The Golden State Warriors have high expectations for the 2024-25 NBA season even if they lost Klay Thompson to the Dallas Mavericks. Stephen Curry returns with his unquestionable leadership alongside Draymond Green , so the Warriors believe they have the right pieces around them to be a dark horse in the Western Conference.
However, we do not believe the key additions of Buddy Hield , De’Anthony Melton, and Kyle Anderson will be enough to make the Warriors competitive enough, regardless of their 111-97 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers last night in a preseason matchup. We have five major questions about the Warriors as we approach the NBA season’s start on October 22nd, and it seems very unlikely they will be answered before the postseason arrives.
Is Stephen Curry Capable Of Carrying The Offensive Load?
There’s no doubting Stephen Curry’s greatness, but at 37 years old, it’s fair to wonder how much longer he can be the primary offensive engine for a championship team. Without Klay Thompson, defenses will focus even more on Curry, and even with his all-time shooting range, he can only do so much. The days when Curry could run defenders ragged for 35 minutes a night while draining threes from everywhere may still be here, but not at the same volume or efficiency throughout an 82-game season.
This season will test his endurance in ways we haven't seen before. Sure, the additions of Buddy Hield and De'Anthony Melton provide shooting and secondary playmaking, but neither can replicate the gravity that Klay Thompson pulled. Curry’s ability to remain a top-10 scorer hinges on his teammates stepping up to help spread the floor (26.4 PPG last season), but without Thompson, teams will key in on him more than ever. It’s one thing to get hot in spurts, but can Curry consistently put the Warriors on his back night after night when every defense is daring the other Warriors to beat them?
Let’s also not forget the physical toll. While Steph has proven to be durable lately, the wear and tear of 15 seasons (plus deep playoff runs) starts to show in different ways. Whether it's the nagging injuries that force him to miss games or just the overall pace slowing down as he conserves energy for the postseason, it’s reasonable to expect some drop-off. If the Warriors are banking on MVP-level Curry night in and night out, they might be setting themselves up for disappointment.
2. Will The New Additions Fit The Warriors' System?
One of the Warriors' biggest challenges this season is integrating their new signings—Buddy Hield, De’Anthony Melton, and Kyle Anderson—into a system that demands high basketball IQ, relentless off-ball movement, and cohesive defensive schemes. Can they fit in?
Buddy Hield, while a fantastic shooter, has historically been a player who thrives in simple, direct offensive systems where he can spot up or come off screens. The Warriors’ motion offense, however, is far more intricate, with constant off-ball movement, split actions, and decision-making required on the fly. Hield’s ability to keep up with that pace and adapt to a more read-and-react system could determine how well he meshes with the Warriors. However, Hield did shoot 38.6% from three last year and is nailing 40.0% for his career so he does fit the bill numbers-wise.
Melton is a defensive-minded guard, and that should be an asset for the Warriors, but his offensive game, which relies on slashing and transition play, might struggle in a half-court system that prioritizes spacing and shooting. Sure, he can hit open threes, but consistency has never been his strong suit (36.0% last season). His defensive versatility, especially alongside Draymond Green, will be valuable, but what happens when teams leave him open, daring him to shoot? Melton will need to adjust quickly if he’s going to be effective in a system that demands offensive precision and balance.
Kyle Anderson, "Slow-Mo," is an interesting addition considering he only averaged 6.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game last season. His unique pace and methodical playmaking could help in half-court sets, but will his style clash with the Warriors' high-tempo, free-flowing attack? Anderson thrives when the game slows down, and while his basketball IQ fits what Steve Kerr demands, there’s a risk that his slow-footedness could hinder the Warriors’ rhythm, especially when Curry and Green are looking to push the pace. If the Warriors can’t seamlessly integrate these pieces, they risk losing the identity that’s made them so successful.
Related: 5 Important Questions Facing The Lakers In The 2024-25 Season
3. Is The Warriors’ Depth Good Enough To Survive A Grueling Season?
Depth has long been the backbone of successful Warriors teams, but the 2024-25 version of Golden State's bench feels more like a question mark than a strength. With Klay gone and the starting lineup shouldering more of the load, the pressure is on the second unit to keep the team afloat when Curry and Green are off the floor. So far, that depth looks shaky at best.
Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga are two of the most intriguing young players, but they haven’t yet proven they can consistently contribute in big moments. One night they flash potential, and the next, they’re lost in the shuffle. That inconsistency could be fatal in a Western Conference packed with firepower.
Veterans like Andrew Wiggins and Kyle Anderson will be asked to stabilize the second unit, but how much can be expected from them? Wiggins has always been a solid, smart two-way player, but he’s never been the type to take over games. His role will be important, but he can only do so much as a supplementary scorer. Anderson, as mentioned, brings his unique pace to the table, but the Warriors need more than just glue guys—they need spark plugs, players who can come off the bench and swing the momentum of a game. Does this bench have that punch? Or will they struggle to hold leads, forcing Curry and Green to play heavier minutes throughout the season?
4. Can Jonathan Kuminga Play Small Forward?
As the Golden State Warriors navigate the 2024-25 season, one of the most intriguing questions is whether Jonathan Kuminga can thrive as a small forward in their lineup . The goal for the Warriors could be to pair Stephen Curry and Brandin Podziemski in the backcourt, while Kuminga completes the lineup alongside Draymond Green and Kevon Looney.
At 6'7" with a 7'0" wingspan, Kuminga has the physical tools necessary to play on the wing, and his combination of size, athleticism, and versatility makes him a tantalizing option for the Warriors. In the last season, he averaged 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game, with a shooting percentage of 52.9% from the field and 32.1% from three-point range. His raw talent is undeniable, but can he harness it effectively at small forward?
One of Kuminga’s strengths is his ability to attack the rim, which is crucial for a small forward in the Warriors' system. His athleticism allows him to finish through contact and create scoring opportunities off cuts and drives. However, his shooting consistency is a concern. With the Warriors’ emphasis on spacing and ball movement, Kuminga will need to improve his perimeter shooting to keep defenses honest. Other options at the small forward spot could be Andrew Wiggins , Buddy Hield, Moses Moody, and even Gary Payton II.
Defensively, Kuminga has the potential to be a game-changer. He has shown flashes of being able to guard multiple positions, and his wingspan enables him to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots effectively. For the Warriors to maximize their defensive versatility, Kuminga must step up in this area, particularly when defending bigger wings or smaller forwards. If he can combine his offensive skill set with strong defensive performances, he could solidify his role as a small forward, helping the Warriors compete in the competitive Western Conference.
5. Trade Andrew Wiggins Or Not?
The decision to trade Andrew Wiggins looms large for the Golden State Warriors, especially considering his recent inconsistency and the potential to land significant talent in return. Wiggins has been a pivotal player for the Warriors, contributing to their championship run in 2021-22, but with the addition of younger players and changes in roster dynamics, now may be the time to explore the trade market.
Wiggins has shown he can be a solid contributor, but he may not be the game-changer the Warriors need moving forward. Trading him for a player like Jerami Grant could provide a more consistent scoring option who excels on both ends of the floor. Grant averaged 21.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists last season, showcasing his ability to impact games. The Warriors could benefit from his offensive prowess and defensive versatility.
Less possible options but still feasible include players like Myles Turner and Brandon Ingram present enticing possibilities but acquiring them isn’t guaranteed. Turner, while an elite rim protector, has had injury issues, and his fit alongside Green might be questionable. Ingram’s skill set is appealing, but he may not contribute defensively to the same extent as Wiggins. The Warriors must weigh the potential risk of trading a reliable player for one with question marks.
Related: The Worst Starter On Every NBA Team In 2024-25
Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News . We really appreciate your support.
Local News
Comments / 0