Golden State Warriors: How Bright Does the Future Look?
May 16, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (30, left) and power forward David Lee (10, right) react after game six of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs against the San Antonio Spurs at Oracle Arena. The Spurs defeated the Warriors 94-82. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Last season, the Golden State Warriors won 47 games and made the playoffs for the second time in 20 seasons. Personal achievements were plentiful as well, as David Lee represented the Warriors in the 2013 NBA All-Star Game and Stephen Curry was snubbed.
In addition, Harrison Barnes was named to the All-Rookie First Team, and he and Klay Thompson were selected to Team USA’s minicamp. The Warriors are locked and loaded for next season, but how bright does their future look?
Great core of players
Lee is under contract for another three years, Andre Iguodala and Stephen Curry are signed for another four years, and Barnes and Thompson still have a couple years left on their rookie contracts. Curry may not have been an All-Star last year, but he is a superstar in the making, depending on his ankle. Both Lee and Iguodala are around 30 years old and in the middle of their prime; they are both durable, and you can count on them to play a full season.
One big man away from being…
Andrew Bogut’s $14 million contract expires this season, and if he can play a full season like he did in the Denver Nuggets series, the Warriors should consider bringing him back. Newly signed Marreese Speights may also emerge as the successor to Bogut. Regardless, Bogut’s $14 million will come off the books, and the Warriors will have more cap room to give Barnes and Thompson new contracts or sign/trade for a big man.
Will the Warriors miss Mike Malone?
Assistant coach Mike Malone left the Warriors and became the head coach of the Sacramento Kings. As much as I love Mark Jackson’s coaching style and defensive mentality, Malone was Jackson’s right hand man and defensive guru. I believe Malone, who has been with the Warriors for two years, has laid the foundation for the Warriors defense. It is ultimately up to the assistant coaches and players to continue to stress defense. Iguodala becomes the Warriors defensive leader, and he also helps spread the floor on offense.
Who needs the lottery when you’re making the playoffs?
The Warriors have given up a few first and second-round draft picks for the upcoming seasons. If all goes well, the Warriors will not see the NBA Lottery for years to come. However, even if the Warriors don’t have a draft pick, as we saw in this year’s draft, Joe Lacob and Bob Myers will find a way to get into the draft.
The Warriors have a great combination of veterans and young players. They made the Western Conference semifinals last season and used this offseason to fill-in the holes without overhauling the roster. The Warriors have a bright future ahead of them with Barnes, Curry, Thompson, and veterans in Lee and Iguodala.