Golden State Warriors: Are They Championship Contenders?

4. The Warriors drastically improved on defense last season, and they will only continue to grow with the additions they’ve made to this team.

May 14, 2013; San Antonio, TX, USA; Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut (12) and San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan (behind) battle for position during the second half in game five of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at the AT

Last season, the Warriors ranked fourth in the NBA with a 43.9 percent opponent’s field goal percentage, after ranking 20th in the NBA during the 2011-2012 season at 45.3 percent. Last season, the Warriors also tied for second in the NBA with 45 rebounds per game, compared to ranking 28th in the NBA with 39.2 rebounds per game in the 2011-2012 season.

If Bogut stays healthy, he will be a solid defensive presence for the Warriors who can protect the paint, alter shots, and block shots.

The Warriors not only added solid bench players, but they also added players who will drastically improve the Warriors’ overall defense. Iguodala is one of the elite defenders in the NBA, O’Neal is an excellent shot blocker, Speights can also block shots and rebound, and Douglas is a quality defender also.