The 2025-26 NBA Season is underway, and after the first few weeks into the season, the Golden State Warriors are sitting at 6-5 heading into a back-to-back against the OKC Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs.
This early into the season it would be unfair to say whether any team will definitely win the championship this year, but for a team like the Golden State Warriors, whose season turned completely around after the acquisition of Jimmy Butler at the Trade Deadline, it’s fair to wonder what this team can do this season.
Starting the year with big wins over the Lakers, Clippers, and Nuggets, the Warriors immediately put the league on notice… Then they went on to lose against the struggling Kings, Bucks without Giannis and the depleted Pacers. So, what should we make of this team?
One thing is clear, the NBA season is long, and the Warriors need to figure out how they will manage it while being one of the oldest teams in the NBA. They will not be able to rely on Curry, Draymond, and Butler being able to play every game of the season. It’s clear that when these three are on the court together and healthy, they have the ability to compete with any team in the league. The question will be whether the Warriors can rely on their younger players and depth enough for the team to manage their stars and get into the playoffs with their stars rested.
The early season play of Jonathan Kuminga has provided the Warriors to be optimistic about their chances of being able to do this, as Kuminga has appeared to taken the next step in his play. He’s been averaging 15 points so far this season, but more importantly he has looked as if he can fit into the style of offense the Warriors play. If he can continue this play, and stay healthy, the Warriors will be in much better shape in terms of managing their veteran star player.
Will Richard has also appeared as a player that can provide real minutes off the bench as a rookie. The rookie from Florida has averaged 10 points per game, with a big 30 point performance in a loss against the Kings. For an organization that hasn’t always seen their rookies immediately produce, Richard seems like a guy who can give the Warriors bench the boost they need.
Looking at last year, the Warriors were playing must win games down the stretch run of the regular season, ending with the Warriors having to win the play-in game to get into the playoffs. Then, the Warriors came out on top in a grueling seven game playoff series against the Rockets. All this wear and tear led to Steph Curry suffering a hamstring injury in the first game of the series against the Timberwolves, leading to the end of the Warriors 2024-25 season.
If these young players can keep up their level of play, the Warriors have the opportunity to win games while resting some of their older players, which is crucial in a stacked Western Conference. The key will be to have Curry, Butler, and Green rested heading into the playoffs, allowing these stars to shine brightest in the playoffs, which will be a scary sight for any team they face.
Time will tell, but the Warriors have a legitimate shot at winning another title this season.