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Golden State Warriors: 5 Reasons To Contend, 5 Reasons To Tank

By Fran Leiva,

15 hours ago

The Golden State Warriors are entering the 2024-25 NBA season in unfamiliar territory. After a disappointing 2023-24 campaign that ended without a deep playoff run, the Warriors are facing tough decisions. With an aging core of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, and after the departure of Klay Thompson , Golden State must decide whether to go all-in for another title or begin the painful process of rebuilding. The upcoming season brings both opportunities and challenges, as the Warriors weigh their current roster against their long-term future. Let’s break down 5 reasons why the Warriors should push for another title and 5 reasons why they should consider tanking.

Why The Warriors Should Contend In 2024-25

1. Stephen Curry Is Still In His Prime

Even though Stephen Curry is 36 years old, he’s shown no signs of slowing down during the 2024 Paris Olympics . Last season, Curry averaged 26.4 points, 5.1 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game, proving he’s still one of the league's most dynamic scorers. His incredible shooting range, ball-handling, and leadership on the court remain top-tier, and as long as Curry is playing at this level, the Warriors have a legitimate shot at contending. His ability to take over games with his shooting alone makes Golden State dangerous in any playoff series.

Curry’s presence also opens up opportunities for his teammates. Whether it’s creating space for others or drawing double teams, Curry’s gravity on the floor forces defenses to constantly adjust. This gives players like Andrew Wiggins and Jonathan Kuminga the chance to shine. If the Warriors’ acquisitions for Curry are the right pieces and stay healthy, there’s no reason they can’t make another playoff push this season.

Additionally, Curry's leadership and championship experience are invaluable. He's been the heart and soul of the Warriors’ dynasty, and with the team built around him, they could still make noise in the competitive Western Conference. As long as Curry is leading the charge, the Warriors can contend for a title.

Finally, Curry has a unique ability to elevate his game when it matters most. He’s one of the best clutch performers in the league, and his championship pedigree speaks for itself. With a core built around him, the Warriors can push for another deep playoff run while maximizing the remaining years of Curry’s prime.

2. Key Offseason Moves

The Warriors made several important offseason moves to prepare for the 2024-25 season. One of the standout additions was Buddy Hield , acquired in a sign-and-trade deal. Hield signed a four-year deal worth $37.7 million, bringing his elite three-point shooting to Golden State. He’s expected to provide spacing and offensive firepower, especially with the departure of Klay Thompson. Hield’s shooting is a perfect fit for the Warriors' system, and his ability to hit shots off movement will keep defenses stretched.

Another key move was signing De'Anthony Melton to a one-year, $12.8 million deal. Melton adds defensive versatility to the backcourt, something the Warriors have been lacking. He can guard multiple positions and will help relieve the defensive burden on Stephen Curry, allowing him to focus more on offense. Melton’s toughness and energy on defense could make a huge difference, especially in the playoffs when matchups become more intense.

The Warriors also added Kyle Anderson on a three-year, $27.6 million contract. Anderson’s defensive capabilities and playmaking are a welcome addition to a roster that needs more versatility in the frontcourt. His ability to defend multiple positions and facilitate offense makes him an important piece for Golden State. He fits well with their style of play and provides a reliable option in various lineups, both defensively and offensively.

These moves show that Golden State is not ready to tank or rebuild. Instead, they’re bringing in experienced veterans who fill specific needs, with the goal of making a deep playoff push. The contracts are manageable and give the team flexibility moving forward, while also surrounding Stephen Curry with the right pieces to remain competitive in a tough Western Conference.

3. Steph’s Championship Window Is Closing

At 36 years old, Stephen Curry is still one of the best in the league, but his time at the top won’t last forever. Last season, Curry averaged 26.4 points, 5.1 assists, and 4.5 rebounds, showing he can still lead an elite offense. However, the Warriors know they can’t waste these last prime years. As Curry continues to perform at a high level, the team should push for one more title run while they have their franchise player at peak form.

Curry’s presence is irreplaceable, and waiting for a rebuild would mean missing out on the potential to capitalize on his current abilities. He has consistently been able to deliver in clutch situations, leading the team when it matters most. As long as Curry is playing like this, the Warriors have a legitimate shot at contending in the tough Western Conference.

The franchise also knows that Curry's leadership and experience are crucial in playoff runs. His ability to take over games is a rare asset that can't be easily replaced. Pushing for another title while he remains the centerpiece of the team is the smartest move Golden State can make to maximize their current window.

In short, Stephen Curry still has what it takes to lead the Warriors to another championship. His time as the cornerstone of the team won’t last forever, so going all-in now is the best way to take advantage of his remaining prime years.

4. The West Is Wide Open

The Western Conference is packed with talent, but there isn’t a single team that’s completely dominating the competition. Teams like the Denver Nuggets are strong contenders, but they aren’t invincible. The Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns both have star power but are dealing with injury risks and roster changes. For the Warriors, this means the door is open for a deep playoff run if they can stay healthy and consistent throughout the season.

Golden State has the advantage of experience, which many Western teams lack. While younger teams like the Sacramento Kings, Minnesota Timberwolves, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Memphis Grizzlies are loaded with talent, they don’t have the playoff experience that the Warriors bring to the table. Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and their veteran core have been through countless playoff battles, which could be a major advantage when it comes to navigating the unpredictability of the postseason.

Another key factor is the uncertainty surrounding other Western Conference contenders. The Lakers, Clippers, and Suns have star-studded rosters, but those teams rely heavily on injury-prone players. This leaves a potential opening for the Warriors to step in and take advantage if those teams falter or struggle to stay healthy. The Warriors have made some smart offseason moves to address their needs, and with their battle-tested roster, they could thrive in this environment.

The Warriors should focus on contending because the Western Conference isn’t as clear-cut as it has been in past years. With no dominant team and so much unpredictability, Golden State has a real opportunity to capitalize. Their combination of experience, roster depth, and Curry’s leadership gives them a legitimate shot at making a deep run and competing for another championship.

5. The Potential Of The Young Core

The Warriors have a promising young core that could be a big reason to stay competitive while preparing for the future. Brandin Podziemski, their 2023 first-round pick, showed solid production in his rookie season, averaging 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists across 74 games. He has great playmaking skills and a reliable shooting touch that makes him a perfect fit for the Warriors’ system. As he gets more comfortable in the NBA, Podziemski could develop into an important piece for the team’s rotation.

Meanwhile, Jonathan Kuminga took a significant step forward last season, especially after the All-Star break, where he averaged 17.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.9 assists over the last 22 games. Kuminga’s athleticism and ability to attack the rim have improved, and with more consistent minutes, he’s shaping up to be a future star for the Warriors.

Moses Moody and Trayce Jackson-Davis also add depth and potential to the team. Moody has shown flashes of solid defense and perimeter shooting, while Jackson-Davis brings versatility in the paint and rebounding. Both players are still developing but could make valuable contributions this season.

By keeping these young players in the rotation, the Warriors are balancing their veteran stars with emerging talent. If this core continues to progress, they could provide a huge boost to the Warriors’ title chances while setting up the team for long-term success.

Why The Warriors Should Tank In 2024-25

1. The Core is Aging

The Warriors' core, led by Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, has been dominant for years, but the reality is that they’re getting older. Curry, now 36, and Green, 34, have already logged tons of minutes through deep playoff runs. Though they’re still effective, age is becoming a factor, and injuries will become more of a concern as the seasons progress. At this point, relying on an aging core might not be sustainable if the team’s goal is long-term success.

Tanking would allow the Warriors to reset while Curry and Green wind down their careers. By doing so, the team could focus on acquiring younger talent through the draft, setting up a new foundation for future success. Pushing for one more title with an aging roster could put the team in a difficult spot down the line when the rebuild will inevitably come, and they’d have fewer assets to lean on.

Instead of risking more short-term moves that could mortgage the future, a reset now could give the Warriors the chance to build a younger, stronger team that could compete for championships in the next era.

2. They Struggled To Make The Playoffs Last Year

One big reason the Warriors might want to consider tanking is how tough last season was for them. They finished with a 46-36 record, barely making it into the play-in tournament. Unfortunately, they were knocked out by the Sacramento Kings, losing 118-94 in a game that really highlighted their struggles. Missing the playoffs like this shows that their current squad might not be built for a deep run anymore.

Throughout the season, the Warriors had a hard time finding consistency. Their defense wasn’t what it used to be, and they couldn’t rely on role players to step up when it mattered most. The fact that they couldn’t make it past the play-in is a clear sign that things aren’t working like they used to.

This could be the perfect moment to hit the reset button. Instead of pushing with an aging core, they could focus on getting higher draft picks and developing their younger players. It might be a smarter long-term play to take a step back now and rebuild for the future.

3. Lack Of Depth Is Still A Problem

One of the big reasons the Warriors should consider tanking is their ongoing depth issue. Last season, the team’s bench couldn’t consistently provide the necessary support for Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, and that became a problem, especially during crucial moments. This offseason, the Warriors brought in Buddy Hield, De'Anthony Melton, and Kyle Anderson, but while these additions help, the team still faces challenges when it comes to having enough reliable role players.

Hield, Melton, and Anderson are solid veterans, but they aren't enough to cover the depth concerns that plagued the Warriors last year. The departure of key players like Klay Thompson and Chris Paul leaves significant gaps in leadership and consistency. While Hield's shooting and Melton's defensive versatility are valuable, they can’t fully address the team’s need for more consistent production off the bench. Kyle Anderson adds some flexibility, but the team still lacks the depth needed to compete at a high level across an 82-game season and into the playoffs.

The Warriors are relying heavily on the development of younger players like Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody, but their progress has been slow, and neither has proven to be a dependable game-changer yet. This uncertainty makes it hard to expect a serious title run. Tanking for a higher draft pick would give the Warriors a chance to address these depth issues and add younger talent that could help build a more balanced team moving forward.

Golden State’s lack of consistent depth means they risk falling short in a stacked Western Conference, where teams like the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder boast deeper rosters. Instead of continuing to patch holes with short-term veterans, tanking this season could provide the Warriors with the opportunity to fully retool and focus on long-term success.

4. The Offseason Didn’t Bring Enough Firepower

Another reason the Warriors should consider tanking this season is that their offseason moves didn’t do enough to address the team’s more resounding issues. While they added a couple of solid players, like De'Anthony Melton and Buddy Hield, these additions alone might not be enough to elevate the team back to serious contender status. Golden State still lacks the scoring options and defensive consistency that helped them win multiple championships in the past.

The Warriors needed more impactful signings to support their aging stars, particularly in the frontcourt and on defense. Hield brings shooting, and Melton adds some defense, but neither player is a game-changer who can completely turn the team around. Golden State also missed out on bigger free agents and trades that could have brought in a true difference-maker, like the Paul George move that never came true. As a result, they might be better off using this season to regroup and plan for the future.

Without making the splashy additions they needed, the Warriors’ roster still feels incomplete. A young core with promise is in place, but they aren’t ready to carry the load. Rather than trying to force a playoff push with an incomplete roster, tanking this year could help them accumulate assets and make more impactful moves in the next offseason.

This approach could help Golden State be in a stronger position a year from now, when they’ve had more time to develop their younger players and make key acquisitions through trades or the draft.

5. The Western Conference Is Getting Stronger

One reason the Warriors might want to consider tanking this season is the rising level of competition in the Western Conference. Teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, and Oklahoma City Thunder are all looking strong and could pose major challenges. The Nuggets, with Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, have consistently been one of the best teams in the conference, while the Mavericks have revamped their roster around Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving with Klay Thompson, putting them in position for a playoff push.

The Memphis Grizzlies, boosted by Ja Morant’s return, should be back in the mix as well, bringing athleticism and defense that can match up with the Warriors. The Sacramento Kings, who missed the playoffs last year, have added DeMar DeRozan to their squad, giving them the scoring punch they needed to potentially contend this season. Similarly, the New Orleans Pelicans, with the addition of Dejounte Murray, look ready to improve and push for a deeper playoff run after struggling with consistency last year.

With all these teams improving, the road for Golden State to contend has gotten much tougher. Even traditionally strong teams like the Phoenix Suns were swept out of the playoffs last season, and the Los Angeles Lakers are in decline with an aging roster. The LA Clippers, meanwhile, lost Paul George, weakening their chances to compete at the highest level. In such a crowded and increasingly competitive field, the Warriors might find it smarter to focus on the future rather than trying to keep up with younger, more dynamic squads.

Tanking this season could give Golden State the chance to retool and acquire better assets for the future, especially with the Western Conference becoming so competitive.