Under the sun of Hawaii, where they began their “training camp”, the Warriors want to put behind them a pale 2023/24 season, finished in 10th place in the West with still 46 victories and a slap received from the Kings during the play-in. A season without playoffs which punctuated seven complicated months, with a Klay Thompson in a diminished role, a transparent Andrew Wiggins and a Draymond Green who was suspended twice.
The consequences of last year also quickly arrived. To move away from the “second apron”, the Warriors did not retain legend Klay Thompson. A thunderclap that put an end to the Curry – Thompson – Green trio and their historic dynasty. Chris Paul left free in San Antonio. To compensate for his departures, Golden State showed “restraint and discipline” according to Mike Dunleavy Jr, its GM. They tried, unsuccessfully, to sign Paul George and Lauri Markkanen, and had to settle for solid veterans (De'Anthony Melton, Buddy Hield, Kyle Anderson) to bolster their rotation.
During media day, Steve Kerr, Mike Dunleavy Jr, Stephen Curry and Draymond Green were satisfied with their team's offseason, while confirming that the current composition of the squad does not place them in the category of contenders for the title. To go to the top of the Western Conference table, the Warriors have announced that they want to return to the defensive top 5-10, be more effective in transition on both sides of the court, and take more 3-point shots.
Despite the departure of Klay Thompson, Brandin Podziemski found that the current squad had more shooters than last season. “Kyle Anderson was on pace during the summer. Buddy Hield takes a lot of 3-point shots. De'Anthony (Melton) can shoot too, and even Lindy Waters. We have shooters everywhere”.
Enough to help evolve the style of play in attack. “I arrive at training camp with an open mind about the way we play” declared the gold medalist of the Paris Olympic Games. This new style should simplify Golden State's game and make it possible to find a second regular offensive option behind Stephen Curry. Steve Kerr notably explained that Andrew Wiggins will be given more prominence and that the young players will have to confirm their good last season.
Good humor was essential in Golden State. The intentions are good, it now remains to be seen whether this will translate on the field and in the rankings into a return to the forefront.
SUMMER MOVEMENTS
Arrivals: De'Anthony Melton, Buddy Hield, Kyle Anderson, Lindy Waters III, Quinton Post (Two-way), Reece Beekman (Two-way)
Departures: Klay Thompson, Chris Paul, Dario Saric, Lester Quinones, Jerome Robinson, Usman Garuba.
THE PLAYER TO FOLLOW: JONATHAN KUMINGA
At the dawn of his fourth NBA season and with an extension that could arrive before the start of the season, Jonathan Kuminga will be one of the keys to the Warriors' season.
The Congolese winger showed clear progress last season, finishing with the best averages of his career (16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists in 26 minutes of play), while taking on the challenge of defending against the opponent's best player. regularly. Despite a good season, it took an outing in the press to force Steve Kerr to trust him. If their relationship is now in good shape, Jonathan Kuminga will have to reach a new level this season.
With the departure of Klay Thompson, the Warriors don't know who their second offensive weapon will be in each game. This void is a golden opportunity for the young winger who has ambitions to be an All Star in the near future. Is he capable of taking on this number 2 role on a regular basis? The Warriors hope so but Jonathan Kuminga will have to prove it, while his complementarity with Draymond Green still questions…
Golden State's trajectory this season will undoubtedly be modeled on the progression, notably at three points (32% last season) of its winger.
Average age: 27.6 years
Payroll: $176.6 million (10e)
THE IDEAL SCENARIO
During “media day”, Draymond Green drew the parallel between the arrivals of 2022 (Otto Porter, Nemanja Bjelica, Gary Payton II) and those of this summer. Obviously, the Warriors lifted the Larry O'Brien Trophy two years ago but that ambition seems more like a fantasy than an ideal scenario. That said, if the rookies adapt to Golden State's game quickly, allowing the Warriors to hit the right wagon in the West, then they can hope to finish in the Top 6 of their conference and see the second round of the playoffs.
In this scenario, Jonathan Kuminga continues his development and Andrew Wiggins returns to his level of two years ago. Brandin Podziemski and Trayce Jackson-Davis confirm their good rookie year. Stephen Curry continues the momentum of his gold medal in Paris and Draymond Green manages to channel his emotions to play at least 70 regular season games. A mid-season move for a star is possible, but even then, it's hard to see the Warriors claiming the Western Conference crown.
THE WORST SCENARIO
If the Warriors are enthusiastic as they begin their training camp, the malaise that enveloped last season is not just a distant memory. Given the density of the Western Conference, a repeat or, worse, an 11th place at the end of the regular season cannot be ruled out. After all, since 2020, the Warriors have still missed the playoffs three times (2020, 2021 and 2024).
All it takes is a prolonged absence of Stephen Curry (36 years old) or Draymond Green (34 years old) to derail Golden State's season. Can Andrew Wiggins really get back to his level? Will Jonathan Kuminga be able to stay focused on the pitch and play for the team if he does not sign an extension before the season? Will Steve Kerr find the right combinations when certain complementarities and positions raise questions?
Missing the playoffs for a second straight year would be a disaster for the Warriors, and franchise owner Joe Lacob's patience has its limits. As Stephen Curry gets older.
