We’re two games deep into the NBA regular season, so it’s a perfect time to overreact and talk title predictions.
The Warriors are 2-0 and showing the same ball movement and flare they had during the ‘Strength in Numbers’ days in Oakland. Following Steph Curry’s 45-point performance in Thursday’s win against the Clippers, ESPN “First Take” host Stephen A. Smith shared his thoughts about the Warriors' championship prospects this season.
“If Klay Thompson comes back healthy,” Smith told his co-host Kendrick Perkins, “the Warriors might win it all. I really mean it. I’m not playing with anybody.”
Thompson is reportedly expected to practice at full speed in about three weeks, while the Warriors have stated they’re targeting a January return from his November 2020 Achilles injury. Klay and Steph haven’t shared the backcourt since Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals, when Thompson went down with his ACL injury.
Smith is never shy to share his opinion and his take on the Splash Brothers was very on-brand.
“Steph Curry is the greatest shooter God ever created,” Smith said. “I don’t care what anybody says. There has never, ever, ever been a dude -- off the dribble, standing still, from the key, from the wings, from the corner, 20, 30, 40, sometimes 50 feet -- this brother is unbelievable, OK?
“And when I think about him, and I think about Klay coming back -- who is one of the top five shooters in the history of basketball -- just throw that up in there, right?”
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Smith didn’t stop there, saying he’s a fan of the team’s roster construction with players like Jordan Poole, Andrew Wiggins and Otto Porter Jr., while also citing the eventual return of second-year center James Wiseman.
“I’m just looking at this roster right now, the Warriors may win it all,” Smith said. “They may win it all this year.”
You’re not alone in feeling the hype, Dub Nation. Stephen A. is on board, too.
