The Splash Brothers era brought four championships to The Bay. However, as you are all familiar with Klay Thompson is now a Dallas Maverick, and that era of Golden State Warriors basketball has left with him. That’s not to say that these Warriors can’t reach those heights, as Steph Curry still exists. But time is running out on this aging team, so it’s now or never for the Dubs.
The Warriors have a flurry of moves that they are expected to make but have not yet completed. That includes the Al Horford
signing, as well as the resigning of Gary Payton II, De’Anthony Melton. Recently, Marc Stein reported that the Warriors are also going to sign Seth Curry. Those moves will be accounted for in this preview, as it appears they are all but finalized.
One other thing hanging over this team is what the plan is for Jonathan Kuminga. Kuminga clearly fell out of favor with the coaching staff last year, as he earned several DNP-CD’s (did not play – coaches decision, for those who are unfamiliar with NBA box score jargon) in key spots last year, including the playoffs. Kuminga is currently a restricted free agent, but both he and the Warriors do not appear to be interested in a compromise. The deadline for Kuminga to accept his qualifying offer is October 1, or a deal can be reached at any time.
Golden State Warriors: Over/Under 45.5 wins (-120/-102)
Last season: 48-34
Additions: Al Horford, Seth Curry (all reported, not yet finalized)
Losses: Kyle Anderson (Utah), Dennis Schroeder (Sacramento), Kevon Looney (New Orleans)
I have so many questions about this team. What’s really changed here to affect the ceiling of this team? The Warriors got nuclear hot to end the season after the Butler trade, but how much of that was a mirage? What are we to make of the Kuminga situation? Can Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler and Steph all stay healthy for long enough to have the requisite regular season record to make a run? There are too many unknowns here for my liking.
