Guarenteer locks of predictions for the 2016-2017 Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors are about to embark on what is looking like one of the most exciting seasons since…last season. With the regular season beginning on Tuesday and with the preseason discussion about this upcoming 2016-2017 Golden State Warriors commencing soon, here are some of my lock predictions this season:
Kevin Durant wins MVP title
This photo is not photoshopped.
Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
A little change of scenery doesn’t hurt anyone, especially if it’s to a location where you decide to go to. Kevin Durant knows very well what he signed up for when he announced that he was going to sign with the Golden State Warriors on July 4th. Remember that death lineup the Warriors used last season? Just think of that team and replace Harrison Barnes with Kevin Durant. “Holy shit” is the reaction that all NBA fans are saying, but also opposing teams are. Durant averaged 28.2 points per game last season. I expect that average to increase as well as his three-point average to go up. No more of those open three’s from Barnes on that corner when the ball is being kicked out to him and fans hoping and praying that they go in. If teams want to play a slowed down pace, no problem for the Warriors as they will clear out a side for Kevin Durant in the post and make a jumper off the dribble and sink the mid-range shot. Don’t be surprised if those assist average goes up as well. Klay Thompson said that he wasn’t going to “sacrifice shit”, Kevin doesn’t have a problem passing it up to Thompson when two defenders attention are on him when he has the ball around the three or when driving down the lane, it’ll be another three point assist for the team. Along with his defending skills on both the perimeter and in the paint, this should be one of the best MVP seasons for KD.
Ian Clark becomes the replacement for Leandro Barbosa
I love those 2k4 huarache's when I was in middle school.
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Throughout his two years being a critical member bench member for the Warriors, Leandro Barbosa average 6.75 PPG/. 370 3P%/. 468 FG% on 15.4 minutes played. I fully expect Ian Clark to either match or exceed those numbers for a player that is quick like Ian Clark and a much better shooter. He doesn’t have to do a lot, he just needs to do enough when he’s on the court to provide a much more confortable cushion until the starters come in. Ian Clark has a chance to solidify himself as a valuable member of the Warriors this season and beyond.
Stephen Curry is going to match his 8.5 assist average in 13-14 this season
Drake said that his "Steph year might be his best year".
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Last season, Draymond Green led the team with 7.4 assist per game. Stephen Curry averaged 6.7. Come on now he can beat that. Especially with two of the best three point shooters on planet earth. I am expecting Curry’s PPG to dip a bit and that being transferred over to Kevin Durant. 11.2 attempts from Steph last season from beyond the arch was I believe way too much due to him launch three’s after walking up to the three point line after every 3-5 possessions. The spacing and pace that the Warriors play.
I am so excited for this NBA and Golden State Warriors season. Because not only is this my favorite sport, but I don't have to torture myself watching the 49ers this season and the Giants decided not to play in the World Series this year.
