KEY POINTS

  • Klay Thompson's return may not be enough to push the Warriors back into the title picture
  • The Warriors' "Big Three" are no longer the same deadly trio from the past seasons
  • Simmons and Lillard loom as possible targets for the Warriors

The Golden State Warriors could have their "Big Three" back by the next NBA season and improve their performance.

However, there are questions on whether this would be enough.

Right now, all eyes are on Klay Thompson. After missing the last two seasons, most expect the three-time NBA champion back in harness.

The only question now is if his return alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green would be enough.

Although the current NBA season has yet to formally end, the odds of some teams for next season have come out.

Curiously, only three teams had a better chance to win the 2022 NBA title (10-to-1 (+1000). They were the Brooklyn Nets (+275), Los Angeles Lakers (+450), and Golden State Warriors (+800).

Except perhaps for the Nets, the fortunes of the Lakers and Warriors will still depend on how well they can assemble their roster for the next NBA season.

The Lakers have yet to figure out what to do, and it may take a lot given their financial status.

Some players may need to be traded to get another star. But for a team that has LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the franchise will always be formidable–assuming they are healthy.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the Dubs. Curry showed everyone this NBA season that he can explode even by his lonesome.

Draymond Green remains a workhorse, but his offense is seen as a liability.

As for Thompson, most know he can play both ends. But with consecutive injuries, questions are in the air on how well he can help.

Being out for two seasons, the five-time NBA All-star is expected to grope for form–both offensively and defensively.

Steph Curry Klay Thompson Warriors
Stephen Curry #30 and Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors celebrate after defeating the Portland Trail Blazers 114-111 in game two of the NBA Western Conference Finals at ORACLE Arena on May 16, 2019 in Oakland, California. Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Also worth noting is that Curry, Green and Thompson are no longer the same players from the previous years.

Aside from the fact that other teams like the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets have gotten stronger, the Warriors may also need to look for multiple and younger assets to give their "Big Three" a lift.

A couple of names have been suggested recently. They are Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers and Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers.

More names are likely to crop up and the Dubs are likely to be tied to them.

Whatever the case may be, the Dubs need help if they want to get back into the NBA title picture.

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