Charlie Walter, the host of the daily Locked On Warriors podcast, with your daily Locked On Warriors newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Warriors and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Steph and Kuminga: Building the Warriors’ New Dynamic Duo?
What’s good Dubs fans!?
In today’s episode of Locked on Warriors, we dive deep into Jonathan Kuminga’s recent breakout performances and what it means for the team’s future. Is it time to start building around Steph and Kuminga? We explore how the Warriors can maximize Kuminga’s talents and debate potential trade scenarios to improve the roster.
Some key topics we cover:
- Analyzing Kuminga’s back-to-back 30-point games off the bench
- How Draymond Green’s role may shift to accommodate Kuminga
- Potential trade targets like Nikola Vucevic or Zion Williamson
- The pros and cons of moving Andrew Wiggins
- Mike Brown’s firing in Sacramento and if he could return to the Warriors
We also touch on Buddy Hield’s struggles and Draymond’s harsh words for him caught on a hot mic. Lots to unpack in this episode as we look at how the Warriors can take the next step this season.
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Dec 21, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts to a question during a post game interview after the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. | Ed Szczepanski/Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
Sacramento Kings coach Mike Brown was fired on his way to meet his team at the airport, Anthony Edwards was fined again — this time a cool $100k — for profanity, Amen Thompson picked Tyler Herro up and skipped him like a stone over the hardwood floor, the Suns and Mavs got into it too, and D’Angelo Russell was traded to the Nets (again) in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton. It was a busy weekend in the NBA.
But let’s not focus on the chaos. Let’s instead look to a milestone within the milieu of the NBA’s theatrics, one that’s sat looming, casting a long shadow over the league for years now and especially over LeBron James, who turns 40 today.
James is a rare athlete in many ways. He’s been dominant in every decade of his career — and it’s rare enough to pluralize “decade” when discussing the length of an athlete’s career — and at one point was the greatest athlete on the planet. He’s won NBA titles, Olympic gold medals, has played a huge role in furthering athlete autonomy and reshaping the public’s perception of what an athlete can do and be off the court (or field, rink, etc.) in terms of political and social awareness and advocacy. He’s the first ever athlete to play alongside his son at a professional level and he’s advanced, even introduced, the concept of recovery and physical and mental longevity for an athlete.
He’s also still capable of forcefully taking your breath away with a rousing block, dunk, and the ability to toss his team on his back and take control of the game — he’s still averaging 23.5 points, 9 assists and 7.5 rebounds per game.
James’ rarest attribute though is something of a double-edged sword: his longevity. The quality of longevity, pure staying power, James has maintained throughout his career is the kind of consistency we just don’t see in sports yet he’s made it feel routine, totally normal.
The gift of this for basketball fans has been having James as both a metronome and a backdrop for over 20 seasons. Other players have taken what he’s done and made their own improvisations, but he’s the rhythm that drives the game like he’s the mountain set at the horizon, offering a perennial sense of direction. What happens when these two constant factors aren’t there anymore?
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Injury Brandin Podziemski has been ruled out for the Golden State Warriors’ game on Monday against the Cavaliers due to injury. This absence may impact the team’s lineup and strategy. Podziemski has been a key player this season. (Golden State of Mind)
Watch Draymond Green discusses his complex relationship with former teammate Kevin Durant and the impact on their dynamic with Steph Curry. This insightful conversation sheds light on team chemistry and past conflicts. Watch the highlights for more. (Golden State of Mind)
Analysis The NBA has admitted a critical missed call in the Warriors’ recent game against the Suns. This acknowledgment could have significant implications for the outcome and future officiating standards. Examine the details here. (Sports Illustrated)
Feel Good Steph Curry praised Jonathan Kuminga’s performance in the game against the Suns, highlighting his growth and contributions to the team. This acknowledgment from a veteran player can boost young talents. Read Curry’s reaction. (Sports Illustrated)
Preview The Cavaliers will clash with the Warriors at the Chase Center at 10:00 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Celebrate 40 great moments for LeBron James on his 40th birthday. (NBA.com)
Milestone By the numbers: a statistical look at NBA milestones as LeBron James turns 40. (TSN)
Biz A look inside Mike Brown’s final days with the Sacramento Kings. (The Athletic)
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Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Basketball Implications Of The Lakers & Nets Trade
Dec 28, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) moves the ball against Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox (5) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez/Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
The NBA trade market is heating up, and the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers have made the first significant move of the season. In a surprising turn of events, D’Angelo Russell is heading back to Brooklyn, while Dorian Finney-Smith makes his way to Los Angeles.
The trade details are as follows:
Brooklyn receives:
D’Angelo Russell
Maxwell Lewis (2023 second-round pick)
Three second-round picks
Los Angeles receives:
Dorian Finney-Smith
Shake Milton
This move has significant implications for both teams and fantasy basketball managers alike. For Brooklyn, Russell’s return could shake up their backcourt rotation. With Cam Thomas also returning from injury, the Nets suddenly have an abundance of scoring guards. While this might lead to some exciting offensive performances, it could also create a defensive nightmare for Brooklyn.
Noah Clowney’s value may see an uptick with Finney-Smith’s departure. The rookie has shown flashes of potential in recent games, and this trade could open up more consistent minutes for him. However, it’s important to temper expectations, as the Nets’ rotation remains fluid.
Ben Simmons’ role is now in question. With Russell taking over primary ball-handling duties, Simmons might see a reduction in minutes and usage. Fantasy managers should monitor this situation closely, as Simmons could become a potential drop candidate if his playing time dips significantly.
Don’t let other episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Warriors podcasts.
Jonathan Kuminga Goes For 34 Points In Consecutive Nights, Golden State Warriors Beat Phoenix Suns!
Jonathan Kuminga followed up his career-high 34-point outing with another 34-point game, this time in a win over the Phoenix Suns. Why Kuminga’s recent dominance should force Steve Kerr into truly featuring Kuminga in the Golden State Warriors offense, and why there is a star out there that could make sense to at least discuss.
The Golden State Warriors Are Free Falling, When Is It Time To Panic?
The Golden State Warriors haven’t put together a winning streak in over a month, most recently losing to the Los Angeles Lakers despite a 38-point effort from Stephen Curry. When is the right time to make serious changes and would could those decisions be? Charlie Walter and Matt Kolsky break it down.
Steph Curry Speaks Out: The Urgency of Tightening the Warriors’ Rotation
With the Golden State Warriors in a slump, Steph Curry made a subtle push for change. Today’s show debates the balance between development and immediate performance. The episode also explores trade rumors and the strategic decisions Coach Steve Kerr faces in optimizing the roster. With a mix of analysis and speculation, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the Warriors’ path forward amidst a competitive Western Conference landscape.
