With the return of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, the Golden State Warriors are projected to return to their status as Championship contenders.
But, according to ESPN analyst Richard Jefferson, the Warriors might have a tougher path to dominance than most are believing.
(via NBC)
“They are the best backcourt and they are going to be the best backcourt until they probably retire at this point,” Jefferson said on ESPN’s “The Jump.”
“But this is the issue about next season — the Revenge Tour, quote-unquote. Steph hasn’t played very much basketball in the last year. Klay has missed an entire season of basketball. You have to condition yourself — I don’t care — they aren’t even going to the minicamps. I know these guys are going to be in shape, I know these guys are going to be tough — I’m not saying that. But there is something about being 30 years old and missing an entire season of basketball.”
Curry and Klay are both returning from major injuries and, as Jefferson implies with his statement, there is no guarantee they will return to full form for the 2020-21 season.
“So I don’t think next season will be their quote-unquote. It will be the next season when they have their legs back under them, they kind of in more of a rhythm. That’s when I think they can really start taking names and kicking butts,” Richard Jefferson added.
Over the course of an 82 (or 72) game season, it might take the Dubs some weeks or months before they are able to find their rhythm and play up to their potential — even with Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins.
In the end, it will be interesting to see how the Dubs integrate their new roster and how the Splash Bros. look upon their highly anticipated return to the court.
