The Warriors Dynasty Actually Isn't Over

After the Golden State Warriors lost to the Toronto Raptors in the NBA Finals and suffered injuries to two of their franchise players in the process, media members and NBA fans alike have been quick to insist that their dynasty under Steve Kerr had come to a close.

An ACL injury to Klay Thompson and the departure of Kevin Durant following his Achilles rupture initially appeared to be the nail in the coffin in the Bay. That is, until Golden State GM Bob Myers was able to nab All-Star guard D'Angelo Russell from the Brooklyn Nets.

While Thompson will not be back until the winter at the earliest, the Warriors still have a chance to compete in the Western Conference upon his return. All they have to do is stay afloat while he recovers.

While the Lakers and Clippers have the most top-heavy teams in the West in terms of talent, the Warriors' chemistry and championship pedigree under Steve Kerr's leadership should not be overlooked. It could very well take the Clippers and Lakers a year to make all their pieces fit before they become the best of the best in the NBA.

Though duos like LeBron James and Anthony Davis or Kawhi Leonard and Paul George will be a tough cover for any team, trying to guard three elite shooters alongside one of the best passing and defending big men of all time will be equally difficult.

When healthy, the Warriors will undoubtedly be the best shooting team in the league. With their four best players locked up through at least 2022, Golden State will have a chance this year to make some noise as an underdog for a change.