Roster Analysis for the Golden State Warriors Ahead of the 2020-21 NBA Season

Losing Klay Thompson to a horrific leg injury for the second year in a row is devastating. It’s enough for some to write of the Dubs and not consider them as a true contender.

Steph Curry has other ideas.

Thanks to an influx of talent landing in the Bay Area, the Golden State Warriors roster is locked and loaded to make some serious noise. Let’s assess the squad further.

Credit to Bob Myers for putting together such a legit starting five following the news of Klay’s injury. Once he learned he’d be without arguably the best shooting guard in basketball for the entire year, the Warriors GM quickly swung a deal to land Kelly Oubre. After averaging 15.2 ppg in 2018-2019, Kelly elevated his game with the Suns en route to pouring in a shade under 19 points/game this past season.

Kelly Oubre Jr. is ready to get to work with Steph Curry and the Warriors ? pic.twitter.com/JOk9G7lYGE

— Warriors Nation (@WarriorNationCP) December 5, 2020

Steph Curry will act as “Batman” and will be hungry to prove any naysayers wrong. Andrew Wiggins assumes the role of “Robin,” while Draymond Green goes back to being the glue that holds everything together.

The big question mark is how dominant James Wiseman can be in year one as a pro.

As dependable as the starting lineup is, Kerr and the Warriors coaching staff need to figure out which reserves are going to play prominent roles.

Damion Lee stepped up last season and is a likely candidate to be the first guy off the bench. The brother-in-law of Steph Curry chipped in with 12.7 points and 4.9 rebounds while playing 29 minutes per game. Eric Paschall is another guy who emerged in the absence of the Splash Brothers, as did Jordan Poole.

Kent Bazemore returns to the franchise that gave him his first shot as an incoming free agent, and don’t sleep on rookie PG Nico Mannion providing a big boost.

Steph Curry on Nico Mannion: "I talked to him right after the draft. Sky's the limit for him. Kind of wise beyond his years. Excited about the learning curve for him. He doesn't lack confidence at all. He knows he belongs."

— Drew Shiller (@DrewShiller) December 2, 2020

Remember, GSW unloaded Alec Burks, Glenn Robinson III, and Willie Cauley Stein before the season was paused.

A broken left hand forced Curry to miss all but five games in 2019-20. Given how motivated Steph seems to silence the doubters, expect big things from the “Baby-Faced Assassin” once the season gets underway.

Touted as the best shooter who’s ever stepped on the hardwood, Curry is a good bet to average close to 30 a night raining down threes from all over the lot. His defense has improved, and his body has matured, while his leadership and ability to perform in the clutch are both second to none.

How quickly can James Wiseman transform into one of the best big men in the league?

If it happens right away during his rookie campaign like some, think it might, pencil the Warriors in for one of the top three seeds in the West.

The 7’1” center with a 7’6” wingspan not only can clog the paint and be a rim protector on the defensive end – this kid has all sorts of skills on the offensive side of the ball. James can put his excellent footwork to use when his back’s to the basket, plus he can step out and comfortably knock down jumpers from the elbow. 

For a better glimpse at what this electrifying southpaw will bring to the table, check out these James Wiseman highlights.

Do not sleep on this team just because Klay Thompson is on the shelf. The Dubs retooled through free agency and the draft and even pulled off a trade that should pay huge dividends.

After assessing the Golden State Warriors roster and comparing it with others in the league, a trip back to the Finals is still within the cards.