As we head into late January, the Golden State Warriors still aren't slowing down.
When Golden State raced out to their NBA-best record in late November, many observers around the league thought it was only a matter of time before they'd drop off and start playing like they did last year - good, but certainly not great. We're now almost three full months into the season, and if anything, the Warriors have gotten even better.
If the Warriors are going to keep this up and seal the #1 seed in the Western Conference, here are three things they need to do...
1. Keep Andrew Bogut In Bubble Wrap When He Isn't Playing
Bogut might not be Golden State's best player, but he's arguably their hardest to replace. While the Warriors have an incredible amount of depth everywhere else, they still don't have a center who can come close to doing what Bogut does. Marreese Speights can make up Bogut's numbers on offense (and then some), but he can't rebound or protect the rim like Bogut can. Festus Ezeli has come a long way, but he still gets into foul trouble much too easily. We won't even start on Ognjen Kuzmic.
Bogut isn't just a defensive stopper who dominates the glass, he's an extremely underrated passer who helps space the floor and keep the ball moving on offense. Golden State can win games without Bogut - we saw that when he needed a knee procedure in December - but they aren't truly a #1 team without him. If the Warriors are going to be the #1 seed, they need to keep their big man healthy.
2. Keep The Minutes Balanced
So far, Steve Kerr & company are doing an absolutely masterful job of keeping everyone fresh. In past seasons, the Warriors have had to lean heavily on starters because of a lack of depth, and they've paid the price with costly injuries down the stretch. Keeping everyone fit and in form is vital for any team that wants to win the top seed and make serious noise in the playoffs, and so far, they're on track to do exactly that.
No Warriors player is averaging over 33 minutes per game, which is an absolute shock for fans who were used to seeing Monta Ellis on the floor for 42 minutes a night. If the Dubs can continue to be smart about playing time, they'll have more gas left in the tank when March and April roll around.
3. Stay The Course (And Don't Pick Up The Phone If Daryl Morey Calls)
Before the trade deadline in February, the Warriors are going to get very, very popular. Golden State has an alluring combination of veterans on big expiring deals (David Lee), young, undervalued talent (Justin Holiday) and quality players who can play the same position (Harrison Barnes, Draymond Green, Andre Iguodala). Teams will want to make trades, and it is absolutely crucial that the Warriors say no.
Every year, talented contenders across every major sport torpedo their chances by making too many trades in an effort to "win now". At the end of the day, many of these teams are being propelled by chemistry, and wrecking that chemistry for a few more points per game or wins above replacement (we're looking at you, Billy Beane) just never seems to work out. For the Warriors - currently head and shoulders above the competition - trades shouldn't even be on the radar until they see how far this group of players can go.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it. The Warriors - 33-6 heading into Wednesday's game against Houston - ain't broke. When a rival GM like Houston's Daryl Morey calls with a David Lee trade proposal they just HAVE to tell the Warriors about...let's hope whoever's answering the phones finds a quick excuse to hang up.
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