NBA: Way-too-early bold pre-season playoff predictions for the 2023-24 season

Western Conference 3rd seed

3. Golden State Warriors 

I predict the Golden State Warriors are going to have a big bounce-back season. I believe this team is going to enter the regular season by playing with a big chip on their shoulder and they’re going to be looking to prove many naysayers wrong. Is the dynasty dead? Are the Warriors too old? Did they make a mistake by trading Jordan Poole and adding a past-his-prime Chris Paul? Golden State is going to be on a mission from the opening tip, and they’re going to finish with one of the best records in the Western Conference.

The trio of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green might have one more magical season in them. If so, I believe this is the year where they’re going to try to replicate some past magic for one more shot at a title. The addition of Paul and the continued development of Jonathan Kuminga along with the consistent contributions of Andrew Wiggins could be enough.

At least heading into the playoffs, the Warriors are going to reestablish themselves as a legitimate threat to win the NBA Championship. The question is whether they can put it all together for one more deep playoff run.