They Ought to Start Early, Go Through the Draft, and Trade: How the Underperforming Warriors Can Rebuild Their Squad
The Golden State Warriors have long been heralded as the blueprint for a modern basketball dynasty. With four championships since 2015, they’ve been at the pinnacle of basketball excellence. However, as the 2024-2025 season unfolds, it’s clear that the Warriors are no longer the dominant force they once were. With injuries, an aging core, and underwhelming performances from their younger players, Golden State finds itself struggling to stay relevant in an increasingly competitive league.
Kenny Smith, a former NBA player and current TNT analyst, often emphasizes a three-step approach for struggling teams to improve: start early, go through the draft, and trade. This philosophy is especially relevant for the Warriors as they look to restore their former glory. Here’s how Golden State can apply Smith’s advice to rebuild and re-establish themselves as contenders.
1. Start Early: Recognizing the Need for Change
The first step toward improvement is acknowledging the need for change before it’s too late. For the Warriors, this means understanding that their current roster construction may no longer be viable for sustained success.
Golden State has relied heavily on their championship core of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. While Curry remains one of the league’s premier talents, Thompson and Green have shown signs of decline. Their ability to contribute at an elite level has been inconsistent, raising questions about whether the Warriors are clinging too tightly to their past.
Starting early means being proactive, not reactive. The Warriors should evaluate their roster with an honest lens, recognizing that tough decisions may be necessary. Waiting for another year of middling results could hinder their ability to rebuild effectively.
2. Go Through the Draft: Building for the Future
One of the keys to the Warriors’ dynasty was their remarkable success in the NBA Draft. Selecting Curry (7th overall, 2009), Thompson (11th overall, 2011), and Green (35th overall, 2012) laid the foundation for their historic run. If the Warriors want to return to contention, they’ll need to prioritize the draft once again.
In recent years, Golden State has made high-profile draft picks, including James Wiseman (2nd overall, 2020), Jonathan Kuminga (7th overall, 2021), and Moses Moody (14th overall, 2021). While these players were chosen with the intent of bridging the gap between eras, their development has been uneven. Wiseman, in particular, was traded to Detroit after failing to meet expectations.
To address this, the Warriors must recommit to scouting and player development. Drafting players who fit their system and timeline is crucial. The upcoming drafts will offer opportunities to acquire young talent who can eventually take the reins from the aging core.
Moreover, Golden State should consider targeting players with high basketball IQs, versatile skill sets, and a strong work ethic—traits that have defined their most successful teams. Developing these players within their system will require patience, but it’s a necessary investment for long-term success.
3. Trade: Balancing the Present and Future
Trades are an essential tool for any team looking to improve quickly, and for the Warriors, this means using their assets wisely. They possess a mix of young players, expiring contracts, and future draft picks that could be used to bring in established talent.
A potential trade strategy could involve packaging players like Kuminga or Moody along with future picks to acquire a star or high-level role player. For instance, adding a versatile wing or a defensive anchor could address some of the team’s most glaring weaknesses.
At the same time, the Warriors must strike a balance between competing in the present and building for the future. Trading away too many assets for a short-term fix could leave them in an even worse position down the line. Instead, they should focus on acquiring players who align with their timeline and complement Curry’s skill set.
Addressing Key Needs
To implement Kenny Smith’s philosophy effectively, the Warriors must address specific areas of concern:
a. Depth and Bench Production
Golden State’s bench production has been a significant issue in recent seasons. The lack of consistent scoring and playmaking from their reserves has put undue pressure on their starters. Targeting affordable veterans or young players with upside could help stabilize their bench unit.
b. Size and Rebounding
The Warriors have struggled with size and rebounding, particularly against teams with dominant big men. Acquiring a reliable center who can protect the rim and grab boards should be a priority.
c. Defense and Versatility
During their championship years, the Warriors prided themselves on defensive versatility. In recent years, their defense has regressed. Adding players who can guard multiple positions and switch seamlessly in pick-and-roll situations would bolster their defensive identity.
Learning from Other Teams
The Warriors can take cues from other franchises that have successfully rebuilt or retooled. Teams like the Denver Nuggets and Miami Heat have demonstrated the importance of smart drafting, player development, and targeted trades. Denver’s patience with Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray paid off in a championship, while Miami’s ability to identify and develop undrafted talent has kept them competitive.
Similarly, the Warriors must adopt a holistic approach, blending their signature style of play with a fresh infusion of talent and strategy.
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