ESPN’s 56-win prediction feels optimistic for the 2025 Warriors. Are they realistically title contenders or past their glory days?
The recent ESPN win projections raised eyebrows across the NBA. Especially for Dub Nation, as the Warriors’ projected 56 wins certainly puts pressure on the franchise heading into the new season. Are they still capable of contending in the Western Conference? ESPN thinks so, but as Golden State enters a transitional phase between veteran stars and emerging youth, the numbers may not tell the true story. Expectations may prove more demanding than realistic.
ESPN Says 56 Wins. Reality Might Say Otherwise for Golden State
Why ESPN Might Be Right
Projecting the Warriors to have the second-most wins in the West may seem like a reach, but it would be wrong to count them out as legitimate title contenders.
Why?
Stephen Curry is still elite. Even after 16 seasons in the NBA, his shooting gravity continues to warp defenses and elevate everyone around him. With arguably the greatest shooter of all time, anything is possible. And with Jimmy Butler preparing for his first full season with the Warriors, there’s reason for optimism. In the limited games he played last year, Golden State won 77% of them, and Dub Nation was reminded of glimpses of the golden era that defined the franchise’s dynasty.
With head coach Steve Kerr rebuilding his roster through late offseason trades, the addition of Al Horford gives the Dubs much-needed size and experience , while Seth Curry, De’Anthony Melton, and Gary Payton II strengthen the rotation options. If the veterans stay healthy while the youngsters continue to progress, 56 wins isn’t impossible. It’s ambitious but achievable.
Why It Might Be Too Optimistic
While the Warriors definitely have the star power and coaching degree to compete for a title this season, there are serious question marks that can hold them back.
Age. With Golden State having one of the oldest lineups in the league, longevity may become a real challenge. Draymond Green, Curry, Horford, and Butler are all in their mid-30s. Can the Warriors rely on these veterans for a full 82 games? If so, it’s a very risky bet.
Even with limited depth last season, the Warriors still managed to win 48 games. But competing in a loaded Western Conference with title contenders like Oklahoma City, Denver, or even the Lakers, will definitely be a challenge. This season, Golden State must progress in terms of developing their younger stars, like Jonathan Kuminga, to have any chance of reaching the 50-win mark. Consistency can’t be an issue again if they hope to hit this milestone.
Verdict
ESPN’s 56-win prediction seems like a mountain to climb. The last time the Warriors achieved this mark was during the 2018-19 season, when they made it to the NBA Finals with 57 victories. They even managed to win their most recent NBA title with just 53 victories, proving that anything can happen.
It’s understandable why many fans find ESPN’s prediction surprising, given Golden State’s recent struggles, like barely scraping into playoff spots and fighting for survival in play-in matchups. But if the Dubs can keep their star players healthy, find balance in their rotation, and finally reclaim their former dominance on the court, then 56 wins, shockingly enough, might not be too much of a demanding task.
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