Jalen Rose speculates Golden State Warriors' chances to defend their championship: “It’s not a diss to Warriors”
The Golden State Warriors came into the 2022-23 season eager to defend their title, coming off an impressive NBA Finals win over the Boston Celtics.
The Warriors returned a majority of their roster. The front office also did a great job of keeping some of their free agents in-house. With a couple of strategic free-agent additions, including Donte DiVincenzo and JaMychal Green, the Warriors looked to be ready to roll.
But the 2022-23 season hasn't been kind to Golden State (20-21). After a slow start to the season, many expected that the Warriors would eventually turn things around. But that hasn't been the case. Golden State continues to suffer a number of head-scratching losses. That includes Tuesday night's 125-113 home loss against the short-handed Phoenix Suns, the Warriors' third straight defeat, with all three coming at home.
On ESPN's "This Just In," NBA analyst Jalen Rose said that he doesn't believe Golden State is going to win the title this year. Rose said that Golden State is lacking a consistent inside presence.
"It's not a diss to the Warriors to say that I don't think they are going to win it this year, when they've already won it four times," Rose said.
Golden State Warriors struggling to get back on track
The Golden State Warriors have found themselves struggling to generate consistent momentum. After a season-best five-game winning streak, they are now in the midst of a three-game losing skid, their third skid of at least three losses. Plus, they're facing a five-game road swing, and the Warriors are 3-16 on the road.
As the 2022-23 season marches on, it doesn't look like Golden State (20-21), which is eighth in the Western Conference, can figure out any of its issues.
“The fear factor the Warriors used to posses is no longer there. I’m not liking what I see.”
— @ShannonSharpe on Steph Curry, Warriors sitting a game under .500 https://t.co/GATz7BTtX6
While Golden State has gotten sensational play from stars such as Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, it hasn't been enough. Curry returned to the lineup Tuesday night after being sidelined, finishing with 24 points on 8-of-22 shooting.
The Golden State Warriors still have the talent to be one of the league's most dangerous teams. But there's always a risky path when a team has to turn it on when it needs to. While the Warriors have shown flashes throughout the year, it hasn't been enough. Time will tell if coach Steve Kerr and the Warriors roster can re-gain their championship form.