Stephen A. Smith is all-in on the Dubs.
A couple weeks after claiming the Warriors “may win it all” with a healthy Klay Thompson, the outspoken ESPN commentator has declared Golden State his official pick to win the 2021-22 NBA title. It’s only been seven games, but Smith is encouraged by the Warriors’ 6-1 start.
“It is official,” Smith told his “First Take” co-host Molly Qerim. “I’m picking the Golden State Warriors to win the championship. Let me say this to you -- Gary Payton, much love to his son, he had a couple of highlight plays last night. I’m a huge fan of Jordan Poole, Damion Lee, these boys, [Juan] Toscano[-Anderson].”
Smith said the coaching staff deserves recognition for the way they’ve handled the new-look Dubs, who are expected to receive huge boosts later this season.
“Steve Kerr is just doing a fabulous job, him and this coaching staff,” Smith said. “If Klay Thompson and James Wiseman come back, they winning the chip.”
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Again, it’s early, but the Warriors have worked their way back into the championship conversation with their hot start following two playoff-free seasons.
For what it’s worth, Las Vegas currently has the Warriors as the team with the fourth-best odds (+850) to win the title, behind the Brooklyn Nets (+250), Los Angeles Lakers (+500) and Milwaukee Bucks (+800), according to Vegas Insider.
