Previewing the West: Which contenders give Warriors biggest problems?

Western Conference preview: Golden State Warriors try to run it back against a stacked conference

Following a disappointing season finale last year, the Warriors made immediate changes to their roster and mentality. Jordan Poole, you’re out. Chris Paul, you’re in. Teenage rookies have been replaced by rookies with more college experience. Steph Curry and coach Steve Kerr are re-establishing the team chemistry that was lacking last season.

The championship window is still open, but it isn’t as wide as it once was, and it won’t be for much longer. Curry is 35 years old. Klay Thompson and Draymond Green will be 34 years old this spring. Paul is 38 years old.

At least 12 teams in the Western Conference have legitimate playoff hopes. Which of these are the most formidable challenges to the Curry-Klay-Dray dynasty’s fifth championship?

Let’s dissect it.

Sure-fire contenders

Nuggets, Denver (53-29)

The reigning NBA champions, despite having championship fatigue, are the betting favorites to win the West. Last season, the Nuggets were the No. 1 seed, thanks to Jokic’s scoring and passing, the development of Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. as shooters, and the dirty-work willingness of Archbishop Mitty alum Aaron Gordon. Curry and the Warriors have a history of success against the Nuggets, which could give them an advantage.

(43-39) Los Angeles Lakers

Anthony Davis is the Warriors’ Achilles’ heel because his presence in the paint discourages all scorers from attacking the rim. The Warriors rely heavily on 3-point shooting, but Davis’ length has the potential to make Golden State’s offense one-dimensional. L.A.’s health is a concern; Davis is frequently sidelined by nagging injuries, and LeBron James turns 39 in December. However, the team is deep in scorers and ball handlers like Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell, as well as size on the wings in Rui Hachimura and Jarrett Vanderbilt.

(45-37) Phoenix Suns

The Suns acquired former first-round pick Deandre Ayton in exchange for a Big 3 of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. They’re top-heavy, lack depth, and struggle on defense. On Opening Night, Golden State will face Durant for the first time in front of a live audience at Chase Center.

Candidates with flaws

(44-38) Los Angeles Clippers

Kawhi Leonard and Paul George teamed up in 2019 with the intention of wreaking havoc on the Western Conference. Only 118 games have the two superstars played together in four seasons. They advanced to the Western Conference finals in 2021 and could do so again if they stay healthy.

(48-34) Sacramento Kings

Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox are a dynamic duo, but the Warriors exposed a major defensive flaw last season by challenging Sabonis at the rim. However, if second-year player Keegan Murray improves and offseason acquisitions such as Colby Jones can make an impact as a defender, the Kings could make the necessary leap to become a dangerous contender once again.

Suspicious contenders

(40-42) Oklahoma City Thunder

The Thunder may be operating under the radar, but they are a young and talented team with the potential to make a deep playoff run. Point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a true superstar, flanked by rising stars such as Jalen Williams of Santa Clara and fellow first-round pick Josh Giddey. Chet Holmgren, a potential Rookie of the Year candidate who missed all of last season due to injury, has been sensational in the preseason, establishing himself as a premier rim protector and offensive player. The Thunder have the length and youth to cause the Warriors serious problems.

(42-40) Minnesota Timberwolves

Last year, the Timberwolves snuck into the play-in game with a slew of talent that didn’t gel in time to make a serious run. However, the talent exists.

In the front court, Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert are learning to coexist, while Anthony Edwards is expected to take the next step as the team’s second superstar after Towns. Along with Jared McDaniels, the Timberwolves have all the length on the wings that usually causes problems for the smaller Warriors on offense.

Do not overlook them.

Grizzlies of Memphis (51-31)

Ja Morant’s off-court drama, combined with general immaturity throughout the roster, derailed the Grizzlies’ stellar regular season last year. They were eliminated in the first round by the Lakers. Morant will be suspended for the first 25 games of the season, allowing veteran Marcus Smart to anchor a team that has been victimized by its own chaos. The Grizzlies can be a problem again with the return of Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane, and Kevin Morant.

(38-44) Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks were mediocre last season, but they have one of the best backcourts in the NBA in Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Dallas could be one of the West’s more formidable contenders if Irving can play a full season without off-court distractions and the Mavericks put together a more competent defense with bigs Dwight Powell, Richaun Holmes, and rookie Dereck Lively II.

Honorable mentions include the New Orleans Pelicans, who have Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, and the Utah Jazz, who have All-Star Lauri Markkanen.