Are The Golden State Warriors Done This Year?

Last night Stephen Curry broke his left hand after landing awkwardly after colliding with Phoenix Suns big man Aron Baynes trying to draw a charging foul. Curry at this time had only been 1 of 7 from the three point line, on his way to another rough game. Curry has gotten off to a slow start this year, shooting at only 24 percent from three point range to begin the year. It's still very early, and shooters always bounce back from cold streaks. Stephen Curry is expected to be out at least a month, but it could take longer. The good news is that it's his non shooting hand, as Curry is primarily a right handed player.

Before the season started I never saw the Warriors making the playoffs. The loss of Klay Thompson is just too much, and there lack of depth. A lot of people also have Stephen Curry winning league MVP this year, but if I got a vote it would be for Anthony Davis. Davis is off to a hot start this year, and I see that lasting for the entire season. When Curry comes back from injury, I see him as a man on a mission, and he will score in bunches. Willie Cauley-Stein and Alec Burks did make there season debuts last night at the Chase center in Golden State.

The Warriors still have a good starting lineup minus Stephen Curry. Injuries have been a big problem for the Warriors early on. It is still very early into the season, and a lot can still happen. I see the Warriors still struggling with Curry out. Defense has been the biggest concern so far. Willie Cauley-Stein and when Kevon Looney comes back will be able to help out with defense and rebounding. The Warriors have never been a great defensive and rebounding team the last few years, but have always had so much fire power on offense, simply outscoring the other teams each night. The Warriors are simply doomed without their 2 time MVP winner in the starting lineup.

I look for D'Angelo Russell to run the offense more while Stephen Curry is out. Russell is no stranger to this as he earned his first all star appearance last year with the Brooklyn Nets. Russell averaged 21 points and 7 assists per game last year, and I look for him to put up those kind of numbers for the Warriors. It is hard to replace Stephen Curry kind of numbers, but he will have to improve and others around his team as well. Once D'Angelo Russell's shooting touch comes back, he will be lights out for the Warriors.

In order for the Warriors to stay afloat during Curry's absence Draymond Green is going to have to try to score the ball more. Green is an excellent defender, rebounder, and passer, but has never put up huge scoring numbers. His career high in points is 31, and we are going to need to see him surpass that on a couple of occasions in order for the Warriors to win. I know this is asking a lot of Draymond, but he is there veteran leader and lone star remaining post their 3 NBA championships. The problem with Green has been his jumpshot declining each and every year. He improved in the second half of last season, but is once again off to a slow start. Teams will usually give Draymond Green a lot of room to shoot when is a anywhere beyond the 3 point line. I am really hoping his jumpshot comes alive during Curry's absence and remainder of the year.

Jordan Poole will also receive more minutes and learning experience. Poole is primarily known for his offense, and boy will the Warriors need it from the rookie. If the Warriors also have another Quinn Cook in their G league system, that would be great as well. I look for coach Steve Kerr to use Jordan Poole more often and see what the rookie is really made of.

With Stephen Curry being sidelined for at least a month I do not see the Warriors making the playoffs this year. They have some decent pieces around this team, but not enough to hold their own in the stacked Western Conference. I do not see the Warriors tanking, especially after moving into a brand new state of the art arena. In all honesty they will probably get a lottery draft pick for the first time in years, but will come back stronger than ever next season.