Ceiling, floor for Golden State Warriors: The dynasty continues

The Golden State Warriors are going all-in for another championship, as displayed by their addition of Chris Paul.

Ceiling: 52-30 and a championship run 

The Warriors' All-Star core remains intact. In comes Paul, Cory Joseph and Dario Saric, two veterans with high-level playing experience. Jonathan Kuminga is entering his third NBA season, where players usually take their first big leap. Everything is in place for the Warriors to make another big push for a championship. Golden State last lifted the Larry O'Brien trophy in 2022. 

The Western Conference is deep. However, no roster in the league has the level of championship know-how the Warriors possess. Steve Kerr is an expert in succeeding at the NBA level, both as a player and a head coach. If the Warriors can remain healthy and they continue to defy the aging process, they will be among the most talented teams in the league. Their squad is filled with highly skilled veterans who can cook opposing defenses off the dribble and off the catch. 

Trayce Jackson-Davis and Brandin Podziemski could also give the Warriors a boost. The two rookies will bring energy off the bench as they look to make their mark in the league. Competition for rotation places will be fierce. The idea is that everyone will remain sharp as they claw for playing time. Every season that passes, the Warriors' championship window closes that little bit more. If Steph Curry and co. want to continue adding to their career resumes, the upcoming season with potentially be their best chance of doing so. 

Floor: 38-44 and a first-round exit

The Warriors lack legitimate size. The tallest player on their roster measures in at 6-foot-10, Saric, who is going into his first season with the Dubs. Teams will look to bully Golden State on the glass and around the rim. Steve Kerr has already revealed his plans to test Klay Thompson as a power forward defender despite the veteran being a shooting guard and having two big injuries in recent years. 

Furthermore, Golden State struggled to get out of the first round last season. A 50-point performance from Curry and 18 rebounds from Kevon Looney is the only reason the Warriors progressed past the Sacramento Kings. You can't always rely on such herculean performances.

There will also be a cloud hanging over Thompson. The veteran guard is in the final year of his contract. The Warriors have reportedly not begun talks on an extension. Green is already injured and may struggle to be healthy for the start of the season. With their struggles from last season fresh in the mind and the core another year older, Golden State will need to up their game. Otherwise, their fade into the middle of the West could begin sooner than thought.