The Golden State Warriors had an uncommon offseason. Most anticipated them to make daring strikes to construct a contender round Stephen Curry after lacking the NBA playoffs final yr. It appeared important to amass extra competent items. Nonetheless, the group had a comparatively quiet summer time.
First, the dangerous information. Each Chris Paul and franchise icon Klay Thompson departed for virtually nothing. The negotiations for each have been poorly dealt with and felt like a disservice to 2 bona fide legends. However it wasn’t all dangerous for Mike Dunleavy and the brand new entrance workplace.
After these losses, the Warriors rebounded by including just a few high quality rotation gamers. Names like De’Anthony Melton, Buddy Hield, and Kyle Anderson joined the Bay Space squad. Nonetheless, no marquee acquisitions have been made.
With Curry and a deep roster however no true secondary star, how will the Warriors fare within the 2024-25 season?
In contrast to LeBron James-led groups, the Warriors sometimes follow their roster for a whole season. Underneath Steve Kerr, the group has not often made in-season trades of significance, and this yr seems no completely different.
Lauri Markkanen was their primary offseason goal, however together with his latest contract extension, he’s ineligible for commerce till subsequent offseason. It’s unlikely the Warriors will pursue another main trades.
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The first purpose for passing on a commerce for Markkanen was the emergence of rookie Brandin Podziemski. He was a revelation final season, seamlessly transitioning between starter and bench roles. Golden State is banking on his continued development and isn’t more likely to abandon that halfway by the yr.
Happily, this religion ought to repay. Podziemski made an affect final season in restricted minutes, impressing gamers and coaches alike as he crammed the capturing guard void. A streaky shooter with some self-creation means, Podziemski additionally flashed defensive upside, exhibiting his two-way potential.
With extra taking part in time alongside Curry and Hield, Podziemski ought to thrive. Whereas he averaged below 10 factors per sport final season, that was as a result of restricted minutes earlier within the yr. Anticipate him to take an enormous step ahead with elevated alternatives.
An identical story applies to Jonathan Kuminga. He lastly acquired prolonged taking part in time final season and shortly confirmed the potential Golden State envisioned once they drafted him. His numbers improved, his protection was stellar, and his power was contagious.
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Instantly, the Warriors had a high quality wing who may play alongside—and even exchange—Andrew Wiggins. Kuminga’s primary space for enchancment is three-point capturing, however his ability set is already invaluable on a group like Golden State. With a bigger position this season, Kuminga may emerge because the second star Curry wants.
Nonetheless, it’s not going to be a joyous yr for the Warriors. Even with the interior development of Podziemski and Kuminga, the group doesn’t stack up nicely towards the remainder of the Western Convention.
Since Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson went down within the NBA Finals, the writing has been on the wall. Apart from their 2022 championship run, their decline has been apparent. A number of years within the lottery preceded that title, and the group has struggled to take care of its dominance ever since.
NBA NEWS & PREDICTIONS: Stephen Curry, Draymond Inexperienced, Golden State Warriors Updates
The yr after their fourth title within the present period, the Warriors have been a sixth seed and misplaced within the second spherical. Their poor street file final season was an indication of issues to return, and so they missed the playoffs completely. Sadly, this season is predicted to comply with the identical pattern.
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