What Is Missing for the Warriors to Make One Last Title Run?
The Warriors are no strangers to winning over the last decade. Yet, since their 2019 Finals loss to the Toronto Raptors, they only made it past the second round once and missed the playoffs entirely in half of those years. Ever since their 2022 championship win against the Boston Celtics, the front office and coaching staff have looked for answers. Things appeared to trend positively this past season, after the acquisition of Jimmy Butler near the trade deadline.
Before this move, the Warriors were struggling to stay afloat at a 25-26 record, sitting around the Play-In spots. Butler took a decent defense, complemented by a subpar offense, and transformed it. Their offensive rating jumped from 18th to fourth, while they quietly crept up to the top spot in defensive rating. Yet, after one of the grittiest series I have ever seen against a young and feisty Rockets team, the “Dubs” momentum came to an abrupt stop. In their second-round series against Minnesota, this Warriors team looked old and weary. They were the fourth-oldest team heading into the season, and towards its end, the wheels simply fell off the wagon.
As the core of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Butler continue to get closer to retirement, the Warriors’ window for one last dance is shutting quickly. How can they stick a foot through that door before it closes for good, at least with this group? Pick up young players characterized by hustle and athletic ability. It sounds simple, yet its importance cannot be overstated. The 2025 Champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, just won with that same formula.
For the Warriors, Jonathan Kuminga was supposed to step into a bigger role. However, I don’t think he is a good schematic fit in an offense that will often revolve around Butler. This team is looking for a capable young defender or two that can also offer an offensive spark from deep when shooters like Brandin Podziemski or Buddy Hield run cold. Someone who fits a similar profile to Andrew Nembhard or Aaron Nesmith, two key factors for Indiana that crucially helped the team reach its first NBA Finals since 2000.
Unfortunately for potential buyers, those two are locked up for at least the next two years. Regardless, I think the Warriors are right there. They have the talent for one more title run, but feel like they are a few small pieces away. Compliment your core, and you have a championship-ready squad.
