5 things we've learned about the Golden State Warriors so far in 2024-25 NBA season
There were plenty of questions surrounding the Golden State Warriors coming into the 2024-25 NBA season. However, a strong start to the year quelled any doubts about whether this team could compete in a competitive Western Conference.
The departures of Klay Thompson and Chris Paul created a void in the Warriors backcourt and losing two of the most decorated guards in the league was going to be tough to manage.
Despite not having a first-round pick in the 2024 draft, the organization has done well to add some experienced players that fit into Steve Kerr's system. Buddy Hield, De'Anthony Melton and Kyle Anderson came over in trades and have already contributed key minutes. Center Quinten Post is an exciting young prospect, drafted in the second round out of Boston College.
After an impressive 4-1 start to the campaign, let's look at five things we've learned about the Golden State Warriors so far in 2024-25 NBA season.
5 things we've learned about the Golden State Warriors so far in 2024-25 NBA season
#1. Brandin Podziemski to play bigger role
Steph Curry has missed the last two games for the Golden State Warriors but even when the former MVP returns, there will be a big responsibility on second-year guard Brandin Podziemski. The 6-foot-4 sharpshooter proved last season that he could be a key role player, but will need to step up if the Warriors are to have a chance at a deep playoff run.
Kerr is trusting Podziemski with more playing time and the 21-year-old currently leads the roster in minutes per game with 29.2.
#2. Kuminga has not developed the way the organization hoped
There were big expectations for Jonathan Kuminga when the organization drafted the highly-rated forward with the seventh overall pick in the 2021 draft. At the time, Kuminga was just 18 years old and the franchise believed they could develop the gifted prospect into one of the league's top players.
Three years later, the Kuminga experiment has not panned out the way the Warriors may have hoped. Last season, the Congolese player started 46 of the team's 74 games. He was expected to be more involved this season but has been relegated to the bench for the last two games against the New Orleans Pelicans. This season, Kuminga is averaging 11.4 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists.
#3. Roster depth
During a postgame conference following a win over the Portland Trail Blazers, Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins addressed the team's depth and the quality of players coming off the bench.
"I think we got the deepest team in the league," said Wiggins.
So far, coach Kerr has utilized 16 different players over the first five games. That figure does not include rookie center Quinten Post who is yet to make his league debut.
#4. The Buddy Hield effect
The departure of Klay Thompson split up the dynamic "splash brothers" duo after 13 years together. Thompson and his backcourt partner Steph Curry had guided the Warriors to four championships and seven Western Conference titles.
Buddy Hield, however, has been the perfect replacement for Golden State. The 6-foot-4 marksman came over as part of a trade from the Philadelphia 76ers and has hit the ground running.
Hield ranks first in the Golden State Warriors roster in points per game (21.2), field goals made (38), 3-point shots made (24) and free throw percentage (100%). His accuracy from behind behind the arc has provided a major boost for the Bay Area team. Hield has converted 24 of his 48 3-point attempts so far this season.
#5. Steve Kerr has the new-look offense clicking
The Warriors entered the 2024-25 season with a new-look lineup and there were concerns that the new arrivals would take some time to adjust to Kerr's system. That, however, has not been the case.
Golden State currently leads the Western Conference with an impressive 119.8 ppg. That is significantly higher than the second-place Memphis Grizzlies (117.4) and third-place Sacramento Kings (116.5).
The Warriors have shown they have plenty of firepower this season. There are six different players in the lineup averaging 10 points or more to start the 2024-25 campaign, including Buddy Hield, Steph Curry, Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski.