Golden State Warriors Mailbag: MVP Race, Playoff Concerns, Iguodala

Jan 25, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut (12) celebrates his score against the Boston Celtics in the second half of their NBA basketball game at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports

The biggest concern for the Warriors heading into the playoffs is their health, which has actually been their biggest concern throughout the entire season.

When the Warriors are fully healthy, they can be unstoppable. The Warriors have so much depth on their roster now, which can make up for some minor injuries or some injuries to certain role players, but the Warriors need Andrew Bogut and Curry healthy if they want to make a deep playoff run.

Without Curry, the Warriors are still a talented team, but they are nowhere near as lethal as they are with him on the floor, as seen in their loss to the Indiana Pacers recently. Curry’s presence alone affects how opponents defend the Warriors, which opens up driving lanes and shot opportunities for Draymond Green, Klay Thompson, etc.

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Without Bogut, the Warriors would have Ezeli, who, like Bogut, is extremely skilled defensively. However, Ezeli is still raw offensively and is still improving on many elements of his game, partially because he’s missed significant time due to injury so far over his short NBA career. Also, Ezeli doesn’t have the same effect on opposing offenses as Bogut does.

Bogut alters shots, blocks shots, and changes opponents’ offensive game plans. His inside presence literally puts fear into the eyes of opponents, as they don’t drive to the basket as much when Bogut is in the game because his shot-blocking ability.

Other Warriors players are vital to the Warriors’ success as well such as Thompson, Green, Iguodala, and David Lee. However, Bogut and Curry are crucial to the Warriors on a completely different level. Both have such a significant effect on the team and their opponents, and this is seen when either one of them is on the bench.

Staying healthy is key for the Warriors, but it’s also mostly out of their own control. Keep your fingers crossed, Dub Nation, that Bogut and Curry are healthy come playoff time.

Next: What Will Iguodala's Role Be in the Playoffs?