Dubs in-depth: Warriors post-mortem

With the NBA solidifying its plans to resume play with a 22-team format we know the Golden State Warriors’ 2019-20 season is officially over.

The Dubs finished the year 15-50, the franchise’s worst season based on winning percentage since 2000-01. It was no surprise that the Warriors fell to the bottom of the league standings. We knew coming in that Klay Thompson would be out for the entirety of the season when he tore his ACL during the 2019 NBA Finals. The final nail in the coffin for Golden State’s playoff chances came when Steph Curry broke a bone in his hand in the fourth game of the regular season.

As much as it was difficult to watch the Warriors play this season, this reset year seemed like it was needed. With the team coming off of a ridiculous run of making it to five-straight NBA Finals, Curry, Thompson and Draymond Green needed some rest to be refreshed for another championship run next year.

We saw the short-lived D’Angelo Russell experiment fail, but general manager Bob Myers did a great job recouping some meaningful assets for the franchise to add some pieces to the core that helped deliver three NBA titles.

Getting back to the 2019-20 season, what is one thing you liked, one thing you didn’t like, and one thing you think the Dubs must do this offseason to get back to the upper echelon of the NBA?

For me, the emergence of Eric Paschall and Marquese Chriss tops the list. I’m not saying either player will develop into a top-flight NBA player, but when you get solid production from a second-round pick and a player on a two-way contract —who are both under the age of 24— it is a huge bonus for the organization.

Paschall is a pleasant surprise after being selected 41st overall in last year’s NBA Draft. The forward averaged 14.0 points and 4.6 rebounds during his rookie season. Paschall will have to improve as a defender, he finished the year with -10.6 NetRtg, but that should improve when surrounded by better players next season. Paschall has earned the right to play meaningful minutes off the bench next year, and should take another step in his development.

Chriss came on late in the season, averaging 13.7 points and 9 rebounds over the final 15 games. Chriss has a true shooting percentage of 64.0 during that stretch (per NBA.com), and could challenge for some front court minutes, depending on how Myers fills out the roster.

There weren’t a ton of highlights for the Dubs, but potentially unlocking two bench pieces for next season on cheap contracts is huge for a team that is going to be over the cap.

One thing I didn’t like was Green’s lackadaisical effort throughout the season. I understand it was tough for him to be motivated knowing the team was going nowhere, but he showed how much he needs Curry and Thompson in order for him to be at the top of his game. Green looked tired, and worn down, so I will give him the benefit of the doubt. He does need to sharpen up his offensive game, he shot below his career average from beyond the arc, hitting just 27.9% of his attempts, while his EFG% and TS% were both below 50%. The time off, and the return of the Splash Brothers should help Green back to playing at a high level for the 2020-21 season.

One thing I want Myers to address is the center position. Chriss is a nice piece, but I don’t see him being able to play big minutes in the playoffs. Whether it is through the 2020 NBA Draft, where the Dubs are guaranteed a top-five pick, or via trade or free agency, I am hoping the Warriors can lockdown their big man spot.

What is one thing you liked, one thing you didn’t like, and one thing you think the Dubs must do this offseason to get back to the upper echelon of the NBA next season.

You might be confused or upset at times with head coach Steve Kerr’s lineups. NBC Bay Area’s Drew Shiller gave us some insight on how Kerr puts together his rotations.

Word leaked two weeks ago that Golden State’s front office was conducting virtual meetings with 2020 NBA Draft prospects. The Athletic’s Anthony Slater said the Dubs have also interviewed a pair of players who are predicted to go in the top-five. (h/t Fansided’s Justin Fried)

What are some of the silver linings from Golden State’s season? NBC Bay Area’s Monte Poole says there are a few good things that came out of it.

One player who will have a huge role on the Dubs next year is Andrew Wiggins. Matt Tait of KU Sports put together a nice piece on what Wiggins is looking for during his first full season with the Warriors.