The Golden State Warriors are facing a pivotal moment in their franchise history. After suffering their worst home loss in the Steve Kerr era, a 40-point drubbing by the Celtics, it’s clear that changes need to be made. With a 21-21 record, the Warriors are hovering around .500 and looking like a play-in team at best.
The question on everyone’s mind is: Are the Warriors better or worse than their record suggests? According to Dan Devone, they’re not even average. If you remove their 12-3 start, which now seems like an aberration, the Warriors are 8-17 in their last 25 games. This is more indicative of who they truly are as a team.
The Case for a Rebuild
It’s time for the Warriors to consider a major overhaul. The word “rebuild” might be unpopular, but it’s becoming increasingly necessary. The team needs to take a significant swing while they still have valuable assets. This could mean exploring trades for key players, including the previously unthinkable option of moving Steph Curry.
The Western Conference is dominated by young, talented teams. The Warriors, with their aging core, simply can’t match up personnel-wise with the top eight teams in the conference. Looking ahead, the goal should be positioning themselves for a high draft pick and a small chance at landing a transformative player like Cooper Flagg.
Potential Moves and Asset Management
One name that keeps coming up in trade discussions is Draymond Green. While his impact on the Warriors’ dynasty can’t be overstated, it might be time to move on. The challenge is finding a trade partner willing to offer fair value for Green at this stage of his career.
Another intriguing option is pursuing Zion Williamson from the New Orleans Pelicans. Despite injury concerns, Williamson’s potential is undeniable. He’s one of the few players in NBA history who’s unstoppable in the paint.
The Warriors need to create a new identity, and that might mean making tough decisions about their core players. Whether it’s moving Green, exploring options for Curry, or packaging young assets for a star like Williamson, bold moves are necessary to avoid prolonged mediocrity.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Warriors’ future, tune into the Locked On Warriors podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Warriors Podcast:
• The impact of injuries on the Warriors’ season
• Analyzing the Warriors’ young talent and their potential
• The debate between getting younger or older: Charles Barkley vs. Kenny Smith’s perspectives
