Do you actually learn anything from an NBA preseason?
Win-loss records don’t matter at all, but you can get an idea of how a team is meshing and learning to play together. For this year’s Warriors the early returns are excellent. But it’s also a perfect time to compare this 2016-17 Warriors to the squads that went 83-20 and 88-18 the past two seasons. Essentially the most winning ever done over a two-year period in NBA history and very tough act to follow. In fact, the Warriors could actually win LESS games but be a better team by the time the postseason rolls around.
This current edition will certainly be different but has a very good chance to be improved. It’s helpful to compare the rosters to really understand the differences.
Steph Curry vs. Steph Curry
Can a two-time NBA MVP get even better? In year 8 the answer is yes. He won’t have to average 30 points per game. He won’t have to expend as much energy carrying the team and he may be able to repurpose that energy expenditure on defense.
Klay Thompson vs. Klay Thompson
The guy is a human cyborg in terms of shooting a basketball. Already sharp from a summer at the Olympics, he looks ready to lead the team in scoring.
Harrison Barnes vs. Kevin Durant
The Warriors moved from a 12-point per game scorer to one of the top 3 players in the world. Lost in all the LeBron mania is the fact that Cleveland dared Barnes to make a shot in the last three games of the Finals. He went 5 of 32. That will NOT happen with Durant, ever. Both are excellent defenders but Durant is incredibly special in every facet of the game.
Draymond Green vs. Draymond Green
The heartbeat of the team and THE player that keys the small “Death” lineup. The only player that can stop Draymond from improving is actually Draymond. Will his shenanigans derail his ascension to the elite of the NBA? I don’t think so. I’d take Draymond in every game that matters and a whole roster full of players with his competitive attitude.
Andrew Bogut vs. Zaza Pachulia
This will not be a direct or easy comparison. Bogut is an elite defender with exceptional size. A tremendous screen setter and a very clever passer. Pachulia is an earnest worker, an absolute pro but not the defender that Bogut has been nor is he an elite passer. But he is a willing scorer a much better free throw shooter and probably more consistent with his production on a game-to-game basis.
Andre Iguodala/Sean Livingston vs. Andre Iguodala/Sean Livingston
Incredible leadership, unselfishness, experience and savvy from both players. Probably a slight decline due to age which makes managing their regular season minutes so critical.
Leandro Barbosa/Brandon Rush vs. Patrick McCaw
Two great veteran locker room pieces that both provided a spark on various occasions, usually offensively. McCaw may be the absolute steal of the draft and could be in the mold of a junior Andre Iguodala. McCaw can affect the game on both ends of the floor and plays with a poise that is remarkable for a rookie.
Mo Speights vs. David West
Speights could win games with exceptional shooting, particularly from the center spot. West is the absolute professional and a very tough-minded, respected presence. Probably a backup four, but may be more of an upgrade in ways that will become more obvious as the season progresses.
Ian Clark/James Michael McAdoo vs. Ian Clark/James Michael McAdoo
Deeper reserves that should be better with another year of confidence and experience in the Warrior system. Any improvement would be a bonus, just need to be what they have been.
Kevon Looney vs. Kevon Looney
Played only five games and 21 minutes previously. Has had two hip surgeries. May not look fluid but a very smart player with a 7’ 5” wingspan and an absolute knack for rebounding. A little contribution would make a big difference.
Anderson Varejao vs. Anderson Varejao
There may not be a nicer person in the NBA. Great teammate with infectious energy. Just needs to provide a spark every once in awhile.
Festus Ezeli vs. Damian Jones/Javale McGee
Tough comparison because Ezeli has not been able to stay healthy and is currently injured with Portland. This current team needs to cobble together productive minutes at the center spot. With Pachulia, Varejao, Jones and McGee they have enough bodies but it will be up to Steve Kerr to assess the most favorable matchups on a daily basis. Remember that Draymond Green will log significant center minutes. But teams will try to go big and beat up the Warriors, really making them work to rebound and guard much larger lineups. Jones likely won’t be healthy for a few months and McGee is hoping to resurrect his career.
Bottom line
The Warriors swapped out Harrison Barnes, Andrew Bogut, Leandro Barbosa, Brandon Rush, Marreese Speights and Festus Ezeli for Kevin Durant, Zaza Pachulia, David West, Patrick McCaw, Damian Jones and Javale McGee. Quite simply the best team in the NBA may have actually gotten better.