The Golden State Warriors are preparing to make a serious playoff push next season, in the most uncertain of ways possible.
Golden State’s gambling started last season, when it opted to deal leading scorer Monta Ellis to the Milwaukee Bucks, in a deal that landed them the oft-injured behemoth that is Andrew Bogut. And it didn’t stop there.
Next came Stephen Jackson, who turned into Richard Jefferson. While the latter is hardly the athletic specimen he was five years ago, he’s a good slasher who provides a sound, much-needed veteran presence in the locker room. Then came Jarrett Jack, the first true point guard the Warriors have had in tow for years.
And now, they’re at it again, having added Carl Landry into the fold in addition to re-signing Brandon Rush, according to the Associated Press (via NBA.com).
Both players were signed to two-year deals, solidifying a Warriors rotation that is becoming increasingly interesting and wildly uncertain.
Will Stephen Curry’s ankle hold up next season? Can Bogut survive the entire season without suffering a headline-worthy injury? Will David Lee crumble under the increased expectations? Was Brandon Rush’s 2011-12 campaign a one-hit wonder? Is there anything left in Jefferson’s tank? Will Jack be able to pick up where he left off last season?
And those are just a handful of questions plaguing Golden State right now.
On paper, the Warriors are bursting with potential, but their success hinges on a slew of uncontrollable factors. The most proven player on their roster right now is Lee, and guaranteed production from him is hardly enough to contend for relevancy, let alone a playoff spot.
That said, for the first time in years, Golden State has put together a roster that—when healthy—is incredibly deep and laden with talent. If they can overcome underlying factors like injuries and a lack of chemistry, the team has a better than decent shot at making the playoffs.
But that’s purely speculation for now, because in reality, regardless of how talented the Warriors appear on paper, we have no idea what they’re truly made of.
So, while the logistics suggest yes, Golden State will make the playoffs and recent history indicates, no they wont’, there’s no right or wrong answer. Only time will tell how well this team will truly fare.
And as unsettling a notion as that may be, it’s a significant improvement upon where this team was at six months ago.
Dan Favale is a firm believer in the three-pointer as well as the notion that defense doesn’t always win championships. His musings can be found at Bleacherreport.com in addition to TheHoopDoctors.com. Follow @danfavale on Twitter for his latest posts and all things NBA.
