Three Potential Breakout Candidates for the 26-27 Warriors
For the Golden State Warriors to succeed in the upcoming campaign, something needs to change. With the front office deciding to bring back mostly familiar faces, that change has got to come from within. Some veterans, like Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Kristaps Porziņģis, have already reached their ceiling, and what they can produce is no enigma. However, others may have more to give. A few possibilities for that to happen revolve around players who are younger and not fully developed. Without further ado, let’s discuss three likely candidates who can take that next step.
The most obvious option when assessing Golden State’s squad top-to-bottom is Brandin Podziemski. The fourth-year Warriors draftee is tied for the longest tenure with the team from the options I will mention below, and is most accustomed to this system. Finishing fifth in the Rookie of the Year race in 2024, ‘Podz’ has gradually improved in terms of his stats. For a first-round pick, though, his development has been closer to linear than exponential. Brighter days may be ahead for that to change, with increased injuries surrounding this group leading to more opportunities as a starter. His youth and durability in the last three years are assets to lean on, and fans have reason to remain hopeful for Podziemski to progress.
I’d argue that the next name on this list may have even more steam built up to improve. Gui Santos came seemingly out of nowhere last season and filled meaningful minutes. His growth is reflected by the numbers, as the Brazilian forward more than doubled his points-per-game total as well as boosted assist, rebound, and block stats from 2024-2025. Head coach Steve Kerr began to trust Santos more as the season went on, with staple performances including a 22-point and 11-rebound outing against the Thunder and a season-high 31 points versus the Nets. His hustle and athleticism are something that the Warriors lack with the long-term injuries to Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody; the former 2022 55th overall pick is bound to continue his upward trajectory.
Last but not least, Yaxel Lenderborg, a former Michigan Wolverine champion, will be Golden State’s newest plug-and-play selection following the draft. With a similar profile to Santos, Lenderborg can provide a large body that can relieve the team of not having great taller shooters. Unlike the other two, there’s no sample size to compare the Michigan alumnus with a less-experienced version of himself. However, it’s worth noting that his contribution to the Wolverines reaching the NCAA Champions crown was extremely pivotal. Don’t be surprised if, as a 23-year-old with 112 games at the collegiate level, the six-foot-nine rookie steps up more than any other young Warrior.
