The Golden State Warriors are not championship contenders this season, but the team built around Steph Curry, Draymond Green and coach Steve Kerr still gives fans plenty of reasons to tune in.
Golden State won four titles in eight years, one of the NBA’s defining dynasties. Last season Kerr himself called the team a “fading dynasty.” The question now is whether the core can find one more run before Curry, who turns 39 in March, retires.
Curry Still Delivers
Curry dealt with a knee injury that sidelined him for 27 straight games last season. Even so, he became the oldest point guard in NBA history to be named an All-Star starter, averaging 26.6 points on 46.8% shooting from the field and 39.3% from three-point range, along with 3.6 rebounds and 4.7 assists.
He can still take over a game. In the Warriors’ play-in win over the Clippers in April, Curry scored 35 points, 27 of them in the second half.
Green’s Defensive Edge
Green remains capable of guarding all five positions on the floor and setting the tone for his teammates. In that same play-in game against the Clippers, he held Kawhi Leonard to two points in the fourth quarter. Leonard said afterward, “It was hard to even get shots up.”
Green pushed hard this summer to recruit LeBron James to Golden State, even declining a $27.7 million player option to help create salary space. James ultimately signed with the 76ers.
Butler’s Return
Jimmy Butler tore his right ACL on Jan. 19 last season, a loss that effectively ended the Warriors’ season in a crowded Western Conference. He is expected back around January or February this season.
The Curry-Butler-Green trio was inconsistent together last season, but after Golden State traded for Butler in February 2025, the team closed that season 23-7. If that chemistry returns, the Warriors could be a tough out.
Kerr Stays On
Kerr considered stepping away as head coach last season but signed a two-year extension in May instead, choosing to remain alongside Curry and Green for 12 seasons and counting. He has acknowledged the team and coaching staff both need to improve.
A New Piece: Lendeborg
Golden State drafted Michigan’s Danny Wolf…
The Warriors selected Will Lendeborg with the No. 11 pick in June’s draft, their highest selection in five years. The 23-year-old was Big Ten Player of the Year and led Michigan to the 2026 national championship. He also won summer league MVP in Las Vegas while leading Golden State to the title there.
Lendeborg is regarded as a versatile scorer and defender who could contribute right away, easing the load on Curry, Green and Butler as the Warriors try to stay relevant.
