The Golden State Warriors made a blockbuster trade this offseason, sending out Jordan Poole to the Wizards in exchange for Chris Paul.
Golden State has struggled this season as they are 8-10. On Tuesday night, the Warriors collapsed late in the game, losing to the Sacramento Kings on a game-winner from Malik Monk.
While Stephen Curry is still playing at a high level, the rest of the team has struggled. Curry is averaging 29.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.1 assists.
The other Splash Brother hasn't had the same production. Klay Thompson has taken a step back this season. Thompson is averaging 15.3 points per game on career-low efficiencies of 40.4 percent from the field and 36.4 percent from three. The 33-year-old guard hasn't been the same on the defensive end since returning from a torn ACL and Achilles.
While Thompson was still effective on offense after the injuries, he is starting to slip in that category. The four-time champion has been a pivotal part of the Warriors' dynasty, but in the final year of his deal, we may see the downfall of Thompson's effectiveness as a star.
Andrew Wiggins has surprisingly fallen off as a contributor this season. Wiggins was highly impactful through his first three and a half seasons with Golden State. He has been their primary forward defender and provided efficient offense as a third or fourth option.
Wiggins' offense has taken a significant dip this season, dropping to 12.8 points, shooting an inefficient 26.7 percent from behind the arc.
The Warriors don't have depth at forward or center, which has caused them to struggle on defense. The surplus of guards in the rotation and lack of size have made it challenging to take on teams with elite forwards or centers.
The regression of players like Thompson and Wiggins has been detrimental to a top-heavy rotation.
Their new addition, Paul, has contributed as an elite playmaker with a team-leading 7.3 assists. However, his efficiency shooting has been horrendous at 39.9 percent from the floor and 32.8 percent from distance.
Draymond Green has played well but continues to get in trouble on the court. Green was suspended for five games after an incident with Rudy Gobert. He has only appeared in ten of the 18 games this season; for a team without quality depth, it has been detrimental.
The Warriors' rotation this season is very top-heavy, and with the regression of some of their top players, it will be tough for them to make a deep playoff push in the heavily competitive Western Conference.
Golden State sits as the 10th seed in the West, and while it's early in the season, they have an uphill climb in front of them with their veteran roster. We may be witnessing the end of the Warriors dynasty.
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