An NBA dynasty reborn? Why the Warriors could be more dangerous than you think

A decade after beginning their dynasty with the first of four championships, the Golden State Warriors are perceived to have fallen behind in the Western Conference, with ESPN BET ranking them seventh in title odds behind teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets. This outlook is influenced by their No. 7 seed finish last season, a second-round playoff exit in five games, and the potential for the oldest starting lineup in NBA history if Buddy Hield joins Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler III, Draymond Green, and Al Horford after December 17.

Despite this pessimistic view, the Warriors are considered a dangerous sleeper team with the potential to compete, even against top contenders like the Thunder. ESPN projections forecast 56 wins, placing them second in the NBA, which contrasts with the general belief that their championship window has closed. This optimism stems from their performance in the latter half of last season with Butler, where they improved significantly, posting a 23-8 record and leading the league in defensive rating after his debut.

Key factors for Golden State's resurgence include the full-season integration of Butler and the addition of Al Horford, who enhances the team's floor spacing with his three-point shooting (40.9% over the past three seasons) and defensive prowess. Horford's arrival addresses a historical gap at center for Curry and complements the defensive strengths of Butler and Green, who together have 15 All-Defensive Team appearances. The Warriors also benefit from roster continuity, with 12 of their top 13 players returning, and an upgraded lineup that could excel on both ends of the court.

However, challenges remain due to age and player availability, as Curry has averaged 15 missed games per season in recent years, and Butler has not played 65 games in a season since 2018-19. Despite these concerns, the Warriors' defensive identity and improved offensive stability with their stars on the floor position them as a contender, defying the odds and low external expectations.