Golden State Warriors insider Monte Poole makes a bold statement about team's championship prospects
Golden State Warriors insider Monte Poole isn't confident about the team's chances of winning the championship this season. The Warriors have been focused on balancing the scales between contending and developing young players since the beginning of last season.
Their bench is as inexperienced and young as it can get. The Warriors' second unit has struggled to deliver, contributing to their disappointing 6-8 start this season.
Here's what Poole said about the Warriors' commitment to developing young players and their championship chances (via 95.7 The Game):
"They haven't played 500 games, 1000 games, like some of the other guys have. It's gonna be bad this year because they put them out there, and they've got to at least contribute. That's why this year it's gonna look bad, it already has and there will be more times when it looks bad."
Poole added:
"That's the way it is and that's what they are committed to... The Warriors before last season decided we're gonna go all in on the future... That's where they are and I don't think it's going to lead to a championship this year."
The Warriors' superstars are aging. Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green are edging towards the end of their careers and Golden State doesn't seem keen to revamp its entire squad just yet.
However, this puts a question mark on their ability to win a championship with a lack of veteran presence outside of Curry, Thompson and Green. The Golden State Warriors' decision to bank on their young stars hasn't paid off yet. However, they remain hopeful of their prospects coming through as the season progresses.
Also read: James Wiseman reacts to getting sent to NBA G League for at least 10 straight days
Golden State Warriors starters have the best net rating in the league
The Golden State Warriors starting lineup has the best net rating in the league among lineups that have played at least 80 minutes this season. The Warriors starters have an offensive rating of 128.8 and a defensive rating of 104.8.
But as a team, those numbers drastically fall off, with an offensive rating of 113.1 and a defensive rating of 113.6. The Warriors rank 19th in the league offensively and 25th defensively. It indicates the team's poor depth, which could lead to an early playoff exit.
The Golden State Warriors are 0-7 on the road thus far, their worst away record to start a season since 1989. Steve Kerr and his staff will have to get their youngsters up to speed to turn the corner.
Steph Curry and other veterans playing playoff minutes early in the season seems like the only way the Dubs can sustain winning. However, with these stars on the wrong side of 30, it won't be ideal for the Warriors come playoff time.
The Golden State Warriors have talented prospects who haven't contributed, leaving the veterans and coaching staff with plenty to figure out as the season progresses.
Also read: Former NBA player demands more respect for Steph Curry after his heroic performance: "Steph is carrying these Golden State Warriors"