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The Golden State Warriors have dominated the NBA for the past five years. They reached five consecutive NBA finals and won on three occasions.
After winning their first title in the 2015 NBA season, they lost to LeBron's Cavs in 2016. Then they added Kevin Durant to their juggernaut lineup and made it almost unfair for the rest of the league. They totally dominated for two consecutive seasons and beat LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA finals on both occasions.
Last season, they suffered from injury woes to their star players and lost in the finals. Durant bolted to the Brooklyn Nets in the free agency. Klay Thompson is out with a knee injury. Andre Iguodala and Livingston have also left the team. The Warriors no longer possess the star power of the earlier years.
Here are the three reasons why the Golden State Warriors tanking makes sense:
#3 Top lottery pick in the NBA Draft
The Golden State Warriors have been horrible on both ends of the floor. They have started the season on a very poor note and have a 2-9 record. The Warriors currently have a roster constructed with young players and don't look competitive this season.
D'Angelo Russell has been playing superbly of late but he doesn't look like a good fit in the long run next to Steph and Klay in the backcourt.
The Warriors tanking can help them get a top lottery pick in next years draft. They can create a good trade package built around the lottery pick and Russell and get a championship team for next season. They can have a fully healthy and functional squad and really go hard next season.
#2 Rise in competition in the Western Conference
The NBA off season saw a plethora of changes. There were too many superstars who traded places. LeBron James has again got a superstar to play with in the form of Anthony Davis. The Lakers are currently the top ranked team in the Western Conference.
The Clippers made the best acquisitions in the off season. They signed the NBA finals MVP, Kawhi Leonard and also traded for Paul George. The Rockets have also become stronger by trading for Russell Westbrook. The Utah Jazz also made some great moves and got better.
The Warriors with their depleted and young roster would find it tough going past the first round of the playoffs. It would make far more sense to tank this season and start afresh with full energy and motivation in the next season.
#3 Steph Curry injury crisis
Steph Curry is one of the most revolutionary players in the modern NBA. His presence alone can make a team reach the playoffs. He has been instrumental to the Warriors chances during their five straight trips to the NBA finals.
Steph was considered one of the MVP favorites before the start of the season. Klay Thompson was also expected back after the All-Star break. But the recent hand injury to Steph has changed everything. He is expected to miss more than three months of action. The Warriors lack depth and will suffer a lot in his absence.
The Warriors will be better placed in not bringing Steph back at all this season. This will ensure that they got a very high pick. They can also afford to give Klay some extra rest and come back next season.
