Golden State Warriors: Analyzing Their Chances to Contend

May 12, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts as San Antonio Spurs power forward Tim Duncan (21) looks on during overtime in game four of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Spurs 97-87 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

It’s been talked about over and over again, but contending isn’t easy.

In the NBA this year, there’s plenty of good teams, but plenty of not-so-good teams. The Warriors fall under the category of good teams. They’re going to make the playoffs. This, I can say with certainty. Unfortunately for them, however, one can get so far and deep for nothing. If they get eliminated in the second round of the playoffs, then whats the point? Impress the fans a bit and show some passion.

That’s about it. Fans are of course appreciative and it’s better for a team to make the postseason than not at all. Can the Warrior fans, however, be almost as happy as the Miami Heat’s “fans”? I think that the Warriors have a legitimate shot at contending this year. It’s a bold statement, yes, but the Warriors, I think, are ready for the deep playoff run. They showed all the signs of it last year during the playoffs.

What qualifies me to make such a bold statement? Well, the Warriors are one of the best 3-point shooting teams in the league, they have swingmen, monsters on the glass, and defensive presence. As I’ve previously stated over and over again, the only thing that they lack is experience and ability to close out the game. To make up for this handicap, they signed Andre Iguodala, one of the best all-around players in the game. Not only is Iguodala a veteran, but he closes out games and hits game winning shots.

This is the guy that the Warriors have been waiting for since the beginning of the Mark Jackson era. Not a very long period, but he’s the final piece that the Warriors need to finally contend for a title. Many analyzers have the Warriors finishing 6th, again, and I tend to agree with that. With all of the talent in the Western Conference, I think this is a reasonable prediction for them.

Predicting that the Warriors lose in the first round, however, is the thing that I have a problem with. After they made their incredible postseason run, how can one assume that they’ll lose in the first round again. They beat one of the best home-teams in the NBA in a road game, and they won all of their home games only to lose to the Western Conference champions and runners-up. With Iguodala, the Warriors could have beat the San Antonio Spurs because they had the veteran experience to help them keep their composure.

Now that Stephen Curry is building his body and becoming stronger, the Warriors are even more of a threat. Curry will be even better at shooting if that’s possible, and his driving dunks will be another feature of his game. He will be a huge threat on the perimeter as well as in the paint. With all these new components, what’s holding the Warriors back?

You tell me.