The Golden State Warriors were a surprise to most people watching the NBA last season. Many (including myself) thought we’d seen the end of their dominance, and the league had adapted to their play style. As it turns out, the Warriors weren’t finished evolving, as they were 4th in net rating last year, on the backs of their DEFENSE! They finished the season 2nd in defense and 17th in offense. Let’s dissect how their roster has changed, and how it will affect fantasy.
Golden State Warriors Fantasy Basketball Preview
Depth Chart
| Pos | Starter | Backup |
|---|---|---|
| PG | Steph Curry | Jordan Poole |
| SG | Klay Thompson | Donte DiVincenzo |
| SF | Andrew Wiggins | Patrick Baldwin Jr. |
| PF | Draymond Green | Jonathan Kuminga |
| C | James Wiseman | Kevon Looney |
Point Guard:
Steph Curry is Steph Curry. We have no reason to think he’ll be any better or worse than the 24/5/7 that he’s averaged for his entire 13-year career. If anything we could see some positive regression in Curry’s three-point shooting as he shot 38% from three last year, but shoots 43% from three for his career. I have Curry as the PG4 on my overall PG fantasy rankings.
Shooting Guard:
This is tough. Klay Thompson is one of the greatest players of all time, but he underwhelmed last year. Some people think it’s because he’s done after all the injuries, but I happen to think that it’s because it was his first year back from a two-year recovery of an ACL and Achilles tear. Typically, we see players return to form in their 2nd healthy year from an Achilles or ACL recovery. Even in a pedestrian year by Klay’s standards, he averaged 20 points and 4 boards on the season, shooting 38.5% from three. Like Steph, he shoots better than 40% from three for his career, and I expect positive regression upwards in that area. I have him ranked as my SG45. While I love Klay, the team has become well-rounded enough that he doesn’t need to provide much outside of points and perimeter defense. There are better places to hunt for stats.
Small Forward:
Andrew Wiggins made the All-Star team last year (for the 1st time) averaging 17 and 5, with just under two stocks per game, and just under 40% from three. He’s in the last year of his deal, which allows him to make upwards of $33M this year. Next year he’ll be an unrestricted free agent. I anticipate he’ll be showcasing all that the Warriors will allow him to showcase, without taking usage away from Steph. The Warriors will either sign him to an extension, or work out a sign and trade, but he won’t walk for free. Expect a solid fantasy season from Wiggins.
Power Forward:
Draymond Green averaged 8/7/7 last year. He’s becoming increasingly irrelevant on offense, and I’m not sure he’ll be as much of a force on the boards with James Wiseman finally back in the mix. Further, the Warriors are likely to try and get Kuminga more minutes, if he’s making net positive plays. Despite the fact Green’s still averaging 29+ minutes, I’ll be fading Draymond Green this year. And probably forever, unless he goes to a different team and takes on a new role. Look elsewhere for fantasy options at PF.
Center:
James Wiseman could end up being the steal of the draft. The seven-footer has played 39 games in the NBA and missed all of last year with a knee injury. Now that he’s back, I expect him to start, and eat into Kevon Looney’s minutes. I don’t expect him to average more than 25 minutes, but for reference of his potential, here are his per 36 numbers: 19.3 points, 10 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 2.1 stocks. That’s big time in fantasy, and Center is a relatively scarce position. I have him as my 37th-ranked Center in fantasy, meaning you’ll be able to grab him late. He could end up being a critical part of your lineup each week.
Key Bench Players:
Donte DiVincenzo, Jordan Poole, Jonathan Kuminga, and Moses Moody.
Sleepers:
Wiseman
Busts:
Draymond Green
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