The Warriors are currently facing major decisions. For a number of years, it was the Warriors’ unique system centered on three-point shots and Draymond Green’s talents that kept them at the top in the NBA. As the league changes and Golden State faces new obstacles, the year 2025 is a crucial one: Reports indicate the team will go all-in on acquiring a true center, signaling that an era is coming to an end.
For many years, the Warriors have managed with a smaller lineup. The team tried playing Draymond Green as a permanent center by highlighting his skills on defense and as a facilitator. Looney was requested to deal with much bigger players many times as the Warriors relied on him in both the regular season and playoffs. The Warriors planned to give James Wiseman, who was selected second in 2020, time to establish himself before trading him in 2023. Their plan also includes Nate Bjorkgren’s system to spark Trayce Jackson-Davis (TJD), who was drafted in the second round last year. Still, according to Shams Charania, these moves haven’t helped Golden State match up defensively in the paint at crunch time.
Since Steph Curry is 37 and Jimmy Butler is 35, the squad no longer has room for inexperienced players. It’s no secret that Butler consistently pays close attention to getting more support for the inside game, we are told. Although he is still an excellent shooter, Curry will not be able to open up the floor all by himself for the Warriors and he should be given some more time to rest each game to avoid burnout before the playoffs.
The Warriors’ team leaders say they want to end the practice of playing unfitted lineups with smaller sizes. The Warriors hope a “real big” will help them match the athleticism of other elite teams in the NBA. If trends follow this way, the small-ball approach the company is known for may soon be finished.
Now, let’s look at which players the Warriors could recruit in the following offseason. Special names were not released by Shams, but we can surmise based on what we see in the league today. Since Deandre Ayton struggles to play consistently with the Portland Trail Blazers, he might have a good fit in Philadelphia because of his size and scores around the basket. Should the Pacers choose to focus more on Tyrese Haliburton, they could make Myles Turner, a stretch five who protects the rim, available via trade. They may also choose to draft a player, as the Golden State Warriors could trade for Bushrop or Baylor’s center Jalen Bridges, who is 7 feet 2 inches, instead of settling for Cooper Flagg, who was picked first at center by the Washington Wizards.
Their search for a center is also about catching up with the changes happening in the NBA. Even players who use small-ball can be successful occasionally, but the top teams have a combination of skill and height. Golden State’s winning streak was created by being innovative, yet focusing on traditions will not lead to another championship. While Curry and Butler try to win another title, the Warriors have no other choice but to put everything on the line.
