After losing 105-141 to the New Orleans Pelicans on January 11, Stephen Curry put the spotlight on team management. The two-time MVP winner said it was "crazy" to "keep doing the same thing" and expect "different results." As a result of these comments, many believe that the Warriors will be a major player in the recently concluded trade deadline.
Instead of making at least one big move, the Warriors basically stood still. General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr.'s only trade was to trade backup point guard Corey Joseph and cash to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for a second-round pick. The move cleared a spot on the roster and reduced the luxury tax by about $11 million.
With two months left in the regular season, the Golden State Warriors chose to be smart and didn't overreact to their record. After beating the Indiana Pacers 131-109 on Friday, the Warriors improved their record to 24-25. They remain in 11th place, but are actually tied with the Utah Jazz, who are 26-27.
The Golden State Warriors are convinced that they are still a championship team
In a way, the Golden State Warriors look like a shell of their past glory. Draymond Green was suspended indefinitely, while Andrew Wiggins was dropped off the bench. Jonathan Kuminga complained about his role on the team and demanded a trade. Klay Thompson's status as an elite player seems to have left him behind.
A month later, Green returned from the suspension, and Wiggins regained his confidence and form. Kuminga has been leading the team when Curry has been in poor form. These rookies, especially Podzezemski, have given the Warriors quality playing time, both as starters and off the bench.
Mike Dunleavy hinted at the Golden Warriors' plans ahead of the trade deadline: "I think it has to start from within. It comes from everyone. It's the coach, it's the players, it's something we have to tighten up and find a better way to defend because, frankly, on the offensive end, we've been great. ”
When the former NBA journeyman said those words, he was quite right. When they are expected to be significant players before the trade deadline, the internal changes allow them to make only a small change.
Considering the reports of what they had to give up in order to make a major trade, the Golden State Warriors kept their cool. They believe that they have what it takes to overcome most difficulties and get through them.
The emergence of Jonathan Kuminga must be a big reason why no major deals have happened
Jonathan Kuminga has been featured in almost every trade package involving the Golden State Warriors. Andrew Wiggins' value has dropped, and no one is interested in him unless there's a first-round pick.
Despite Kuminga's displeasure, the young striker is still trying to get more time and more responsibility. Steve Kerr eventually succumbed as the Golden State Warriors allowed his stats to skyrocket as he had more involvement on both ends of the floor.
Kuminga averaged 11. per game in October and November combined1 point, 35 rebounds and 10 assists. By December, he was averaging 142 points, 54 rebounds and 15 assists. His starting stats for 2024 are 206 points, 58 rebounds and 24 assists. Kuminga's stats continued to rise in February, averaging 21 per game8 points, 56 rebounds and 28 assists.
What's more, he's settled into the system and thrived alongside Andrew Wiggins in the starting lineup. Combining the two used to be so bad that Steve Kerr had to give up after one fight. They have been a regular in the starting line-up for the past two weeks.
If Kuminga sulks, the Golden State Warriors may consider trading him. Mike Dunleavy may have to take an untold action.
Draymond Green has once again proven his worth
In addition to Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins, there has been a lot of speculation that Draymond Green will also be traded. After a long hiatus due to suspension, the four-time champion has once again proven his worth to the team. The Golden State Warriors' defense has gotten better, and Green's playmaking has become a stabilizing force.
However, Green's biggest contribution may be his leadership skills and interactions with Kuminga and Wiggins. Steve Kerr commented on the former Defensive Player of the Year contribution to both players.
The return of Draymond Green really changed everything as he connected Andrew Wiggins and Jonathan Kuminga on both ends of the floor, and his communication on the defensive end helped us organize the offense. ”
The Golden State Warriors may have gotten through it after a rough patch. They believe they can compete for the championship despite refusing to make major changes to the roster.
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