The New-Look Warriors Face a New Era with Unfamiliar Challenges
SAN FRANCISCO -- In the ever-evolving landscape of the NBA, change is the only constant. For the Golden State Warriors, the 2023 offseason marked a significant shift as they bid farewell to one of the franchise's cornerstones, Klay Thompson. Thompson, who played 13 seasons with the team, is no longer a Warrior, and the reverberations of his departure are being felt in every corner of the organization.
The remaining core—Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Andrew Wiggins, and Kevon Looney—still embodies the spirit of the Warriors' 2022 championship run. Yet, the absence of Thompson is a void that is hard to ignore. “With Klay leaving here, things just look different, it feels different,” Green said on Monday. “It's not the same thing anymore. For so long it’s just been the same thing.”
The Warriors have wasted no time retooling their roster, with offseason additions including Buddy Hield, De’Anthony Melton, Lindy Waters III, and free-agent acquisition Kyle Anderson, who brings a revamped shooting form to the team. The integration of these new faces will be crucial. According to head coach Steve Kerr, this season's offense will be simplified compared to the complicated systems of past years. "I know there's a Warrior mentality and culture of how we do things, there's a system that we ran for a decade-plus that has worked," Curry noted on Monday. "It doesn't necessarily mean that's how this team needs to play."
The Warriors' future success will also hinge on the continued development of their younger talents, such as Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and Trayce Jackson-Davis. Kerr's decision to streamline the offense could benefit these up-and-coming players, making it easier for them to grasp the system and contribute effectively. Reflecting on Thompson’s legacy, Kuminga shared, "I think a lot of people don’t know who Klay is off the court. He's a great guy...he enjoys spending time with people, he enjoys talking to people."
Looney, who has witnessed Thompson's impact firsthand, emphasized the veteran’s contribution to the franchise's ethos. "He helped build a special team and dynasty and his spirit is always going to be missed. ... He kind of showed us the Warrior way and how to play and how to carry yourself." Such high praise speaks volumes about Thompson's influence, both on and off the court.
Gary Payton II echoed the sentiment, stating, “Just his energy on and off the court. Especially we are going to miss him on the court. We know what he brings. He's a tough-shot maker, tough-shot taker. You can't really duplicate that, what he does.” Lightening the mood, Payton added, “We're going to miss him, but excited to kick his ass pretty soon.”
As for the Phoenix Suns, they remain a formidable opponent in the Western Conference. The Suns have retained just one player, Devin Booker, from their 2021 Finals run. This only underscores the transient nature of the NBA and the difficulty of maintaining a championship-caliber team. The Warriors, too, face this crucible, attempting to blend their championship pedigree with new additions while maintaining their competitive edge.
Green offered a poignant reminder of the importance of depth in a championship pursuit, remarking, "Championships are won six through 10. Championships aren't won one through five." This insight is particularly relevant as the Warriors rely not just on their star players but also on the collective contributions of their entire roster.
The upcoming season promises to test the Warriors in unprecedented ways. With Curry leading the charge and the new faces eager to prove their worth, the team stands at the precipice of another defining chapter. The road ahead is filled with uncertainty, but if the Warriors have proven anything over the last decade, it's their resilience and ability to adapt. As they navigate this uncharted territory, the lessons and legacy left behind by Klay Thompson will undoubtedly serve as a guiding light.