Warriors Era is Over?

Warriors Era is Over?

The Golden State Warriors had one of their biggest losses this off-season. Klay Thompson did what we did not think would happen. He decided to go to a new team. Since 2011, Klay has been in Golden State and won four championships. They had a legendary series against the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2016. He was one of the best two-way players in the league. In 2019, Klay went down with a torn ACL and then an Achilles injury. The Warriors were still patient with the former star. Knowing he can still contribute to this team. In 2022 he made it all pay off. He was a key factor in the title run. But when it comes down to money, everything changes. The Warriors are already locked on a lot of deals. Which made sense for both parties to part ways. Even if it's a fan favorite that is forced to see the door. But now the question is, can Steph Curry and Draymond Green lead the Warriors to their fifth title?

Stephen Curry is coming into this season hot! Having an incredible summer where he played with LeBron James and Kevin Durant. Earning the country a gold medal during the 2024 France Olympics. It was legendary to see three legends end their legacy on their own terms. Now, it is back to business. Steph Curry is back to playing with Andrew Wiggins and Draymond Green. A far cry from his Olympic team, to say the least. Mike Dunleavy and crew watching the summer event decided to run it back. Did not even take into account that it would be best to add another star. As the Lauri Markkanen talks had died down. Instead, the organization will keep banking on Brandin Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga.

Since 2021, the Warriors have wanted Jonathan Kuminga to be part of their future. Painting him as the face of the organization once Steph Curry decides to hang up Under Armour shoes. But for the past three years, he has looked like a solid role player. Steve Kerr's development limitations prompt Kuminga to express open disapproval. As he is entering his last year in his deal, there is a lot of pressure for him to perform. Make a jump to become the future face of the franchise. Especially now with Klay Thompson gone. Brandin Podziemski also fits in the conversation. He had a good rookie season and is now looked to be a legit player next season. With bigger responsibilities, a lot of pressure is now on him since the Warriors did not want him to be a part of the Lauri deal. Though these two are young players, the main pressure is on the former All-Star Andrew Wiggins.

Andrew Wiggins in 2022 was special. He finally lived up to his hype. Becoming the All-Star and the second option that we expected him to become. He was incredible in clamping down Jayson Tatum in the finals. But since then, it has been all downhill; in 2023, he had personal issues that took him out of action. Last year he was very inconsistent. No longer looking like the 2022 Wiggins. Instead, he looked washed. His contract does not help the Warriors franchise. He is one of the highest-paid players but is not playing like one. A contract that nobody wants to touch. Wiggins, expected to be the 3rd option for the Warriors, has appeared washed up.

Stephen Curry and Draymond Green have been vital to this organization for a decade. Being key contributors in their historical four championships. Steph Curry is a top-15 player; some may debate top-10 player of all time. Changing the way we view the spot. The way he made the three-point shot one of the most effective. Shooting from anywhere on the court. And the gravity that he demands. Being one of the most special players that the league has ever seen. Draymond Green is a great playmaker next to Curry. The way he would set off ball screens and hand off passes for Curry made it easier for him. Seeing those two next to each other is special. Both make each other jobs easy. But it seems like the Warriors aren't bothering to add another weapon along with them. With Klay gone it will be hard to see who can fit into that mold. Buddy Hield and De'Anthony Melton replaced Klay Thompson.

The Warriors now have to bank on Podz making a jump. Or Kuminga to finally become an All-Star-caliber talent. Or even guys like Buddy Hield to become the shooter that the Warriors need to fill in the hole that Klay is leaving. The franchise already has a lot of players that know the system. Like Moody, Looney, and Gary Payton II, who were key players in the finals run. A bad decision by coaching and the front office has cost the Warriors a lot. Trading away Jordan Poole for Chris Paul, who did not fit into the role. The Warriors have been forgotten because of all this. The Warriors dominated era seems to be over. Mike Dunleavy and the new front office know this, which is why they have not made any moves. Instead, they are focusing on a rebuild. Which is a shame knowing Steph Curry can still play out his mind.

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