Golden State Warriors Roundtable: 5 Questions on the 2015-16 Season

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1. Is this season’s Warriors team better than last year’s? Why or why not?

Jun 19, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors hold the trophy during the Golden State Warriors 2015 championship celebration at the Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan Viera: Yes, this Warriors team is better than last year’s team. First of all, all of the young guys have improved. Draymond has gotten better, Ezeli is much improved, and somehow, Curry is on a whole other level. Secondly, this is the team’s second year together. Now that they’ve had a year to gel, their play on the court looks effortless.

Angelo Mendoza: Though we’re only eight games into the 2015-16 season, I do believe that this season’s Warriors team is indeed better than last year’s, which certainly comes as a welcome surprise to me. Golden State posted historically great numbers last year, and, I admit, I expected some regression on their part, a prediction that was based on three things: their tough schedule, a lack of faith in their ability to remain healthy, and anticipated improvements by other teams, whether by roster modifications or internal growth.

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However, their schedule — which has already featured and will later include games against a number of perennial Western Conference playoff teams to start the season — has seemingly had little to no effect on them, physically or mentally. In addition, they’ve already suffered a health-related issue with starting center Andrew Bogut, but his absence has seen the rise of Festus Ezeli and brought further glory to Golden State’s utilization of small-ball tactics. Also, their second unit has played rather well, proving two things: that another year playing together in Steve Kerr’s system has made them that much more dangerous and their ability to step-up to the plate individually when one of the starters is in foul trouble or injured is preternatural. So while the rest of the NBA may have very well improved, it’s becoming more and more apparent that the Warriors have improved as well. Just a scary thought that quite possibly has opposing teams unnerved.

Wes Ying: Absolutely- there is no substitute for championship experience, and with the entire core practically back together, the familiarity with everyone’s games is there. The Warriors are still young and improving as well, and as long as they stay hungry and motivated, they should eclipse last year’s team.

Don Jackson: The Warriors may have won the championship last year, but this year’s team will be even better. With a year of Steve Kerr’s system in the rear-view mirror, the Warriors offensive and defensive efficiency will surely rise to new heights, solidifying their hold as the NBA’s most balanced team.

Brendan Kennealy: Personally, I think they are slightly better, due to the fact that the team, as a whole, gained so much postseason experience last year, and the top-nine guys from the rotation are back from last season as well, with David Lee as the only main departure. Also, a full season of a healthy Festus Ezeli will be a huge addition to the big man rotation. This will also relieve stress from Andrew Bogut, as his foul count won’t be as big of a deal if he gets into early foul trouble with a very serviceable back-up center ready to roll off the bench.

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