Where Steph, three other Warriors rank in ESPN’s Top 100 list originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
The Warriors are eager to return to the NBA playoffs following a disappointing performance in the last season, and it seems they possess the right roster to make it happen.
In the ESPN’s top 100 players list for the 2024-25 NBA season, four players from Golden State made the cut. This ranking showcases the talent within the Warriors’ roster, even amidst a summer of considerable changes.
Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins managed to land at No. 90 on the list, despite having a less-than-stellar previous season. Last year, he held the 54th position on the same list.
“Just three seasons ago, Wiggins was considered an emerging All-Star. However, he played only 37 games two seasons ago, and despite participating in 71 games last season, his performance declined. He averaged 13.2 points per game, which is four points fewer than his averages over the previous two seasons. He seemed to lack the offensive explosiveness and defensive tenacity that contributed to the Warriors’ championship win in 2022. Wiggins has been vocal about his desire to reclaim his form, but he missed all of training camp in Hawaii due to an illness. Coach Steve Kerr remains optimistic that this setback won’t hinder Wiggins’ season start, as the Warriors need him to help them regain a playoff position.”
— Kendra Andrews
Wiggins has struggled to replicate the achievements from his 2021-22 All-Star season, during which he averaged 17.2 points with a shooting percentage of 46.6 from the field and 39.3 from beyond the arc, alongside 4.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.0 steals in 31.9 minutes per game.
Over the past two seasons, he missed considerable time due to his father’s illness, who sadly passed away this summer. Nevertheless, coach Steve Kerr and his teammates have unwavering faith in the 29-year-old’s ability to turn his performance around this season and return to his two-way All-Star form.
After completing just one NBA season, Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski is already leaving his mark in the league.
The second-year player now holds the No. 78 spot.
“At this point last year, Podziemski was the 19th pick expected to occupy a backup position on the guard depth chart. While the Warriors had faith in the shooting guard, their expectations for his contributions were modest. However, he went on to average 26.6 minutes and started 28 games last season, positioning himself as a contender for the starting lineup alongside Stephen Curry this year. Along with his fellow 2023 draft class member Trayce Jackson-Davis, Podziemski represents the closest Golden State has come to fulfilling the franchise’s commitment to ‘win now while investing in the future.’
– Andrews
Podziemski averaged 9.2 points with a shooting percentage of 45.4% from the field and 38.5% from three-point range. He also contributed 5.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists, leading the entire NBA with 38 charges drawn. As the season progressed, he was promoted to the starting lineup to take the place of a struggling Klay Thompson, making him a viable option to start in the current season.
Next up is Warriors veteran forward Draymond Green, who comes in at No. 66 on ESPN’s list, down from No. 55 at the start of last season.
“Green’s previous season almost ended with his retirement, following two incidents that led to a total of 17 games missed due to suspensions. This left the Warriors questioning whether his on-court skills outweighed his off-court behavior. Ultimately, the answer was affirmative, as Green remains a key leader for the Warriors entering this season, especially following Klay Thompson’s departure in free agency. Still, Green has much to prove this year, not just as a floor contributor but also as a dependable teammate.”
— Andrews
As has become clear in the NBA, Green’s influence transcends conventional statistics. He is the emotional core of the team and has undeniably contributed to the team’s four championships over eight seasons.
The Warriors require their vocal leader on the court, especially as demonstrated during his extended absence from an indefinite suspension last season.
Green finished the last season averaging 8.7 points, 7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in 27.1 minutes across 55 games, highlighting his vital role in the team’s accomplishments.
we have Warriors superstar Steph Curry, ranked as the No. 6 player in the league.
“Why he fell one spot: If Curry’s placement were determined solely by his performance during his inaugural Olympics this summer, the seasoned veteran would likely have risen on the list. Yet, last season marked a downturn with average assists at 5.1 and steals at 0.7, both career lows, along with a shooting percentage of 45%, his third worst. While it’s inaccurate to characterize Curry’s season as ‘bad,’ he led the league in scoring (189 points), made field goals (59), and three-pointers (32) in clutch moments, earning him the title of Clutch Player of the Year. He was also atop the league with 357 three-pointers made. Nevertheless, the team’s lack of depth was evident in the playoffs, as they couldn’t advance past the first round of the play-in tournament.”
— Andrews
It is reasonable to conclude that Curry will remain a top-10 player for as long as he competes in the league.
And judging by recent indications, that could be for quite some time.
Follow and download the Dubs Talk Podcast
Ranking the Warriors: Steph Curry and Teammates Shine in ESPN’s Top 100 List
The Golden State Warriors have established themselves as a powerhouse in the NBA, and with the recent release of ESPN’s Top 100 list, fans are buzzing with excitement. As the spotlight shines on Stephen Curry and his teammates, let’s delve into how they ranked and what this means for the franchise’s future.
Stephen Curry: The Heart of the Warriors
Stephen Curry, often referred to as the greatest shooter in NBA history, has consistently dominated the league. His ranking in the ESPN Top 100 list solidifies his status as a pivotal player in the Warriors’ success.
- Unmatched Shooting Skills: Curry’s three-point shooting ability has revolutionized how basketball is played.
- Leadership: As the team captain, his leadership on and off the court inspires his teammates.
- Consistency: Year after year, Curry has delivered exceptional performances, making him a perennial MVP candidate.
Warriors’ Teammates Making Their Mark
While Curry’s brilliance is undeniable, the contributions of his teammates cannot be overlooked. The ESPN Top 100 list recognizes several Warriors players, showcasing the depth of talent within the organization.
Key Players in the ESPN Top 100
| Player | Position | Rank | Key Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Draymond Green | Forward | 30 | 8.0 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 8.5 APG |
| Klay Thompson | Shooting Guard | 35 | 19.5 PPG, 3.5 RPG |
| Andrew Wiggins | Forward | 45 | 18.0 PPG, 4.5 RPG |
| Jordan Poole | Shooting Guard | 60 | 15.0 PPG, 3.0 APG |
Analyzing the Rankings
Understanding how and why these players were ranked offers insight into their contributions and the Warriors’ overall success.
Steph Curry’s Influence on Rankings
As the cornerstone of the Warriors, Curry’s influence extends beyond his scoring. His playmaking ability, basketball IQ, and work ethic set a standard for teammates.
Draymond Green: The Defensive Anchor
Draymond Green’s rank reflects his importance as the team’s defensive leader. Known for his versatility, Green can guard multiple positions and is often tasked with shutting down the opposing team’s best player.
Klay Thompson: The Silent Assassin
Despite battling injuries in recent seasons, Klay Thompson remains a lethal scoring threat. His ability to catch fire during games keeps opponents on their toes, making him a crucial asset for the Warriors.
Emerging Talent: Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole
Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole have also made significant strides. Their improvements have not only enhanced their personal game but have contributed to the Warriors’ overall success.
Benefits of the Warriors’ Strong Rankings
The Warriors’ presence in ESPN’s Top 100 list has several benefits for the franchise:
- Increased Visibility: High rankings provide media attention, which can attract potential free agents to the team.
- Fan Engagement: Fans are more likely to engage with the team, boosting merchandise sales and ticket purchases.
- Confidence Booster: Knowing they are recognized as top players can motivate the team to perform even better.
Practical Tips for Fans: How to Support the Warriors
As fans, there are numerous ways to support the Golden State Warriors, especially as they continue to shine in rankings:
- Engage on Social Media: Follow and interact with the Warriors on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
- Attend Games: Show your support by attending home games at the Chase Center.
- Wear Team Merchandise: Sporting Warriors gear is a great way to showcase your loyalty.
- Join Fan Clubs: Connect with other fans through official fan clubs or online communities.
Case Study: The Warriors’ Championship Years
The Warriors’ success in recent years can be analyzed through their championship wins and how rankings have played a part in their journey.
2015 Championship Run
- Key Players: Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green
- Rankings: Curry was an MVP, while the team was ranked as one of the top defenses.
- Impact: The combination of top-ranked players and cohesive teamwork led to their first championship in 40 years.
2018 Championship Run
- Key Players: Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green
- Rankings: Multiple players ranked in the top 20, showcasing their depth.
- Impact: The synergy of ranked players created an unstoppable force during the playoffs.
First-Hand Experience: A Fan’s Take
As a lifelong Warriors fan, witnessing the rise of Steph Curry and the team’s evolution has been exhilarating. Attending games and seeing the chemistry between players like Curry, Thompson, and Green is unforgettable. The atmosphere in the Chase Center is electric, especially when the team is performing well and dominating rankings.
The Future Looks Bright
With several players from the Warriors making the ESPN Top 100 list, the franchise’s future appears promising. The team’s core remains intact, and with the right mix of young talent and seasoned veterans, fans can expect more thrilling seasons ahead.
Final Thoughts
As we celebrate the achievements of Steph Curry and his teammates, it’s clear that their rankings reflect not just individual talent, but a collective effort that defines the Golden State Warriors. With a robust roster, strong leadership, and a passionate fan base, the Warriors are set to continue their legacy of excellence in the NBA.
