New-look Warriors could work out in LeBron's favor
The start of a new NBA season is right around the corner and there's plenty to look forward to as things get under way. Last season was dramatic, to say the least, with the Golden State Warriors breaking the single season wins record only to blow a 3-1 lead in the finals to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. This year, Golden State hopes to fix their shortcomings with the addition of yet another superstar, Kevin Durant. As for everyone else, they're waiting to see if LeBron can put Cleveland on his back and drag the team to another title.
One of the biggest questions that everyone is asking is how is Kevin Durant going to fit into the Warriors? It has been noted that Steve Kerr and the Warriors have "created a culture that has somehow de-emphasized ego," which is no small feat when you consider the names that are about to be on this roster. Durant has been adamant about his desire to work well with the team, and we're inclined to believe him. The assertion definitely works with the brand of the player that has previously said that he wanted his nickname to be "The Servant," although many fans are secretly waiting for the return of the Durantula.
Steph Curry and Klay Thompson are historically putting up a combined 48.9 points per game during the post-season, but it still wasn't enough to overcome a tenacious Cavaliers team. With the addition of another lethal shooter to help share the load, the Warriors will be tougher than ever and are a comfortable pick for a return to the finals. Now that the Oklahoma City Thunder have lost one of their most important players, it's hard to imagine any Western Conference team giving the Warriors a run for their money outside of the San Antonio Spurs.
However, having both Curry and Durant on the Warriors could actually work in LeBron's favor when the end of the year rolls around. Having two superstars on the squad could potentially split the MVP voting for Golden State and help LeBron James reclaim the MVP title that he felt he deserved last year.
Given that LeBron finally brought an NBA championship to Cleveland, some are wondering if the team will enter the season with the same hunger that they had in previous years. The Cavs aren't getting any younger, either, because Richard Jefferson and new signee Mike Dunleavy are past 35. There's a serious dearth of youth on this squad. While experience is certainly valuable, one has to wonder if these players are a recipe for longterm success. Of course, both Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love played spectacularly when the team needed them most. And as long as Cleveland's big-three continues to fire on all cylinders, they're very likely to be Eastern Conference champions once again.
No one questions that Golden State is still going to be good. Honestly, no one questions whether or not they're going to be great. But as to whether they'll be good enough to knock off the Cleveland with its well-established chemistry and hardened experience is another question entirely. We'll just have to wait and see, but it's already shaping up to be another exciting season for the NBA.
