Nov 4, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) passes the ball against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first quarter at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports
The reigning champions Golden State Warriors are playing mediocre .500 basketball one quarter into the season. Here are three moves they should make to right their wrongs.
With more than 20 games already in the books, the Warriors are navigating mediocrity so far this season. Entering the weekend, with their next game taking place on Friday, the Dubs currently sport a perfectly average .500, 11-11 record.
Golden State is currently in possession of the ninth seed in the Western Conference tied with the Dallas Mavericks (10-10) and the Minnesota Timberwolves/Portland Trail Blazers (both at 11-11).
The Warriors haven’t experienced that many roster changes this past offseason except the departures of veterans Otto Porter Jr. and Gary Payton II. That said, they decided to pursue a two-timeline approach trying to accomplish both contention and development in the same 2022-23 season, something that has clearly not worked for them so far.
James Wiseman has been demoted to the G League. Moses Moody has been more outside than inside Steve Kerr’s rotations of late. Steph Curry has been his MVP-level self, but the likes of Klay Thompson, Jordan Poole, Draymond Green, and Andrew Wiggins have experienced up and downs and are still trying to find their 2023 footing.
While we have just entered December and the Dubs have yet to play their first winter game, the record isn’t looking good and the Phoenix Suns are already leading the way in the West having reached 15 wins through their first 21 games played (.714).
There is still time for the Warriors to right their wrongs and for such a glorious and dynastic franchise that shouldn’t be a problem. In case it is, though, here’s a handy three-move guide that Golden State must follow next if they really want to contend.