The Golden State Warriors are heading into the 2024-25 season with a sense of transition after a disappointing 46-36 finish last season, resulting in a 10th-place finish in the Western Conference and a play-in tournament exit. The departure of Klay Thompson marked the end of the Warriors’ legendary “Big 3” era, leaving Stephen Curry and Draymond Green as the last remaining pillars of their dynasty.
While the core is aging, the Warriors are looking to rebuild around Curry and Green, alongside a promising young core of players. Though their championship window may be closing, the Warriors will hope for a bounce-back season and a return to the playoffs.
Here’s a breakdown of their projected starting lineup and key reserves for the 2024-25 season.
Point Guard (PG)
Starter: Stephen Curry
Reserves: De'Anthony Melton, Reece Beekman, Pat Spencer
At 36 years old, Stephen Curry continues to be one of the league’s premier point guards, showing no signs of slowing down. Last season, Curry averaged 26.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game while shooting 45.4% from the field and 40.8% from three-point range. Despite the team’s struggles, Curry remains the heart and soul of the Warriors, and he will once again be tasked with carrying a heavy load on offense. With Klay Thompson gone, Curry will need to provide even more leadership and production as the team transitions into a new era.
Backing up Curry is De'Anthony Melton, a solid offseason addition who brings defense and versatility to the Warriors' backcourt. Melton can defend both guard positions and will provide valuable minutes off the bench. Reece Beekman and Pat Spencer add further depth, though their playing time may be limited as the team leans heavily on Curry.
Shooting Guard (SG)
Starter: Brandin Podziemski
Reserves: Gary Payton II, Moses Moody, Blake Hinson
After an impressive rookie season, Brandin Podziemski looks set to start at shooting guard alongside Curry. Podziemski averaged 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game while shooting 45.4% from the field and 38.5% from beyond the arc. He showed great promise as a playmaker and floor spacer, and while he has big shoes to fill in replacing Klay Thompson, Podziemski’s high basketball IQ and versatility make him a valuable piece for the Warriors moving forward.
Gary Payton II remains a key part of the Warriors’ rotation, providing elite perimeter defense and hustle plays. Moses Moody continues to develop as a young player, and he will compete for minutes as a scorer and three-point shooter off the bench. Blake Hinson offers further depth and potential as a floor-spacing wing.
Small Forward (SF)
Starter: Andrew Wiggins
Reserves: Buddy Hield, Lindy Waters, Kevin Knox
Andrew Wiggins enters the 2024-25 season looking to regain his All-Star form. After signing a contract extension, Wiggins has struggled to match his stellar 2022 performance, finishing last season with averages of 13.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game while shooting 45.3% from the field and 35.8% from three-point range. Wiggins has the tools to be a two-way force for the Warriors, but consistency has been an issue. He will need to step up as one of the team's top scoring options with Thompson gone.
Joining Wiggins is veteran sharpshooter Buddy Hield, who arrives in Golden State after a solid season with the Philadelphia 76ers. Hield averaged 12.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.0 assists while shooting 42.6% from the field and 38.9% from three-point range. Hield is known for his elite three-point shooting, which will fit well in the Warriors’ system and provide much-needed floor spacing.
Lindy Waters and Kevin Knox round out the small forward rotation, with Waters offering shooting and Knox providing size and athleticism off the bench.
Power Forward (PF)
Starter: Jonathan Kuminga
Reserves: Kyle Anderson, Gui Santos, Jackson Rowe
Jonathan Kuminga is one of the Warriors’ biggest hopes for the future. The athletic forward took a big step forward last season, averaging 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game while shooting an efficient 52.9% from the field. Kuminga has shown flashes of stardom, and the Warriors will rely on him to take on a larger role as a versatile scorer and defender. If he can continue to develop his three-point shot (32.1% last season), Kuminga has the potential to be a cornerstone for the Warriors' rebuild.
Veteran Kyle Anderson provides valuable experience and versatility as a forward who can facilitate the offense and defend multiple positions. Gui Santos and Jackson Rowe will add depth and athleticism to the frontcourt, with Santos being a developing prospect for the future.
Center (C)
Starter: Draymond Green
Reserves: Trayce Jackson-Davis, Kevon Looney, Quinten Post
Despite an eventful season marred by suspension and off-court issues, Draymond Green remains the emotional leader of the Warriors. Last season, Green averaged 8.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game while shooting 49.7% from the field and an improved 39.5% from three-point range. Green’s ability to anchor the defense, facilitate the offense, and bring intensity to every game is invaluable for Golden State, and his leadership will be critical as the team navigates this transitional period.
Backing up Green is rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis, who brings size, defense, and rebounding to the frontcourt. Kevon Looney, a reliable presence in the paint and one of the best offensive rebounders in the league, will also provide valuable minutes off the bench. Quinten Post adds further size and depth at the center position.
The Golden State Warriors are in a period of transition, with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green serving as the last remnants of their championship core. With Klay Thompson now gone and a mix of veterans and young players on the roster, the Warriors face a challenging path ahead.
While they still possess one of the greatest players in NBA history in Curry, their ability to contend will depend heavily on the development of young talents like Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, and Andrew Wiggins finding his consistency.
The addition of Buddy Hield brings elite shooting to the lineup, and De'Anthony Melton provides defensive versatility in the backcourt. However, the Warriors are likely to face stiff competition in a loaded Western Conference, and their ability to compete for a playoff spot will hinge on Curry’s continued brilliance and the growth of their younger players. While a deep playoff run may be unlikely, the Warriors are capable of surprising teams, especially with Curry still at the helm.
Related: 5 Alternative Trades For The Golden State Warriors Before The Start Of 2024-25 Season
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