The Golden State Warriors went on an incredible run in the NBA playoffs to capture their fourth championship in eight years.
In 2022, they bring back most of their same roster and even added a few nice depth pieces.
Golden State was not one of the favorites heading into last season, but that changes heading into 2022.
The Warriors have their core of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green in place to lead the way.
This team is going to be good again and here are three reasons why they can repeat as NBA Champions.
3. Depth
Despite losing Gary Payton II and Otto Porter Jr. in free agency the Warriors bring back a strong roster with quality depth.
Golden State still has Jordan Poole, who is one of the best young players in the league.
31 PTS | 8 REB | 9 AST
Jordan Poole put on a show in Game 1 📽️ pic.twitter.com/f0pxP9jrIK
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) May 2, 2022
They also have Moses Moody, Jonathan Kuminga, and James Wiseman who should all have larger roles this season.
The two newest additions to the team are Donte DiVincenzo and JaMychal Green.
DiVincenzo is a former champion with the Bucks and should fill the void left by Payton II.
While Green can provide toughness and rebounding that will be needed from a Warriors team that lacks size.
Golden State still has Andrew Wiggins and Kevon Looney as well which were key components of their championship run.
The Warriors’ motto is “Strength in Numbers” and this upcoming season depth is one of their main strengths.
2. Full Season of Klay
Star shooting guard Klay Thompson, will return for his first full season since the 18-19 season.
Thompson played only 32 regular season games last year and it took him a while to get back in the rhythm.
He missed all of the 19-20 and 20-21 seasons due to a torn ACL and torn Achilles.
In those 32 games, Thompson averaged 20.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists.
But, he only shot 38.5% from three, a career low.
That number should easily return to over 40% in 22-23, along with an increase in points per game.
The further removed he gets from those injuries the more and more he should look like his old self.
It would not be a surprise to see Thompson moving around like his old self by January or February of next season.
1. Stephen Curry Is Still Great
Steph Curry had an all-time great NBA finals performance to finish off an incredible season.
Curry’s accolades from just last season include breaking the all-time 3-pt record, All-Star game MVP, WCF MVP, NBA Champion, and Finals MVP.
Not to mention he was named to the NBA’s 75th-anniversary team.
It was an incredible season from one of the greatest players of all time, and he still has plenty more in the tank.
The 34-year-old averaged 25.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.3 assists during the regular season.
But, in the NBA finals, he took his game to a new level.
Curry averaged 31.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in the Finals.
Including a game four for the ages, when he went off for 43 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists.
NBA Finals, Game 4
Stephen Curry. CLUTCH.#NBAClutchWeek pic.twitter.com/IjjHY8wko9— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) August 25, 2022
He even shot 43.7% from three in the finals, which was a 6% increase from his regular season percentage.
Curry is still at the peak of his powers, and as long as he is leading Golden State the Warriors have a chance to win it all.
