After the Spurs beat the Warriors last night, the buzz around Golden State has calmed down a bit. For the first five games the Warriors were rolling and fans were confident their team had taken the necessary steps to become a championship contender. Last night made it clear that the Warriors still have some growing pains to go through.
The Warriors were almost at full strength last night. They are missing All-Star big man David Lee, who continues to be bothered by a hamstring injury and some believe his return will make the Warriors a much better team. According to Jordan Ramirez, Manu Ginobili of the Spurs believes that the Warriors need Lee to be successful:
Manu: “They are missing a big key right now. David Lee is very important.”
— Jordan Ramirez (@JRAM_91) November 12, 2014
Manu (cont): “He is a threat in the paint, he understand the game, he is somebody who can make shots and attack the rim. They need him.”
— Jordan Ramirez (@JRAM_91) November 12, 2014
Strong words from Ginobili, who has enough championship experience to know what it takes to win a title. Lee has been the center of trade talks and rumors for a couple of years now and some believe it’s only a matter of time that he gets dealt. Lee is not the greatest defender, but his offensive game will be welcomed with open arms when he returns.
Lee has only played in one game this season, but left early after aggravating his hamstring. Lee himself won’t fix the turnover problem, so the Warriors should focus on that and have the turnovers reduced by the time he gets back. Once healthy, will Lee take his place in the starting five or are the Warriors better served having him come off the bench? We will see and find out.