Warriors Cling to Title Hopes as Age Catches Up with Veteran Core
The Golden State Warriors are facing a pivotal season as they try to squeeze one more championship run out of their legendary core led by Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green.
Turning Back the Clock
Despite their advanced age, the Warriors remain a dangerous team when healthy. They closed last season on a tear after acquiring Jimmy Butler at the trade deadline, surging to a 24-8 record in the final months to earn a playoff berth.
In the postseason, the Warriors knocked off the Houston Rockets in the first round before bowing out against the eventual champion Oklahoma City Thunder. Curry, 37, was brilliant, averaging 29 points per game, but the Warriors' lack of depth and athleticism proved too much to overcome against the younger, more explosive Thunder.
"We've still got something left in the tank," Curry insisted. "As long as me, Klay, and Dray are out there, we're going to compete and give ourselves a chance."
Roster Turnover Brings New Faces
The Warriors have undergone a roster overhaul this offseason, with several key contributors from last year's team moving on. Gary Payton II and De'Anthony Melton both departed in free agency, while the team traded away Jonathan Kuminga after a tumultuous contract negotiation.
In their place, Golden State has brought in a mix of veteran role players and promising youngsters. Free-agent signings like Quinten Post and Marvin Bagley III will be asked to provide scoring punch off the bench, while the Warriors are hoping 2024 first-round pick Jaden McDaniels can develop into a two-way force.
"We've got a different look this year, but the expectations remain the same," said head coach Steve Kerr. "We know it's going to be an uphill battle, but this group is hungry and excited for the challenge."
Preseason Struggles Raise Concerns
The Warriors have gotten off to a shaky start in the preseason, dropping their first two exhibition games against the Celtics and Trail Blazers. The team's defense has been particularly concerning, as they've struggled to contain dribble penetration and control the glass.
Curry and Thompson have still looked sharp offensively, but the lack of support from the rest of the roster has been glaring. Draymond Green's intensity and playmaking have been missed, as the Warriors have lacked the cohesion and communication that has long been the hallmark of their championship teams.
"We've got a lot of work to do, no doubt about it," Kerr admitted after the loss to Portland. "But I like the fight in this group. We're going to keep grinding and find our groove."
TL;DR
- The Golden State Warriors are hoping to squeeze one more championship run out of their veteran core led by Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green.
- Despite their age, the Warriors closed last season strong and made the playoffs, but fell short against the younger, more athletic Oklahoma City Thunder.
- Golden State has undergone a roster overhaul, losing key contributors like Gary Payton II and Jonathan Kuminga while bringing in new faces like Quinten Post and Jaden McDaniels.
- The Warriors have struggled in the preseason, raising concerns about their ability to overcome their lack of depth and athleticism to contend for a title.