The Golden State Warriors are 19 games into the 2025-26 campaign with a retooled roster. They managed to re-sign key players like Jonathan Kuminga and Gary Payton II, while adding experienced veterans like Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton and Seth Curry. With the core of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler returning to their squad, experts project them to be a top-six seed in the loaded Western Conference and potential title contenders, provided they remain healthy.

15 Game Analysis

The Warriors have shown mixed flashes of greatness and inconsistency, a recurring pattern that has persisted over the last few seasons. To maximize their championship window with aging stars, the Warriors could implement various strategies and make certain roster moves to improve their team.

Potential Moves for Improvement

The 2025-26 season is looking like one filled with ‘what ifs’ if they don’t find consistent defensive effort. Still, the talent and brainpower are in place for a deep playoff run if they can manage health and integrate their deep roster effectively.

Talent vs. Focus

The team has demonstrated the ability to beat playoff-caliber opponents but has also fallen short against lower-ranked and understaffed teams, suggesting issues related to focus and consistency, rather than a lack of talent. According to Angelina Martin of NBC Sports Bay Area, Coach Steve Kerr said, “We've given a couple of games away for sure, and there's absolutely a focus on that.”

Age and Health Concerns

With key players such as Curry (37), Butler (36), Green (36) and Horford (39) all aging, managing their minutes and avoiding repetitive or significant injuries is a considerable challenge. Their schedule also hasn’t helped, which Green commented on, stating, “Our schedule has been complete s***,” according to Danny Emmerman of the San Francisco Standard.

Coach Steve Kerr has implemented a juggling act of minutes and rotations to manage the veterans’ workload, resulting in a lack of consistent starting lineup and hindering early-season continuity.

Defensive Prowess

The Warriors were the NBA’s best statistical defense after the Butler trade last season, a strength they hope to continue to leverage with the addition of defensive-minded veteran Horford. Their defensive ability, IQ and switch-heavy schemes remain a significant part of their identity.

Offensive Dynamics

The offense still runs through Curry’s gravity and Green’s orchestration. They’ve added great depth and shooting, but integrating them into the read-act-react system remains a constant work in progress.

Roster Continuity

While injuries and age necessitate caution, establishing more consistent rotations whenever possible helps build rhythm and chemistry. Decisive execution will go a long way for the squad.

Youth Development:

The continued development of young players like Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski is crucial for providing energy and depth around the aging core. Kuminga’s new contract makes him a valuable asset, either as a key contributor or a potential trade piece.

Focus and Discipline

The problem of focus that has led to losses against inferior teams is an area that can be corrected through coaching and player discipline.

Acquire a Floor-Spacing Center

Golden State should consider acquiring a big man who spaces the floor and fits into their system seamlessly, like Nikola Vučević of the Chicago Bulls.

Trade for a High-Impact Wing

Analysis suggests the Warriors could benefit from adding another high-impact wing who can defend multiple positions and space the floor. According to Nathaniel Holloway of Yahoo Sports, New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III has been "linked" to the Warriors in trade talks.

Utilize Kuminga’s Contract

Kuminga’s new contract makes him a valuable trade asset with a substantial, matchable salary. If the current roster dynamics do not work perfectly by the trade deadline, he could be moved for a player who better fits a specific need (an elite wing defender or a consistent center).