to let anyone overtake the fifth seed in the Western Conference. Unfortunately for them, they haven’t been able to catch the Spurs or the Grizzlies, who are right ahead of them. The Warriors, in the midst of one of their best starts in years, are young and exciting. The obvious factors contributing to victory would be the back court, as well as David Lee, but the Warriors had all of those factors last year. This year, there are different factors that have finally pushed Golden State over the top. Indirectly, Bob Myers is the reason for the Warriors success.

Dec 19, 2012; Sacramento, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors point guard Jarrett Jack (2) warms up before the game against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

When Bob Myers came to be the general manager of the Warriors, he actually felt like the Warriors should win some games. Because of some smart choosing, Myers was able to sign Carl Landry, trade for Jarrett Jack, and draft Draymond Green.

These guys have been the X-Factors thus far, and the real reasons of success. Why have they helped the Warriors so much? Maybe it’s because the Warriors, who had been terrible at closing out games, are now given the stamina and mentality to do it with added veteran experience in Jack and Landry, and a fiery rookie in Green.

1. Carl Landry: Landry had a slew of suitors, but he chose the Warriors on a two-year, eight million contract. After Landry signed with the Dubs, Brandon Rush, who is out for the remainder of the season, signed as well. The Warriors doubled their depth right there. Landry provides another big body for the Warriors to utilize. They needed a backup power forward to complete their depth chart, and they surely got one, plus more. He is a smart, tough, and aggressive player, and he is averaging around 13 points per game and six rebounds per game.

2. Draymond Green: Don’t get me wrong – Harrison Barnes and Festus Ezeli were very smart draft picks. Unfortunately, Harrison Barnes can’t initiate his own offense, and Festus Ezeli is still very raw on the offensive side of the floor. Draymond Green, however, was perhaps the best pick of the bunch. He doesn’t contribute with this stats, but he is an excellent defender, and work ethic bodes him well in the future. For example, he defended LeBron James in the win over the Heat. The next time the Warriors play the Thunder, he will likely match up with 6’11 small forward Kevin Durant. Green’s hard work and sometimes flashes of scoring have proved that he’s a valuable asset. He’s a huge reason behind the Warriors’ success.

3. Jarrett Jack: Jack has been incredible. It’s that simple. At the beginning of the season, he didn’t really have much intensity. Ever since the beginning of the seven game road-trip for the Warriors, though,he has gone into the zone and really pushed the Warriors over the top with a veteran presence at the helm. Along with Stephen Curry at two and Klay Thompson at three, Jack has been able to takeover games. At the end of the game, it’s him running down the shot clock and scoring on his man. His jump-shot and his three point shot are both stuck on automatic. Not to mention that he allows Curry to play his more natural position, shooting guard. Albeit coming off the bench, he is another main reason for the Warriors’ success.