Warriors Complete Roster: What Each New Addition Brings to Coach Kerr’s Squad
They left it until the buzzer, but the Warriors have finally filled up their roster for the 2025-2026 campaign. Golden State is now set to battle for success, just prior to tomorrow’s preseason opener against the Lakers. Some familiar faces have rejoined the team, while most other additions fulfill rumors throughout the offseason. Let’s dive in and see what each new or returning Warrior brings to the table.
Starting things off with the lone injury concern, De’Anthony Melton is expected to be evaluated in four weeks. Melton tore his ACL early last season, with the Warriors announcing they’d shut down their guard for the year in December. His health is a real concern, as he’s not played more than 40 games in two seasons, but he’ll provide something the Warriors otherwise lack once he’s back. Melton’s two-way skillset, alongside Jimmy Butler, will help Golden State improve its perimeter defense, that’s previously lacked when facing star guards.
Moving on to the newcomer who can arguably make the biggest impact, 2024 NBA Champion Al Horford. In a match made in heaven, Horford brings veteran leadership as well as a big body for some much-needed forward depth. Given his versatility, the Warriors can use “Big Al” on offense as both a traditional center roaming the paint or spot him up to hurt teams from beyond the arc. His defensive presence allows him to slow down dominant centers, but the question regarding the cap on Horford’s minutes due to his age will remain.
Up next, the team’s most recent acquisition in Seth Curry, should not go under the radar. Following a down year as a part of a poor Hornets’ roster, Curry did not get many opportunities in his second year with Charlotte. He did, however, come near his career best in three-point percentage at 45.6%, and that’s exactly why the Warriors signed him. Curry can come off the bench in relief of Brandin Podziemski or Buddy Hield, especially if either one goes on a cold shooting streak, as they often did last year. Seth will also unite with his brother Steph Curry, the four-time champion and two-time MVP, for the first time in their careers.
Gary Payton II, similarly to Melton, will improve Golden State’s exterior defense. Though he may not score consistently, opposing teams will still have to keep an eye on Payton II for his backdoor cuts, and won’t want to leave him unattended on the perimeter. I don’t expect Pat Spencer or Will Richard to get many minutes, but knowing how fragile some of these guards are, those two could be involved as the season goes along. Overall, I don’t think the Warriors could’ve addressed their needs much better with the current market. Most importantly, they brought back a few free agents who are familiar with coach Kerr’s system and veterans who should seamlessly transition into their set roles.
