The Golden State Warriors lost Klay Thompson at the start of the offseason. The four-time champion has joined the Dallas Mavericks, teaming up with Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic. With Thompson's departure, the Warriors aren't being viewed as viable contenders for the coming season in some corners of the basketball world, as they have struggled to provide Steph Curry with a second star, despite their best efforts.
During a recent interview with People Magazine, Curry addressed those concerns, noting how he's excited to prove people wrong.
"You can't play this game for life, but the fact that being with the Warriors for this long and championship window that we've had, you want to keep that open for as long as possible," Curry said. "...I love the fact that people don't think we can keep the pace with some of the other teams that they're picking in the West. And I just love that challenge of stepping into a training camp and being able to create your own success — that gets me going.”
While losing Thompson was a blow to the Warriors rotation, the front office has quickly moved to help fill his void, adding guards De'Anthony Melton, Buddy Hield and Kyle Anderson. Between those three veterans, the Warriors have improved this summer, not regressed. Still, there's no denying that Curry needs an All-Star running mate if the franchise is to challenge at the top of the Western Conference.
The failed pursuits of Paul George and Lauri Markkanen have undoubtedly left a sour taste in fans' mouths. Fortunately for those fans, though, Golden State has all the assets needed to acquire a star in the trade market if one becomes available or even disgruntled.
With Curry leading the way, the Warriors will still be difficult to overcome and if the front office can bring another star to the Bay Area, they would likely emerge as contenders. Curry has every reason to be excited for the upcoming season and his desire to prove the doubters wrong could help him achieve great things. The front office must match his ambition. Otherwise, head coach Steve Kerr's squad could be fighting to avoid the play-in tournament, rather than competing for a top seed in the conference.
