Golden State Warriors 2024-25 Season Preview: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Burning Questions
As the Golden State Warriors prepare for their 2024-25 season, several intriguing storylines are unfolding. With the preseason opener just weeks away, fans are eager to see how this year’s roster shapes up. While the Warriors remain a formidable team led by Stephen Curry, several factors could influence their success this season. Let’s dive into the biggest strengths, weaknesses, and burning questions facing the Warriors.
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1. Emerging Young Talent
One of the Warriors’ biggest strengths heading into the new season is the emergence of their young players. Jonathan Kuminga, Brandon Podziemski, and Moses Moody represent the future of the franchise. Kuminga, now entering his fourth season, has shown promising growth, particularly in the second half of last season, where he averaged close to 20 points per game. However, there’s still room for improvement, especially in his outside shooting and shot creation.
Podziemski, who led the team in rebounds last year, will take on an even larger role following the departure of Klay Thompson. With his development crucial, he is expected to take a big leap in production and shoulder much of the scoring load behind Curry. Meanwhile, Moses Moody, a solid 3-and-D player, will also be relied upon heavily. If these young players continue to grow, they could play a pivotal role in ushering in the next era of Warriors basketball.
2. Depth Across the Roster
The Warriors boast impressive depth, particularly in the guard and wing positions. Steph Curry leads the charge, but he’s backed up by players like Podziemski, Buddy Hield, DeAnthony Melton, and Gary Payton II. This flexibility allows the Warriors to adjust based on matchups and keep fresh legs in the rotation.
On the wing, Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins are expected to play significant minutes, with Kyle Anderson and Moody providing additional support. Wiggins, a key figure in the Warriors’ 2022 championship run, could potentially return to his previous form, which would further solidify the team’s depth. While Wiggins has had some ups and downs, he remains a vital part of the Warriors’ rotation.
3. Ball Handling and Shot Creation Weaknesses
One of the glaring weaknesses on the Warriors’ roster is the lack of ball-handling depth behind Curry and Podziemski. If either player gets injured, the team lacks proven playmakers to run the offense effectively. While DeAnthony Melton and Buddy Hield offer value, they aren’t known for their shot creation or ball-handling abilities.
This issue could become problematic, especially in non-Curry minutes. The Warriors might need to explore trade options to add a reliable ball handler or playmaker to ensure they can maintain offensive flow throughout the season.
4. Uncertainty Around a Second Scorer
A significant question mark for the Warriors is identifying a consistent second scorer behind Curry. Kuminga has improved his scoring, but he still struggles with creating his own shot. Podziemski is being groomed to take on more offensive responsibility, but he’s only entering his second season, and there’s no guarantee he can fill the void left by Klay Thompson.
Andrew Wiggins, while once seen as the team’s second-best player, has struggled to maintain consistency. The Warriors need to establish a clear pecking order behind Curry to ensure they have a go-to option when Curry is off the floor or having an off night.
5. Lack of Size in the Frontcourt
One of the most pressing concerns for the Warriors is their lack of size in the frontcourt. Draymond Green, standing at 6’6″, is expected to play center for significant stretches of the season. While Green is an elite defender, his lack of height could present challenges against bigger teams.
The Warriors have limited options at center, with Trace Jackson-Davis and Kevon Looney both being undersized for the position. This lack of size could expose the Warriors, particularly when facing teams with dominant big men. If Golden State wants to address this weakness, they may need to make a trade or add size to the roster as the season progresses.
Burning Questions: Will a Big Trade Happen?
With all the potential weaknesses and uncertainties, one of the biggest burning questions for the Warriors is whether a significant trade will be made. If the team wants to maximize Curry’s championship window, they may need to add a second star or a more reliable scoring option to complement him. Players like Kuminga and Podziemski could be valuable trade assets, especially with Kuminga’s looming restricted free agency and desire for a significant contract.
Only time will tell if the Warriors will make the necessary moves to remain contenders in the Western Conference, but fans will be eagerly watching to see how the season unfolds.
Conclusion
The 2024-25 season promises to be an exciting one for the Golden State Warriors, with both young talent and veteran leadership at play. However, the team’s success will largely depend on how well they address their weaknesses in ball handling, shot creation, and frontcourt size. Whether through internal development or midseason trades, the Warriors will need to navigate these challenges to return to championship contention. And as long as Stephen Curry is leading the charge, the Warriors will always have a chance to compete at the highest level.
