Is a healthy Golden State team a contender ?

[manl_lui]

They're a contender in so far as that they could come out of the West this year.

I don't think they'd have any shot against Miami, though.  I don't think they have the defense to slow down Lebron.

I think this is true but I also dont think they could beat a healthy Thunder team yet.

I have the Spurs coming out of the West, but as you guys said, the Warriors do have a chance of doing that as well. If that happens, nobody on the Warriors team can slow down Lebron, or even Wade

[StartOrien]

And I'm glad that they did not give up Klay for Harden. The way Thompson is playing defense, whew, I'll take it over Harden anyday.

Yoki I love your enthusiasm but I just can't see how that's a position anyone, including GSW's brass, would take today.

Harden was the best shooting guard in basketball this year, and is an above average defender. Comparing him to Klay Thompson is like comparing LeBron James to Kawhi Leonard.

1. Hardens ability to create would be incredible for Golden State. Both in what he'd be able to do in floor space, and the positve effect of not having to play JJ.

2. Harden, while better than Thompson defensively isnt what I'd call an 'above average defender'.

[Moranis]

Probably, but I don't think they beat Memphis or a healthy Oklahoma City and they don't beat Miami even when healthy.

[Fafnir]

2. Harden, while better than Thompson defensively isnt what I'd call an 'above average defender'.

He was for OKC at the SG position.

This year his defense fell off to near non-existant levels. The difference between being the primary option in the offense and playing all those minutes at a really fast pace.