The Golden State Warriors have not enjoyed the season they envisioned after acquiring Chris Paul during the summer. The franchise has struggled to string multiple wins together. A new and unwelcomed habit of losing games from winning positions has also emerged. However, as the All-Star break drew near, Golden State began to show signs of life.
Steve Kerr implemented a new-look frontcourt that saw Draymond Green start at center and Jonathan Kuminga slide into the starting unit. Things have looked better for the Warriors since that change occurred. As such, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, who was speaking on a recent episode of First Take, has shared his belief that the Warriors are still a championship threat in the Western Conference.
“Steph Curry is still the greatest shooter God ever created,” Smith said. “…Jonathan Kuminga has elevated his level of play. His 3-point shooting, his field goal percentage. He gets it now. And his athleticism is off the charts. Draymond Green has upped the ante. Defensively, they’ve really stepped up. Klay Thompson comes off the bench for the first time and drops 35…If Klay Thompson finds his shot again, with Steph Curry playing the way he is, and those brothas’ shooting the way they shoot, it changes everything.”
Paul is still to come back from injury. Thompson could excel in a bench role. Curry and Green don’t appear to be losing a step with age. The young core of Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, and Moses Moody are all providing the energy and hustle necessary for a team to compete at the highest level.
Who's most likely to win another title: LeBron, KD or Steph? 🤔@stephenasmith is rocking with Curry and the Warriors 👀 pic.twitter.com/PkbOpp4D7g
— First Take (@FirstTake) February 19, 2024
Golden State will likely be focused on building championship habits and good momentum in the season’s final stretch. However, if all the pieces begin to fall into place, they will certainly be a threat once the postseason begins.
