Warriors’ Depth Suddenly Tested as Rotation Questions Loom

Golden State’s red-hot start to the season has hit a serious speed bump. After ripping off wins early, the Warriors have now dropped four straight. And it’s not just the losses piling up — it’s how they’re losing.

Over the last four games, Golden State ranks in the bottom 10 in both offense and defense, a far cry from the team that looked poised to make yet another deep run.

Now, let’s make one thing clear: this isn’t about Stephen Curry. He’s been his usual sensational self. Andrew Wiggins and Buddy Hield have also delivered steady production. But beyond those three, it’s been a different story.

Coach Steve Kerr’s 12-man rotation, which drew praise for its depth early in the season, has suddenly become a talking point for all the wrong reasons.

Young contributors like Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and Lindy Waters have struggled mightily from deep, combining to shoot just 22% on 3-pointers in the last six games. For a team built around spacing and ball movement, that’s not going to cut it.

So, is it time to tighten the rotation? Curry seems to think it might help, telling The Athletic’s Anthony Slater that some consistency in minutes could allow players to find their rhythm.

“Do we need to shorten it?” Curry asked. “We probably need to be more predictable on a night-to-night basis so guys can get a little bit of a rhythm. Is that shortening it one or two guys? Maybe.”

Curry also acknowledged how tough this stretch has been on the locker room, especially for players trying to make the most of limited opportunities.

“If you’re not playing, don’t pout, don’t bring the locker room down,” Curry added. “It doesn’t help anybody. Including yourself.”

Veteran big man Kevon Looney echoed those sentiments to NBC Sports Bay Area’s Monte Poole, admitting the unpredictability has been challenging.

“It can get difficult at times to find a rhythm, not knowing what to expect from game to game,” Looney said. “But our guys are doing a good job of staying ready.”

Still, Looney pointed out that Kerr’s approach has always emphasized keeping everyone involved.

“(Kerr is) going to play all of us at some point. Just got to be ready at that time in the game to make a spark and bring energy and make plays.”

With matchups against Denver and Houston looming, this is a critical juncture for the Warriors. While the NBA Cup game against Denver won’t impact Golden State’s group-clinching status, it’s an opportunity to right the ship against the reigning champs. Meanwhile, Houston has been one of the league’s early surprises and won’t be a pushover.

The big question now: Will Kerr make adjustments and trim the rotation? Or will he trust his depth to bounce back?

Either way, this is a pivotal stretch for a Warriors team looking to regain its footing in a crowded Western Conference.