Why Ex-NBA vets cousins, Williams see warriors as true contenders

The two retirees would know.

Why Ex-NBA vets cousins, Williams see warriors as true contenders

**Why Ex-NBA Vets Cousins, Williams See Warriors as True Contenders**

As the NBA season progresses, former players and analysts alike are weighing in on which teams have the potential to make a deep playoff run. Two ex-NBA veterans, DeMarcus Cousins and Williams, have made their thoughts clear: they see the Golden State Warriors as genuine championship contenders this season. While the Warriors have experienced some ups and downs in recent years, Cousins and Williams believe the team’s combination of talent, experience, and leadership makes them a dangerous force in the Western Conference.

**DeMarcus Cousins: A Familiar Perspective on the Warriors’ Potential**

DeMarcus Cousins, a former NBA All-Star and one of the league’s most formidable centers in his prime, has a unique insight into the Golden State Warriors. Cousins briefly played for the Warriors during the 2018-2019 season, making him well-versed in the team’s dynamic. During his stint in Golden State, the Warriors made it to the NBA Finals, and while they fell short in their bid for a third consecutive title, Cousins witnessed firsthand how dominant the Warriors’ core can be.

According to Cousins, the Warriors’ ability to blend veteran experience with the fresh energy of their younger players makes them a formidable opponent. He pointed to the trio of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green as the team’s foundation, noting that their success over the years has been rooted in chemistry and an unselfish playing style that’s difficult to match.

Cousins believes that as long as the core trio remains healthy, they are capable of competing with any team in the league. Moreover, he praised the Warriors’ ability to adapt their style of play to various opponents, citing the versatility of their offense and defense. The integration of young players, such as Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga, has injected new energy into the squad, and Cousins sees this as a key component in their ability to compete for another championship.

**Williams: A Strong Believer in the Warriors’ Depth and Versatility**

Williams, a former NBA forward, shares Cousins’ sentiment about the Warriors’ championship potential. Williams, who spent a significant portion of his career in the league, recognizes that a team’s success isn’t just about star power; it’s about depth and how well a team can play as a unit. Williams has highlighted the Warriors’ remarkable depth as one of the key reasons why they are true contenders.

Golden State has a roster that combines established stars with emerging talent. In addition to the dynamic shooting of Curry and Thompson, the Warriors have the versatility of players like Draymond Green, who excels as a defender and playmaker. The Warriors’ ability to switch between different playing styles — whether they’re focused on pace-and-space shooting or defensive intensity — gives them the flexibility to challenge any opponent in a playoff series.

Williams also mentioned that the Warriors have a well-balanced bench that can provide critical contributions. With players like Kevon Looney and the addition of experienced veterans, Golden State has a more well-rounded roster than some of their previous iterations. Williams believes that this depth allows the Warriors to match up well against other elite teams and gives them a significant advantage during the grueling playoff run.

**Why the Warriors Are Considered True Contenders**

Both Cousins and Williams agree that the Warriors’ path to contention is paved by a mixture of factors:

1. **Experience and Leadership**: With multiple championships under their belts, the Warriors’ core players know what it takes to win. Their playoff experience is invaluable, particularly in high-pressure situations where poise and decision-making matter most. Curry, Thompson, and Green have been through it all and have proven time and again that they can perform in the postseason.

2. **Versatility**: The Warriors’ ability to adapt to different styles of play — from small-ball lineups to powerful inside presence — gives them a unique advantage. Their high basketball IQ and versatility allow them to switch strategies mid-game, something that is crucial during the postseason when opponents adjust quickly.

3. **Rising Talent**: The emergence of younger players, such as Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga, has injected energy into the Warriors’ lineup. The balance between veterans and young players gives the Warriors a mix of fresh legs and experienced minds, making them even more dangerous.

4. **Shooting Prowess**: The Warriors’ offense, led by Stephen Curry’s shooting ability, remains one of the most potent in the NBA. The team’s three-point shooting is a constant threat, and when the shooting is clicking, they are nearly unstoppable.

5. **Defensive Strength**: Although known for their offensive firepower, the Warriors have consistently ranked as one of the better defensive teams in the league. Draymond Green, a former Defensive Player of the Year, is the heart and soul of their defense, and his leadership on that end of the floor cannot be overlooked.

**Final Thoughts: A Dynamic Future Ahead for Golden State**

As the season continues to unfold, it’s clear that the Golden State Warriors have the potential to contend for another NBA title. With the leadership of Curry, Thompson, and Green, combined with the rising stars on the team, the Warriors are well-equipped to compete against the league’s best.

Both DeMarcus Cousins and Williams believe that the Warriors have the right mix of experience, talent, and versatility to succeed in the postseason. If they can stay healthy and continue to gel as a unit, there’s no reason why they can’t make a deep playoff run and add another championship to their storied legacy.

The Warriors may be facing strong competition from other elite teams, but as Cousins and Williams have pointed out, the Warriors’ combination of factors gives them an edge that could very well lead them to their next NBA title. With the playoff picture slowly taking shape, expect Golden State to be in the conversation as one of the league’s true contenders.