Warriors Preview: Dynasty Era Dead, But Can Golden State Claw Way Back To Contention?

October 21, 2024

Warriors Preview

A look at the Golden State Warriors entering the 2024-25 season …

Coach: Steve Kerr
Last Season: 46-36 (lost to the Kings in the play-in tournament)
New Faces: Kyle Anderson, Buddy Hield, De’Anthony Melton, Lindy Waters III
Notable Losses: Klay Thompson, Chris Paul, Dario Saric, Lester Quinones

Overview

The Warriors without Klay Thompson? That’s a whole different animal, and not necessarily the type that can bite its way back to the top.

After Thompson’s departure to Dallas, it feels like the end of an era in the Bay. Four championships, countless big moments, but now, the question is whether this team has anything left in the tank to truly contend.

Sure, Stephen Curry is still Stephen Curry. The guy just finished torching the competition in the Olympics, proving once again he’s an all-time offensive force. But he’s 36 now.

And his longtime running mate, Draymond Green? He’s 34, and while the mind and voice are still elite, the legs might not be. Green missed 27 games last season and didn’t make an All-Defensive team for the first time since 2020. That’s not something you can just brush aside.

The Warriors went after big names in the offseason. Paul George? Chose Philly. Lauri Markkanen? Utah didn’t bite. Chris Paul? Well, they let him walk. So what’s left? A roster full of questions and unproven talent.

Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, and Brandin Podziemski are the core of the youth movement. Kuminga, at 21, probably has the highest ceiling, but the inconsistency in his game has been frustrating. Moody’s shown flashes, but flashes don’t win playoff games. Podziemski? Well, he’s the wild card, but depending on a rookie to stabilize the rotation is a risky gamble for a team trying to stay in contention.

They’ve added some vets like Kyle Anderson, Buddy Hield, and De’Anthony Melton. Nice pickups, sure, but let’s be real — none of them are moving the needle in a playoff series. Anderson’s play has been inconsistent, Hield is a shooter but doesn’t do much else, and Melton? He had a tough time finding his way in Philly’s playoff rotation.

Coach Steve Kerr is going to have to juggle lineups like never before. Who’s closing games next to Curry and Green? It’s a guessing game. There’s no Klay to hit the big shots and space the floor. There’s no clear second option that teams have to respect. It’s all about mismatches and hoping someone steps up on a given night.

Best case? Andrew Wiggins returns to his 2021-22 form and gives Curry the sidekick he needs. Kuminga, Moody, and Podziemski take big steps forward. The veterans hold down the fort and Draymond finds a second wind to lead the defense. If all that happens, the Warriors could still be dangerous.

Worst case? Wiggins can’t carry the load, the young guys aren’t ready, and Green’s body or temper betray him. If that’s the case, we’re looking at a play-in team at best, and in this Western Conference? That’s a dangerous place to be.

One thing’s for sure — the Warriors are walking a tightrope. And if they can’t find the right balance, the fall might be a lot longer than anyone in Golden State is ready for.