The Golden State Warriors have been busy this offseason, making some significant moves that have reshaped their roster for the 2024-25 campaign. While they brought in sharpshooters like Buddy Hield and versatile veterans like Kyle Anderson, the departure of franchise staple Klay Thompson marks the end of an era. Chris Paul’s brief stint with the team also concluded as they waived the veteran guard. Now, with a mix of experienced players and promising talents, the Warriors are gearing up for what could be a pivotal season. The question is: will these changes propel them back to championship contention, or are they in for a rocky road ahead?

1. A Play-In Team Once Again

The Golden State Warriors could be staring down another Play-In tournament appearance, even with Stephen Curry riding high off an MVP-caliber performance at the 2024 Olympics. His brilliance, while inspiring, might not be enough to carry a roster in flux. The team’s decision to hold onto rising star Brandin Podziemski—after reportedly declining a trade package involving Lauri Markkanen—indicates their commitment to developing young talent. However, they’ll need to make serious decisions, including extending Jonathan Kuminga, who is crucial for their long-term plans.

Kuminga’s potential has shown flashes, but the Warriors are still waiting for him to fully break out. Securing his future this summer is a priority, as letting him walk or underutilizing him could haunt the team. With Draymond Green aging and Klay Thompson now gone, Kuminga is expected to take on a larger role both offensively and defensively. His ability to fill the void left by these veterans will be critical, but it’s still uncertain if he’s ready to take on that responsibility consistently.

Stephen Curry remains the heart of the team, but the Warriors need more than just his heroics to avoid slipping into the Play-In tournament. The Western Conference is unforgiving, and without sufficient support, even Curry’s elite play might not be enough. Although the front office’s faith in players like Podziemski shows their belief in their developmental pipeline, the Warriors might need more immediate impact players to stay competitive.

The recent decision not to trade Podziemski for an established star like Markkanen suggests the Warriors are betting on their young core to develop quickly. However, this strategy is risky. If Kuminga doesn’t take a leap and Podziemski struggles to adapt, the Warriors might find themselves relying too heavily on Curry once again, which could lead to another exhausting season where they’re fighting just to make the playoffs.

Defensively, the Warriors are a mixed bag. Draymond Green is still a defensive force, but he can’t do it alone. With Thompson gone, the perimeter defense is weaker, putting more pressure on players like Andrew Wiggins and Kuminga. The team’s success will largely hinge on whether they can maintain their defensive identity while integrating new pieces.

In conclusion, while the Warriors have the talent to make some noise in the postseason, the loss of key veterans, coupled with the uncertainty surrounding their young players, could mean another season of scraping by in the Play-In tournament. The clock is ticking on their current core, and they’ll need everything to fall into place to avoid another season of fighting for their playoff lives.

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2. A First-Round Exit At Best?

The Golden State Warriors might have to face a harsh reality this season: a first-round exit could be their ceiling. The Western Conference is stacked, and the competition is fiercer than ever. Teams like the Dallas Mavericks, now boasting Klay Thompson and fresh off an NBA Finals appearance, are expected to be a dominant force. The Minnesota Timberwolves, who made a surprising run to the Western Conference Finals last season, have only improved, with a balanced and deep roster that poses serious challenges for any opponent.

Then there’s the Oklahoma City Thunder, who stunned everyone by securing the top seed last season. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at the helm and the addition of defensive stalwart Alex Caruso and big man Isaiah Hartenstein, the Thunder are set to be even better. Their depth and versatility make them a nightmare matchup, particularly for a Warriors team that might lack the same level of firepower and consistency across the board.

Even the Denver Nuggets, despite losing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, remain among the elite in the West. With Nikola Jokić still playing at an MVP level, they’ve got the stability and star power to stay near the top of the standings. For the Warriors, facing any of these teams in the first round could spell trouble. The loss of Klay Thompson and the reliance on younger, less proven players could leave them vulnerable against these well-rounded squads.

Moreover, the Memphis Grizzlies are set to return to form with Ja Morant back in action. After serving his suspension, Morant will be eager to lead his team deep into the playoffs, making them yet another formidable foe in the West. The Grizzlies’ blend of youth, athleticism, and grit could easily overwhelm the Warriors in a playoff series, especially if Golden State is struggling to find its defensive identity.

In the end, while Stephen Curry’s brilliance gives the Warriors a fighting chance in any series, it might not be enough to overcome the sheer depth and talent of the competition. The Western Conference is a battlefield, and the Warriors may find themselves outmatched, leading to a first-round exit. It’s a tough pill to swallow for a team that’s been a dynasty, but the reality of this season is that the Warriors are no longer the favorites—they’re the underdogs, and the path ahead is fraught with obstacles.

3. Out Of The Playoffs For The Second Year In A Row

Last season was a tough one for the Warriors, finishing 10th in the Western Conference and crashing out of the Play-In after a heartbreaking loss to the Kings. It was a stark reminder that the NBA landscape has shifted, and the once-dominant Warriors are no longer guaranteed a spot in the playoffs. Heading into this season, there’s a real concern that they might face the same fate, potentially missing the postseason for the second consecutive year.

While the Warriors still have a roster with the potential to make some noise, the reality is that they haven’t made the significant changes that could elevate them back to the top tier of the conference. Stephen Curry remains as brilliant as ever, coming off an MVP-worthy performance at the 2024 Olympics, but he can’t do it alone. The supporting cast, particularly the younger players like Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody, needs to take massive strides forward if the Warriors hope to stay competitive. The front office is clearly banking on internal growth rather than making splashy offseason moves, but that’s a big gamble in a conference as stacked as the West.

Finishing outside the top six seeds seems almost inevitable with teams like the Mavericks, Timberwolves, Thunder, and Nuggets all loaded with talent and depth. The Warriors are likely to find themselves in the Play-In scenario again, and as we saw last season, that’s a risky place to be. The Play-In tournament is a high-pressure, do-or-die situation, and if the Warriors end up there, it’s entirely possible that they could fall short once more, missing the playoffs altogether.

What’s more, if they do miss the postseason again, the Warriors will have to face some tough questions heading into the summer of 2025. Is this core still capable of competing for a championship, or is it time to start making some serious changes? The future of key players, including Jonathan Kuminga, will be a major talking point. The Warriors could find themselves at a crossroads, deciding whether to continue with their current strategy or shake things up in a big way.

Another year without playoff basketball would be a bitter disappointment for a franchise that’s been at the pinnacle of the sport for so long. It would also force the Warriors to reassess their position in the league and possibly make some difficult decisions regarding the direction of the team. The 2024-25 season might be their last chance to prove that they can still be contenders, and if they fall short again, big changes could be on the horizon.