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NBA

NBA scout: Warriors are 'the title favorites again'

By FoxSports
Published | Updated
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CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 16: Klay Thompson #11 and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors celebrate with the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy in the locker room after a victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Six to win the 2015 NBA Finals at The Quicken Loans Arena on June 16, 2015 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 16: Klay Thompson #11 and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors celebrate with the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy in the locker room after a victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Six to win the 2015 NBA Finals at The Quicken Loans Arena on June 16, 2015 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images

Sports Illustrated recently spoke with several anonymous scouts to get the inside scoop on all 30 teams heading into the 2015-16 NBA season.

Though many experts have doubted the legitimacy of the Golden State Warriors' title defense -- citing their "luck" with health and their road to the Finals -- one scout sees them as the clear title favorites heading into next season because of their elite versatility on both ends of the floor:

This assessment is in line with the consensus opinion of the Warriors, though saying Thompson could be a No. 1 offensive option -- at this point at least -- could be a stretch.

The Warriors may have benefitted from being healthy and not facing the San Antonio Spurs or Los Angeles Clippers, but they were dominant throughout the regular season regardless, and realistically would've been the favorite against either opponent.

Time will tell how legitimate the Warriors are -- are they a one-hit wonder or a budding dynasty? -- but they have youth on their side and, after last season, championship experience.

Doubt the defending champs at your own peril.