Will the Warriors take the next step in 2014-15?

[TheFlex]

Mods, please tell me if this sort of post is discouraged (i.e. self-promotion).

I recently blogged about the Warriors' chances next year: http://thesportsbloggers.com/nba/782

Here's a snippet:

Yet while the Warriors expect to be a better regular season team, don’t expect them to make much more noise in the playoffs as currently constructed. Many of their issues in the playoffs can be attributed to David Lee’s drastic drop-off in performance in a playoff environment. Lee thrives when he’s up against the league’s average power forward, using his energy, strength and finishing ability to punish opponents on the low block. He fills the Warriors’ need for a third scoring option behind Curry and Thompson well — in the regular season.

But in the playoffs, up against the likes of Blake Griffin, LaMarcus Aldridge, Tim Duncan, Serge Ibaka and the slew of long, athletic, talented power forwards on Western Conference playoff teams, Lee’s interior dominance is minimized. This year, he scored about 4 points less per game and he had 2.1 shots blocked per game, up from 1.6 shots blocked per game in the regular season. His already poor defensive rating (an estimate of points allowed per 100 possessions) of 103 in the 2013-14 regular season skyrocketed to 115 during this year’s playoffs.

What do you guys think, where do the Warriors rank in the WC next year? Do they need to make a splash at the deadline?

[slamtheking]

Mods, please tell me if this sort of post is discouraged (i.e. self-promotion).

I recently blogged about the Warriors' chances next year: http://thesportsbloggers.com/nba/782

Here's a snippet:

Yet while the Warriors expect to be a better regular season team, don?€™t expect them to make much more noise in the playoffs as currently constructed. Many of their issues in the playoffs can be attributed to David Lee?€™s drastic drop-off in performance in a playoff environment. Lee thrives when he?€™s up against the league?€™s average power forward, using his energy, strength and finishing ability to punish opponents on the low block. He fills the Warriors?€™ need for a third scoring option behind Curry and Thompson well ?€” in the regular season.

But in the playoffs, up against the likes of Blake Griffin, LaMarcus Aldridge, Tim Duncan, Serge Ibaka and the slew of long, athletic, talented power forwards on Western Conference playoff teams, Lee?€™s interior dominance is minimized. This year, he scored about 4 points less per game and he had 2.1 shots blocked per game, up from 1.6 shots blocked per game in the regular season. His already poor defensive rating (an estimate of points allowed per 100 possessions) of 103 in the 2013-14 regular season skyrocketed to 115 during this year?€™s playoffs.

What do you guys think, where do the Warriors rank in the WC next year? Do they need to make a splash at the deadline?

I think they should have traded for Bass with their TPE.  would have helped both franchises.

[Yoki_IsTheName]

All depends on my boy Andrew Bogut.

He stays on the court, they are one of, if not the most dangerous team in the League.

[TheFlex]

In the article I suggested they form a package around Harrison Barnes to trade for Greg Monroe. What do you guys think of that? Would DET accept?

[MBunge]

All depends on my boy Andrew Bogut.

He stays on the court, they are one of, if not the most dangerous team in the League.

Bogut will help but the Warriors real problem is that their two best players, Curry and Thompson, really need to play with a facilitator.  That's what Jarrett Jack did two years ago and why they went out to get Iguodala last season.  But since Curry can't really be anything but a 1 and Thompson can only be a 3 against certain matchups, that puts GSW in a bind.

Mike

[hpantazo]

I think they will certainly be better this coming season simply because they have Steve Kerr calling the shots instead of Mark Jackson. Kerr will get more out of Bogut, Lee and Barnes imo. He has already stated that he wants to use Bogut much more on the offensive end than they did last season. Jackson practically removed Bogut from the offense completely, which is stupid, as Bogut has legit low post skills, a good shot, and is a great passer. Using him to establish an inside game will open things up for Lee to get more offensive boards, and will lead to better looks for Curry, Thompson, and Barnes.

Barnes was misused by Jackson last year as well. He has some excellent offensive skills, but is not adept at creating his own offense, which is what Jackson tried to do with him and lead to Barnes totally losing confidence in himself.

The Warriors will take the next step because they have a decent coach finally.

[GreenWarrior]

if you ask Stephen A. Smith? yes they will and it will be because of Klay Thompson - the 2nd coming. according to Stephen A.

but in all seriousness they will be a top team in the West. just not in the league of Oklahoma, San Antonio. I think they'll move up and the Grizzlies start to fall apart.     

[RJ87]

If Klay Thompson reaches all-star status and/or Harrison Barnes takes a significant leap, yes.

[Fafnir]

Probably not.

They have a chance, especially if healthy. But I don't think they'll make the WCF, one series win if they get the right match up.

[Future Celtics Owner]

Too bad they didn't pick up Boozer off waivers for when Bogut gets hurt again.

[Vox_Populi]

If Klay Thompson reaches all-star status and/or Harrison Barnes takes a significant leap, yes.

Agreed. And assuming they stay healthy.

[TheTruthFot18]

IMO I think they can only get worse, not better. I'm one of the biggest supporters of offense with solid 3 point shooting (as opposed to down low/ long twos etc) but they seem stuck right now.

Bogut and Lee will only get worse as they go through their 30's and they just need more defense.