The Golden State Warriors lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round this year after capturing the NBA championship the previous year. While the loss is upsetting, the ambiguity surrounding their depth chart just makes it worse. For the coming season, Draymond Green has a player option, while Klay Thompson is very close to the end of his deal. Concerns are also raised by Steph Curry’s age and income. Here, we’ll examine the three moves the Warriors can make to support Curry in the wake of their postseason defeat.
A championship parade let the Warriors celebrate their vision just a year prior. In contrast to their customary standards of success, this season concluded early in Hollywood.
The club suffered its first postseason defeat under Coach Kerr when they were defeated by a Western Conference foe. Their remarkable streak of 28 straight playoff series with at least one road victory was broken by this. Their conference semifinal loss was determined by crucial moments in Games 1 and 4.
Curry did indeed perform admirably during the regular season and the playoffs. But in order for the squad to succeed in getting back into the title race, he must assess areas for improvement and offer his opinion. This can entail resolving defensive requirements or looking for a supplemental offensive weapon. Even with current players like Thompson, Jordan Poole, Andrew Wiggins, Green, and Kevon Looney, this is still the case.
Because their initial timeframe strategy did not produce the expected results, the front office and management must critically evaluate their initiatives. Moving forward, Curry’s prospects of capturing another title should be the main priority while assembling the team’s roster. Players like Gary Payton II are already having an impact on this process. There is also the expectation that Wiggins will contribute more.
Anfernee Simons
It appears that Anfernee Simons will be released by the Portland Trail Blazers after five seasons with the team. Portland had the chance to select a top wing player with the third overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, which the Spurs of San Antonio won after competing in the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes. Simons might be included in a trade package with the pick to provide Damian Lillard the much-needed assistance he requires in the tough Western Conference. The team has been working to assemble a good supporting cast for star guard Damian Lillard, though nothing is clear at this point.
Simons, who averaged 20 points per game for the first time in his career last season, was an important member of the Blazers. In 62 games during the 2022–23 season, the fifth-year guard put up remarkable stats of 21.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists. The front office of the Blazers has a number of other players to take into consideration this summer as they look at trade options involving Simons and their third selection. Jonathan Kuminga of the Warriors could be a part of this.
Simons would, if ever, be an advantageous acquisition to the Warriors. He’d undoubtedly be a step up from Poole, in our opinion. Having said that, the Blazers would undoubtedly demand more in addition to Kuminga.
Gary Harris
Despite their energetic play this season, the Orlando Magic’s transition from a scrappy squad to a legitimate contender may take some time. It’s possible that Gary Harris’s career stage is not represented by this timeline. Prior to the start of the 2023–24 season, he will turn 29. The Warriors ought to seize the chance if Harris ever becomes available on the trade market.
Curry would pair well with Harris in the backcourt. He is an excellent defender and a long-range shooter. Throughout the season, he excelled in perimeter shooting and defense because he was aware of his position on the court. In fact, Harris’s shooting percentages are outstanding, coming in at 45.0 percent from the field, 43.1 percent from beyond the arc, and 90.0 percent overall.
OG Anunoby
The Warriors’ trade budget would probably be pushed to the limit if they acquired OG Anunoby. Despite this, he can easily fit into Kerr’s system. He should be a good investment as a result. Anunoby has proven to be a versatile defender. He is able to challenge large men, defend against quick point guards, and stop different types of scorers.
Also: Stephen Curry gets honest about Jordan Poole’s future with Golden State
Anunoby will excel offensively when given drive-and-kick chances under the Warriors’ scheme. He has shown an amazing 40.5 percent success rate in his catch-and-shoot three-point attempts. He actually makes 1.9 shots every game on average. He also shows the ability to develop his own shot when necessary as he broadens his offensive repertoire.
The Warriors would have a strong defensive pairing with Anunoby and Wiggins on the same wing rotation, providing floor space for Curry’s scoring prowess. Of course, obtaining Anunoby would be expensive and might require a trade package that included players like Jonathan Kuminga in addition to others. However, the Warriors’ expenditure is justified by the possible reward.
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