The Golden State Warriors have undergone massive changes in their roster for the upcoming 2024-25 NBA season including finally moving on from Klay Thompson, one half of the iconic Splash Brothers. With Klay Thompson (and Chris Paul) gone, the Warriors have revamped their roster with Buddy Hield, De’Anthony Melton, and Kyle Anderson. Hield was the latest player to join the Warriors in a sign-and-trade agreement that sees the Philadelphia 76ers earn the 2031 second-round pick (via Dallas).
While some might argue that Melton, Anderson, and Hield bring more together than Thompson did last year, moving on from such a key figure on the team won’t be easy. Here is the current roster of the Golden State Warriors, headlined by Stephen Curry, heading into the 2024-25 season.
Starting Lineup
Stephen Curry, Buddy Hield, Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, Draymond Green
With Klay Thompson’s departure, Stephen Curry remains the focal point of the Warriors’ offense after posting 26.4 points and 5.1 assists per game on 40.8% from three. As one of the greatest shooters and playmakers in NBA history, Curry’s ability to create his shot and facilitate for others will be even more crucial. Curry’s presence ensures that the Warriors will still be a formidable offensive force, but he must balance his scoring with increased playmaking responsibilities.
Since the deal for Buddy Hield is done, he will likely start and be the immediate replacement for Klay Thompson. Hield is a natural shooter who can be an impact player on that front even if he isn’t as good as Klay is when contested on his threes. The sharpshooter averaged 12.1 points per game on 38.6% from three this past season but the Warriors might need a little more from him.
Andrew Wiggins continues to play a crucial role as the team’s primary wing defender and secondary scorer. Wiggins’ ability to guard multiple positions and contribute offensively will be vital in compensating for Thompson’s departure. With increased offensive responsibilities, Wiggins will need to maintain his efficiency continue his progress as a reliable scorer and improve upon his numbers last year (13.2 PPG on 35.8% 3-PT FG).
Jonathan Kuminga’s athleticism and defensive potential make him an intriguing addition to the starting lineup. As a young player with a high ceiling, Kuminga’s development will be critical for the Warriors’ success. This past season, Kuminga posted a career-high 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 0.7 steals per game while being a contender for Most Improved Player. He brings energy, versatility, and a physical presence that complements the team’s core.
Of course, Draymond Green is the player who will have to lead this team on and off the court. Green averaged 8.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game this past season and while his numbers don’t always leap out the page, his presence will make the Warriors formidable on both ends of the court as long as Curry is playing alongside him.
Bench
Brandin Podziemski, De’Anthony Melton, Moses Moody, Gary Payton II, Kyle Anderson, Trayce Jackson-Davis, Kevon Looney
Brandin Podziemski, coming into his second season, brings fresh energy and a scoring punch off the bench. His ability to handle the ball and create his shot will provide a spark for the second unit. Podziemski finished fifth in the Rookie of the Year race and made All-Rookie after posting 9.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, so perhaps he can improve his levels.
Acquiring De’Anthony Melton (11.1 PPG, 3.7 RPG on 36.0% 3-PT FG) adds a versatile and gritty defender to the Warriors’ bench. Melton’s ability to guard multiple positions and contribute on both ends of the floor makes him a key rotational player. His defensive prowess and knack for making timely plays will bolster the second unit.
Moses Moody will also take on the challenge of producing as an offensive player because while he is a capable defender, the Warriors will need him to score a little bit more compared to last season (8.1 PPG and 3.0 RPG on 36.0% 3-PT FG in 2023-24).
Moody has shown promise with his defensive tenacity and ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc. His development will be key for the Warriors, as he will need to provide consistent scoring and perimeter defense.
Gary Payton II continues to provide elite perimeter defense and hustle off the bench. His ability to guard the opposing team’s best perimeter players and disrupt passing lanes is invaluable. Payton’s energy and effort on the defensive end will be crucial in preserving the Warriors’ defensive identity.
Adding a veteran like Kyle Anderson provides the Warriors with a versatile and experienced forward. Anderson’s basketball IQ, playmaking ability, and defensive versatility make him a valuable addition. His ability to fill multiple roles and contribute in various facets of the game will be essential for the bench unit.
Trayce Jackson-Davis, a promising youngster at 24 years old, brings size, athleticism, and rebounding to the Warriors’ bench. His ability to protect the rim and provide a physical presence in the paint will be crucial. Jackson-Davis’ development as a reliable rotation player will be important for the team’s frontcourt depth. Kevon Looney remains a cornerstone of the Warriors’ frontcourt rotation as the most reliable natural center on the roster.
The Golden State Warriors Won’t Be Making An Impact In The 2024-25 Season
The departure of Klay Thompson leaves a significant void in the Golden State Warriors roster that even potential new additions like Buddy Hield cannot fill. Thompson’s unparalleled shooting ability, defensive prowess, and championship experience are irreplaceable. While players like Moses Moody, Andrew Wiggins, and Jonathan Kuminga have the potential to step up, the loss of Thompson’s veteran leadership and clutch performances will be deeply felt.
This roster, though talented, lacks the proven synergy and star power that Thompson brought, making it challenging for the Warriors to reach their previous heights. As Stephen Curry approaches 37 and Draymond Green nears 35, the burden on these aging stars will be immense. While Curry remains a top-tier player, and Green continues to be a defensive anchor, the physical demands of carrying the team through a grueling NBA season will test their durability and endurance.
The Warriors are likely to be play-in contenders, fighting to secure a playoff spot, but their days as title contenders appear to be over, at least for now. The combination of a younger, less experienced supporting cast and the absence of Thompson’s game-changing abilities make it difficult to envision the Warriors making a significant impact in the 2024-25 season.
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