The Golden State Warriors are a team that is currently contending. But they are also in a unique position currently, as they have a solid young core right now, which allows them to have some flexibility for the future.
Traditionally, we don’t see teams develop young prospects while contending. However, the Golden State Warriors are doing just that, with players like Jordan Poole and Jonathan Kuminga being featured heavily in their rotation.
Veteran Andre Iguodala has recently sounded off on the Warriors developing their prospects while also trying to win a championship, claiming that “it kind of disrespects the former era” of the Warriors, which is obviously the dynastic Warriors featuring Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson. Anthony Slater of The Athletic relayed the news.
Iguodala has been cryptically critical of the front office and ownership’s shaping of the two-timeline plan — growing the next era while still winning with the Curry core.
“It’s just, you know, it kind of disrespects the former era,” Iguodala said. “But I also don’t think you’re giving the new era the opportunity to grow and be kids, throwing that all on them and it’s not deserving. It’s just my perspective. Could be wrong.”
But he’s been a guiding force behind the scenes, joking that the franchise “isn’t paying me” to be an assistant coach but certainly serving as a willing mentor to Jordan Poole, Jonathan Kuminga, James Wiseman and Moses Moody. Kuminga has earned a huge rotation role. Poole has emerged as one of the Warriors’ best players.
The Warriors have a chance to extend their championship window with their plan if everything goes right. However, they haven’t been doing well as of late, only going 1-6 in their last 7 games.
Hopefully, we see the Warriors find future success by winning and developing at the same time. Jordan Poole in particular has been looking very promising, and he has previously claimed that he wants to be an All-Star and win a championship. Some of their young players are clearly ready, and we’ll see how well they end up doing in the playoffs.
