NBA: Way-too-early championship contender rankings for 2021

4. Golden State Warriors

After a gap year of horrible proportions, the Golden State Warriors are back in the thick of things when it comes to championship contention. Before them is a potential starting 5 that could immediately challenge other NBA teams as the most complete in basketball.

Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson are expected to be back from their respective injuries with the opportunity to let it fly from deep like they always have. Draymond Green as the foundational glue guy can anchor the defense while setting up his Splash Bros from beyond as a point forward.

What will ultimately gauge Golden State’s legit title contention is the productivity of Andrew Wiggins on the wing and whoever they select with the second overall pick. Wiggins has been an undeniable talent throughout his NBA career that can score the basketball at will but struggles to have a consistent enough impact as a complete player to be a franchise builder.

As the team’s potential third option, he’ll have to maximize on his corner 3-point shot opportunities, and from there use his God-given athleticism to cash in on scoring chances when the offense breaks down in the halfcourt. As for the team’s second overall pick, all signs point it to being James Wiseman; A 7-foot-1 big who can fill the lane for days with athleticism and stamina while possessing relentless rebounding ability and agility around the basket.

Golden State hasn’t had a potential dominant center in their offense at all during the Steve Kerr era. With Wiseman in the picture possessing freak athleticism, offensive upside, and impactful pro-ready defensive ability, the dubs have a chance to possess a starting unit that can compete with the game’s elite from day one.