Analyst Details Warriors’ Potentially Fatal Flaw
The Golden State Warriors have constructed a veteran-heavy roster ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season. Al Horford and Seth Curry joined the over-30s contingent within Steve Kerr’s rotation.
In fact, the core four of
According to
“For as well as things clicked upon Jimmy Butler’s deadline addition, they looked a bit old and slow at times after his arrival,” Buckley wrote. “Adding 30-somethings Al Horford and Seth Curry in free agency won’t change that. And while they managed to ultimately re-sign explosive swingman Jonathan Kuminga, it sure sounds like he could be gone as soon as he becomes trade-eligible in mid-January.”
Buckley continued.
“There are younger, more athletic teams all over the Association, and some of them rank among the Western Conference’s top contenders. Savvy and smarts can help overcome some of that deficit, but there’s no real way to fully hide athletic limitations.”
Fortunately, the Warriors do have a string of high-upside younger talents they can lean on when opponents lean into speed and athleticism.
Warriors Younger Rotation May Need to Step Up
Kerr does have a group of younger talents to lean on during the season. Brandin Podziemski has been impressive since entering the league as the 19th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
Therefore, there should be enough balance between veteran savvy and youthful exuberance. The hardest part for Kerr, will be figuring out how to carry that balance onto the court and get the best out of the roster as a collective. After all, leaning on a rotation of pure veteran talent could backfire if their individual and collective minutes aren’t managed with one eye on the playoffs.
Al Horford’s Role With Warriors Still Unclear
The Warriors signed Horford to a two-year $11.6 million deal, expecting him to slot into a starting spot in the upcoming season. However, when speaking to the media following Golden State’s 126-116 preseason loss to the
“If Al were a little younger, he’d be in the starting lineup for sure,” Kerr said
Horford isn’t the only veteran in Golden State’s rotation. Therefore, he won’t be the only player to have his playing time monitored. The Warriors have a roster capable of contending for a championship next season. However, how Kerr distributes playing time while still finding a balance will have a significant impact on the team’s chances of success.
Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga reveals ‘concerning flashback that set him off’
The Golden State Warriors faced off against the Portland Trail Blazers in the preseason, and Jonathan Kuminga was inserted into the starting lineup. Unfortunately, he didn't get to finish the game, as
Kuminga drove down the lane, and there was contact made, but the referees didn't blow the whistle, which led him to have that moment with the ref. After the game, Kuminga spoke about
“Jonathan Kuminga told me the aspect of the no-call that set him off (and led to his first career ejection) was the trip/clip of his right ankle from behind. Same ankle he badly injured last season. Gave him a concerning flashback. Was hurting a bit postgame but said he's fine,” ESPN's Anthony Slater wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
Kuminga missed an extended period of time last season because of his injury, and it threw off his rhythm coming back. He knows that if the team wants to succeed this season, he's going to have to stay healthy, and getting injured in the preseason is not good.
Head coach Steve Kerr also spoke about the ejection after the game, and it looks like he didn't have a problem with it.
“I don't mind the ejection at all,” Kerr said. “I kind of liked it, actually.”
Throughout the preseason, Kerr has been finding lineups that will work with Kuminga in them. He has a skill set that the Warriors need with his athleticism and rebounding, but he also needs to be put around shooters, since that's an area in his game that needs improvement. After not seeing the floor much late last season, the hope is that Kuminga can find a role on the team and be someone who can give them energy off the bench.
