The Golden State Warriors are heading into the 2024-25 season with a brand new roster that does not feature one-half of the Splash Brothers, Klay Thompson. The Stephen Curry-led Warriors have brought in reinforcements but they might need to have the roster better to compete in a loaded Western Conference. Regardless, we have collected the Warriors players and divided the depth chart into the 14 most important categories.
- Best All-Around Player: Stephen Curry
- Most Underrated: Moses Moody
- Most Overrated: Andrew Wiggins
- Best Shooter: Stephen Curry
- Best Post Scorer: Jonathan Kuminga
- Best Handles: Stephen Curry
- Best Passer: Draymond Green
- Best Perimeter Defender: Gary Payton II
- Best Post Defender: Draymond Green
- Most Athletic: Jonathan Kuminga
- Worst Starter: Andrew Wiggins
- Best Role Player: Brandin Podziemski
- Most Clutch Player: Stephen Curry
- Best Leader: Stephen Curry
Best All-Around Player: Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry remains the heart and soul of the Golden State Warriors and their best all-around player. His shooting prowess is unparalleled, but Curry’s impact goes beyond scoring. His ability to handle the ball, facilitate the offense, and lead the team both on and off the court makes him the most complete player on the roster.
Curry’s movement without the ball, high basketball IQ, and clutch shot-making keep him as one of the league’s most influential players. We also saw how dominant Curry could be in the 2024 Paris Olympics, so there is no denying who the best point guard in the world is right now even if he isn’t particularly dominant defensively or with his playmaking.
Most Underrated: Moses Moody
Moses Moody has shown glimpses of his potential over the past seasons, but he remains one of the most underrated players on the Warriors’ roster. Moody’s ability to defend multiple positions, knock down open threes, and play within the team’s system without needing the ball makes him a valuable asset.
His development will be crucial for the Warriors as they look to maintain their depth and competitiveness in a stacked Western Conference. Moody’s numbers never impress (8.1 PPG, 3.0 RPG) but in terms of being a role player who competed hard on both ends, he has to take this category because there might not be another player who is suitable for this category.
Most Overrated: Andrew Wiggins
While Andrew Wiggins was undoubtedly a vital part of the Warriors’ identity, his offensive limitations and declining defense have made him somewhat overrated over the last two years. Wiggins has been a shell of himself when looking back at how impactful he was in the 2021-22 championship season.
The gap between his reputation and on-court production has widened slightly, making him the most overrated player on the roster considering he is on a contract that will pay him over $26 million next season. Wiggins can still rediscover the form that made him one of the best swingmen in the NBA but until then, he is an overrated player.
Best Shooter: Stephen Curry
There is no surprise here—Stephen Curry is the Warriors’ best shooter and arguably the greatest shooter in NBA history. Curry’s ability to shoot off the dribble, from deep range, and in clutch moments sets him apart from everyone else on the team and the league.
His shooting mechanics, quick release, and unmatched confidence continue to make him a lethal threat from anywhere on the floor. Last season, the superstar point guard shot 45.0% from the field, 40.8% from three, and 92.3% from the free-throw line so we expect him to have similar efficiency in the upcoming campaign.
Best Post Scorer: Jonathan Kuminga
Jonathan Kuminga is still developing as a player, but his potential as a post-scorer is evident. His athleticism, strength, and footwork in the paint allow him to create his own shot against defenders. Kuminga has shown flashes of his ability to overpower smaller defenders and finish through contact, making him the most promising post scorer on the Warriors’ roster.
Kuminga had a breakout season in 2023-24 by posting 16.1 points and 4.8 rebounds per game and we anticipate he will become a contender for the All-Star Team in the West. The forward has it all in terms of physical gifts and in terms of scoring in the post, he has to be the most consistent considering his 6’8” height and elite athleticism.
Best Handles: Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry also takes the crown for having the best handles on the team. His ability to create space, navigate through defenses, and make plays off the dribble is second to none. Curry’s ball-handling skills are not just about flash; they are highly effective in breaking down defenses and creating opportunities for himself and his teammates.
As we approach the 2024-25 season, Curry will still be one of the most gifted ball-handlers in the world and quite frankly, only Kyrie Irving can say that he has better handles with no debates being found. Don’t expect the 36-year-old Curry to slow down handling the ball either.
Best Passer: Draymond Green
Draymond Green remains the Warriors’ best passer. His vision and understanding of the game make him an excellent facilitator, especially in Golden State’s motion offense. Green’s ability to make quick decisions and deliver accurate passes to shooters and cutters has been a cornerstone of the Warriors’ offensive system for years.
Some might argue for Stephen Curry here, and there is a very fair argument, but Green’s tendency to act as a playmaker for the greatest shooter ever gives him the edge in this category. Green averaged 6.0 assists per game last season and could average similar numbers in the 2024-25 campaign.
Best Perimeter Defender: Gary Payton II
Gary Payton II is the Warriors’ best perimeter defender. His tenacity, quick hands, and lateral movement allow him to guard multiple positions and disrupt opposing offenses. Payton’s ability to pressure the ball and generate steals provides a valuable defensive presence for the Warriors, especially against top-tier guards and wings in the league.
It is actually interesting to see how a player such as Andrew Wiggins fell when it comes to perimeter defense. Wiggins has lost a step over the past two seasons while Payton II always competed on defense. There is hope for Wiggins to get back to his best but until then, Payton II (0.9 SPG, 0.4 BPG) will take this category.
Best Post Defender: Draymond Green
Draymond Green continues to be the Warriors’ best post defender. His defensive IQ, physicality, and ability to guard multiple positions make him a defensive anchor. Green’s positioning, timing, and ability to contest shots without fouling are crucial for the Warriors’ defensive schemes, particularly when defending against bigger forwards and centers.
Kevon Looney has a big body at 7’0” and 255 lbs but Green is a natural defensive stopper around the rim. Green has lost a step when it comes to defending guards on the perimeter but in the post, there isn’t anybody protecting the rim than the veteran forward.
Most Athletic: Jonathan Kuminga
Jonathan Kuminga is the most athletic player on the Warriors’ roster. His combination of size, speed, vertical leap, and strength makes him a dynamic force on both ends of the floor. Kuminga’s athleticism is evident in his ability to finish above the rim, recover defensively, and run the floor in transition, giving the Warriors a youthful energy boost.
Kuminga is also one of the best dunkers in the NBA and at 6’8” and 210 lbs, he will always be a threat to make highlight reels. Kuminga also uses his athleticism to get where he needs to go on the court and we will likely see an uptick in his production in 2024-25 as a result.
Worst Starter: Andrew Wiggins
While Andrew Wiggins is a solid contributor for the Warriors, he is considered the worst starter due to his inconsistency and occasional passiveness on offense. Wiggins has the tools to be a more dominant player, but his production can fluctuate, which sometimes limits his impact on games.
Wiggins’ defensive capabilities can be strong when he is focused, but offensively, he needs to be more aggressive and consistent. The swingman only posted 13.2 points and 4.5 rebounds per game on 35.8% shooting from three last season and on a deal worth over $26 million, we expect more.
Best Role Player: Brandin Podziemski
Brandin Podziemski is quickly establishing himself as the Warriors’ best role player. His ability to score off the bench, make smart plays, and hustle on both ends of the floor provides valuable depth to the Warriors’ rotation. Podziemski’s versatility allows him to fit seamlessly into different lineups, making him a key contributor in various game situations.
The young guard averaged 9.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game last season and he has been made almost untouchable by the Warriors management. Podziemski is only 21 years old and has plenty of time to prove his worth as a scorer, playmaker, and sharpshooter who nailed over 38% of his threes last year.
Most Clutch Player: Stephen Curry
Once again, Stephen Curry takes this category as the Warriors’ most clutch player. Curry’s ability to perform under pressure, especially in crucial moments, has been proven time and again. Whether it’s a game-winning shot or a series of pivotal plays, Curry’s composure and confidence make him the go-to player when the Warriors need a clutch performance. No surprise, Curry ranked first in the NBA in total clutch points (189) ahead of DeMar DeRozan (182).
Best Leader: Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry is also the Warriors’ best leader. His ability to lead by example, maintain a positive attitude, and inspire his teammates is unmatched. Curry’s leadership extends beyond just his on-court production; he fosters a culture of excellence, humility, and teamwork, making him the ultimate leader for the Warriors both now and for the future.
Draymond Green is the vocal leader and physical enforcer but the Warriors go as Curry goes. The point guard’s sheer impact with his shooting makes him an example for all Warriors players including youngsters Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski so Curry takes this category.
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