Just a season ago, the Golden State Warriors were at the top of the NBA’s food chain. The franchise went on a dynasty run that shook the core of the NBA— three Larry O’Brien trophies, five-straight trips to the Finals, multiple MVPs, and the best regular-season the league has ever seen.
Now, in 2019, saying things are drastically different is an understatement. Kevin Durant is with the Brooklyn Nets, the “Splash Brothers” are dealing with extended injuries and the Warriors have the worst record in the NBA at 4-19. However, there is still hope the team can turn things around as quickly as next season.
In 2020, Golden State should have some salary-cap flexibility to bring in new talent, with things like a traded player exception, and the mid-level exception; while Curry, Thompson, Draymond Green and D’Angelo Russell are all still under contract for the future. All positive steps towards getting back on track, but where the team could strike gold is the 2020 NBA draft.
The Warriors’ measly 2019 record is setting up the team to own a top pick in the 2020 draft lottery. The Warriors’ potential after getting healthy and adding firepower in 2020 is worrying some around the NBA, according to NBC Sports NBA insider Tom Haberstroh.
“The people I talk to around the league are really worried that they are going to trade that first-round pick, the 2020 pick—because if they load up with an All-Star-type player with that pick, they are terrified—or if they land a Luka Doncic in the draft, they’re terrified. ” Haberstroh said when joining the Warriors-Hornets television broadcast on NBC Sports Bay Area. “So, that 2020 pick, adding to the group they have established here with Paschall stepping in right away, man—I think every team is going to try to do a gap year.”
"They're terrified"
Tom Haberstroh hears that the rest of the league is worried about the Warriors 2020 draft pick. 👀 pic.twitter.com/adfW73LC35
— Chris Montano (@gswchris) December 5, 2019
A healthy and rested Splash Brother tandem, paired with Russell, Green, Paschall and either another All-Star talent or high lottery pick could poise the Warriors for a return back to dominance, a scary thought for the rest of the NBA.