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The Golden State Warriors will not commence the 2024-25 NBA season as contenders. That fact should be painfully evident after they stumbled into the 10th seed in the Western Conference, faced a crushing defeat and humiliation at the hands of the Sacramento Kings in their sole postseason game, and then began the offseason with the departure of their second-best scorer and sixth man.
While they managed to recover some losses through several commendable moves, failing to secure a major signing—despite their attempts for Lauri Markkanen and Paul George—means the Warriors haven’t done enough to reclaim their status as contenders.
Not yet, at least. When the 2014-15 season launched, few considered the Warriors to be contenders, yet they went on to spark a dynasty with a championship. Similarly, skepticism surrounded them at the beginning of the 2021-22 season, yet by June, they celebrated their fourth title.
That is the position of the Warriors as they approach the upcoming season, which kicks off in just a month and a half. Except for those wearing overly optimistic glasses, it would be hard to label Golden State a “contender.” However, they are close enough to contention that with some convincing victories, they could find themselves viewed as serious title challengers by the time game number 83 arrives.
This is the aspiration. Nevertheless, achieving it is challenging. Here are seven key developments needed if the Dubs aim to transform into genuine contenders this season, although it is important to note that some of these may become moot with a (somewhat unlikely) major trade. For now, we will assume such a trade won’t occur, but surprises can happen.
An MVP-level season from Steph Curry
No one anticipates that Curry will conclude his career with more than the two MVP awards already on his shelf. In fact, a third MVP victory this year might be a negative sign, suggesting that the Warriors are overly dependent on him.
However, there is a significant distinction between being a top-five player and falling between the top-15, with Curry’s placement in that range having a substantial impact on the season. Last season, Curry entered the All-Star break averaging 28.0 points per game and shooting 42.1% from beyond the arc. Unfortunately, those figures dropped post-break to 23.1 points and 37.9% shooting.
Consequently, Curry’s overall metrics fell from the standards we have come to expect. According to the Estimated Plus-Minus, a metric widely regarded as the best all-in-one measurement in the NBA, Curry ranked as the 12th-best player last season. While no one would be particularly disappointed if he maintained such a performance this year, the Warriors need their star player to evolve into a superstar for a title run.
A motivated, rejuvenated, and in-control Draymond Green
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Both Kuminga and Podziemski are expected to play significant roles for the Warriors this season. In fact, I would argue they are the two most crucial players (and the two best players) following Curry and Green.
However, unlike Curry and Green, Kuminga and Podziemski are at a point in their careers where their peak performance lies ahead of them, rather than behind. If either player moves closer to their best capabilities, it would greatly benefit the Warriors.
Kuminga showcased All-Star level play for much of last season, while Podziemski made it clear during his rookie year that he possesses All-Star potential. If both of these dynamic young talents serve as solid role players in 2024-25, the Warriors will likely be successful. But should one or both elevate to great performance, then the Warriors’ prospects would also brighten.
Defensive improvement from Trayce Jackson-Davis (or…)
TJD made a remarkable rise from a late second-round pick to a standout starter in his debut season. While the Warriors have multiple options for their starting lineup this year, he remains the current starter and will hold that position until further notice.
Jackson-Davis possesses athleticism, finesse around the basket, basketball IQ, and an ability to roll to the rim, which can dramatically enhance the offense. However, to sustain this over 30 minutes each game, he must prove he can effectively defend against the league’s top centers.
As a rookie, TJD demonstrated solid defensive skills and plenty of promise, though he struggled in some matchups, particularly against All-Star big men.
Although defensive improvement from the center position seems the most viable path for the Warriors, other options exist. Kevon Looney is known as a defensive anchor and could reclaim a starting role if he adds more offensive capabilities, which he has reportedly been working on.
Additionally, keep an eye on this year’s late second-round draft pick, center Quinten Post: only a month younger than TJD, he stands a legit seven feet tall, has strong defensive potential, and boasts a dynamic three-point shot.
A return to form for Andrew Wiggins
There’s no easy way to express this: Wiggins had a challenging 2023-24 season. The decline from his earlier years with the Warriors was stark. His stats fell from 17.1 points per game to 13.2, from 2.3 assists per game to 1.7, from 39.6% shooting from beyond the arc to 35.8%, from 53.0% shooting on two-point attempts to 49.8%, and from a true shooting percentage of 56.4% to 54.4%.
However, that wasn’t the worst of it. The primary issues in Wiggins’ game were his transition from successfully defending Jayson Tatum in the NBA Finals to becoming an ineffective defender and his challenges playing alongside Kuminga. Consequently, he ranked 287th in the NBA in Estimated Plus-Minus (“`html
While the Dubs have indeed welcomed numerous additions that have not only met expectations but also excelled, they have also experienced their share of disappointments. For instance, I considered Kelly Oubre Jr. to be an excellent match for the system, and I was equally impressed by the potential contributions from Omri Casspi, Jonas Jerebko, and Nick Young.
Often, the true fit of a player is only revealed once they are on the court, executing plays, and syncing with their teammates. For the Warriors to compete effectively this season, that trio will need to demonstrate that Mike Dunleavy Jr. is making the right decisions and selecting players who can thrive within Golden State’s framework.
Good health and good luck
The undeniable truth is that every championship team experiences a degree of fortune. Their top players tend to be available during crucial moments, and favorable circumstances tend to align more often than not. While it shouldn’t serve as an excuse for losses, it undeniably forms a significant part of the narrative behind their victories.
Like the 29 other teams in the league, the Warriors will require their share of good fortune if they wish to deem this season a success.
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Seven Key Factors for the Golden State Warriors to Reclaim Contender Status in 2024-25
1. Build a Strong Core of Young Players
The Golden State Warriors need to focus on cultivating a strong core of young talent. This includes developing their draft picks and integrating them into the main roster. Young players bring energy and potential to the team, essential for long-term success.
- Invest in player development programs.
- Utilize G-League teams to refine skills.
- Encourage mentorship from veteran players.
2. Maximize the Potential of Star Players
With superstars like Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, maximizing their potential is crucial. The coaching staff should focus on tailored training and strategies that highlight their strengths.
- Design plays that optimize shooting capabilities.
- Implement load management to prevent injuries.
- Encourage off-ball movement to create space.
3. Emphasize Defensive Strategies
Reclaiming contender status requires a robust defense. The Warriors must prioritize defensive schemes that capitalize on their athleticism and intelligence.
- Adopt a switch-heavy defense to counteract opposing offenses.
- Focus on rim protection through player positioning.
- Use analytics to identify and exploit opponent weaknesses.
4. Enhance Bench Depth
A deep bench is vital for sustaining performance throughout the season. The Warriors should look to acquire players who can provide consistent contributions off the bench.
- Seek out experience in free agency.
- Encourage competition among bench players for minutes.
- Focus on versatile players who can fill multiple roles.
5. Foster a Winning Culture
Creating a winning culture within the team is essential. This involves establishing strong communication, accountability, and a shared vision for success.
- Conduct regular team-building activities.
- Promote a mindset of resilience and adaptability.
- Encourage players to support each other on and off the court.
6. Leverage Analytics for Decision Making
The use of analytics can significantly influence game strategy and player performance. The Warriors should integrate data analysis into their decision-making processes.
- Utilize advanced metrics to evaluate player efficiency.
- Analyze opponent tendencies for game preparation.
- Incorporate real-time data for in-game adjustments.
7. Engage with the Community
Building a strong relationship with fans and the community can enhance team morale and support. The Warriors should actively engage with their fanbase through various initiatives.
- Host community events and outreach programs.
- Encourage social media interaction and feedback.
- Develop loyalty programs for dedicated fans.
Benefits of Implementing These Strategies
By focusing on these seven key factors, the Golden State Warriors can enhance their chances of reclaiming contender status:
- Improved Performance: A strong core and effective strategies lead to better on-court performance.
- Increased Fan Engagement: A connected fanbase can provide motivation and support.
- Long-Term Success: Developing young players ensures sustained competitiveness.
Case Study: The 2014-15 Warriors
The Warriors’ success during the 2014-15 season serves as a case study. Key factors in their championship run included:
- A dynamic roster with young talent like Draymond Green.
- Emphasis on three-point shooting and fast-paced play.
- A strong defensive foundation that stifled opponents.
These strategies contributed to their ability to adapt and overcome challenges throughout the season, illustrating the importance of the factors discussed.
First-Hand Experience: Player Development
Former players have often spoken about the importance of player development within the Warriors organization. By sharing personal experiences, they highlight how mentorship and guidance have shaped their careers. This reinforces the idea that investing in young talent pays off both on and off the court.
Conclusion
To reclaim their status as a contender in the 2024-25 NBA season, the Golden State Warriors must focus on these seven key factors. Through a combination of strong player development, defensive strategies, and community engagement, the Warriors can enhance their performance and build a championship-winning culture.
| Factor | Importance |
|---|---|
| Young Players | Energy and long-term potential |
| Star Players | Maximized performance for wins |
| Defense | Essential for winning close games |
| Bench Depth | Consistent performance throughout games |
| Winning Culture | Promotes teamwork and resilience |
| Analytics | Informs strategy and game planning |
| Community Engagement | Boosts morale and fan support |
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