The Golden State Warriors have long been one of the dominant forces in the NBA, with a roster that has redefined modern basketball, winning multiple championships in recent years. But the 2023-24 season has presented a new set of challenges for the team. While they have not been terrible, the Warriors have struggled to maintain the same level of excellence that propelled them to the top in the previous decade. However, in a crowded and competitive Western Conference, the Warriors are not alone in their struggles. Many teams in the West are facing their own challenges, which provides a silver lining for the Warriors. Here’s a look at the situation, where the Warriors stand, and how the broader landscape of the Western Conference is shaping up.
The Warriors’ Struggles in Context
The Warriors are used to being one of the elite teams in the NBA. After all, their dynasty, featuring stars like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, has become one of the most successful in NBA history. But with the new season, a variety of factors have complicated their quest for another championship.
One key issue has been injuries. Both Curry and Thompson have had their battles with injury in recent years, and while Curry has largely remained healthy this season, Thompson’s performance has been inconsistent. His shooting struggles have drawn attention, and his defensive prowess, once a hallmark of his game, has waned with age and past injuries. Green has also had his moments of frustration, and while his defensive leadership remains crucial to the Warriors’ success, his offensive limitations can be a liability at times.
Another challenge the Warriors face is their aging core. Curry, Thompson, and Green have been the backbone of the team for over a decade, but they are no longer the young, sprightly players who helped the Warriors establish their dynasty. While they still possess elite basketball IQs and can perform at a high level in key moments, it is fair to wonder if they can continue to compete at a championship level, especially in a loaded Western Conference.
Additionally, the Warriors have seen some instability in their supporting cast. Players like Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole have had their moments but have not consistently stepped up to take pressure off the veterans. Wiggins has been a solid contributor, particularly on defense, but his offensive game has been hit or miss. Meanwhile, Poole, who was expected to provide scoring punch, was traded away to Washington as part of a major offseason move that saw Chris Paul join the team. Paul’s addition was designed to provide veteran leadership and playmaking, but his role has been somewhat uncertain, as he has not had the same impact that he once did in Phoenix.
Despite these struggles, there is still hope for the Warriors. With the presence of Curry—who is still one of the best players in the league—and a strong supporting cast, the Warriors are never truly out of contention. But, as the team looks to find its rhythm, the rest of the West presents their own sets of challenges.
The Crowded Western Conference
One of the silver linings for the Warriors is the current state of the Western Conference. While the Warriors are having their struggles, they are far from alone in their difficulties. The West is filled with a number of teams that are also trying to find their footing.
Denver Nuggets: Reigning Champions but Struggling to Repeat
The reigning NBA champions, the Denver Nuggets, have faced their own set of challenges. After winning the 2023 title behind the brilliance of Nikola Jokić, who is widely considered the best player in the league, the Nuggets have struggled with consistency in the 2023-24 season. They have been hampered by injuries to key players and have faced difficulties in maintaining the level of play that made them so dominant last season. While Jokić remains the centerpiece of their success, the Nuggets have been hit-or-miss at times, opening the door for other teams in the West to challenge them.
Phoenix Suns: New Look, New Struggles
The Phoenix Suns, another major contender in the West, have undergone significant changes during the offseason. They traded for superstar Bradley Beal to pair with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. While this trio has immense potential, it hasn’t quite clicked on the court yet. Injuries have also been an issue, particularly with Durant, who has a history of injury struggles. As they try to integrate their new stars into the lineup, the Suns have had a rough start to the season, but their ceiling remains high if they can figure it out.
Los Angeles Lakers: LeBron and AD’s Rollercoaster Ride
The Los Angeles Lakers, despite the ageless brilliance of LeBron James and the dominance of Anthony Davis, have also been inconsistent. The Lakers have had flashes of brilliance, especially when LeBron is playing at an MVP level, but they have also had troubling stretches where they struggle to find offense and rhythm. The addition of new players like Austin Reaves and the re-signing of D’Angelo Russell were supposed to give the team a more balanced look, but their success has been mixed. The Lakers, like the Warriors, are still very much in the conversation for the playoffs, but they too are navigating a crowded and competitive Western Conference.
Dallas Mavericks: Luka Doncic Carrying a Heavy Load
The Dallas Mavericks, led by the exceptional Luka Dončić, are also finding their way. Luka has proven to be one of the most talented players in the NBA, but the Mavericks’ roster remains a work in progress. Dallas lacks the depth of other teams in the West, and while Luka is capable of carrying the load, it often feels like too much for one player. The Mavericks are still a dangerous team, but they are in the same boat as the Warriors and others in terms of trying to find that ideal balance.
Sacramento Kings: The Rising Threat
One team that may present the Warriors with some problems is the Sacramento Kings. The Kings have emerged as one of the up-and-coming teams in the West after making the playoffs in 2023 for the first time in 17 years. Led by De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, the Kings have established themselves as a fast and dynamic team that can compete with anyone. While they lack the playoff experience of some other teams, their youth and speed have made them a serious threat in the West.
Other Teams in the Mix
Beyond these top teams, there are several other franchises in the West that are also jostling for position. Teams like the New Orleans Pelicans, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Oklahoma City Thunder have shown promise, and even teams like the Utah Jazz and Portland Trail Blazers are playing competitive basketball despite their rebuilding phases. The competition in the West is fierce, and there are few easy wins, which makes it difficult for any one team, including the Warriors, to dominate.
The Warriors’ Path Forward
So, is there good news for the Warriors? In a sense, yes. The Western Conference is more open than it might appear at first glance. While the Warriors are facing challenges, they are far from alone. The competition in the West is so tight that no team, including the Warriors, is out of contention for a high playoff seed. However, the Warriors will need to address some key issues—particularly with their aging core, the inconsistent play from role players, and the integration of Chris Paul into the system—if they want to remain a championship contender.
For the Warriors to succeed, they will need to get back to what has made them so successful in the past: a high-paced, ball-movement-centric offense, elite defense from their stars, and consistency from their supporting cast. Whether that will be enough to overcome the deep and talented Western Conference remains to be seen.
In conclusion, while the Warriors have their struggles, they are not alone in the West. The crowded nature of the conference means that no one team has a clear path to dominance, and with the right adjustments, the Warriors can still find themselves back in the conversation for an NBA championship. It will take time, but in a season full of ups and downs for most teams, the Warriors remain a formidable force, and their experience and leadership make them dangerous even in a more competitive Western Conference.
