LATEST: Warriors decision in 2023-24 season called ‘Biggest regret’

Grant Hughes, writing for Bleacher Report, suggests that the Golden State Warriors’ failure to make the playoffs in the 2023-24 season can be attributed, in part, to their reluctance to fully embrace their younger players. Specifically, Hughes points out that Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and Trayce Jackson-Davis were not given significant playing time early in the season.

 

While these players eventually found their roles in the team’s rotation, Hughes questions whether the outcome of the season would have been different if coach Steve Kerr had displayed more confidence in the youngsters from the start.

Hughes particularly highlights Jonathan Kuminga’s emergence and suggests that it’s puzzling how long it took for him to become a regular part of the Warriors’ rotation. He acknowledges Stephen Curry’s continued importance to the team but emphasizes Kuminga’s potential to lead the team in the future, even after Curry’s era.

Jonathan Kuminga Held Back?

Hughes highlighted how Kuminga demonstrated his value, especially after purportedly clashing with Kerr earlier in the season. Despite consistently improving his performance over time, Kerr frequently opted to keep Kuminga on the sidelines for extended periods, even during crucial moments in fourth quarters when Golden State could have benefitted from his athleticism and stature.

Jonathan Kuminga in January:

20.1 PPG
5.7 RPG
2.5 APG
59/41/80%
67.0% TS

The 5th-most efficient 20+ PPG scorer in the NBA this month. pic.twitter.com/hWQLxqcDOB

— StatMamba (@StatMamba) January 29, 2024

Hughes suggests that Kerr’s decision to grant Kuminga more playing time in early January resulted in a notable improvement. Kuminga’s scoring average rose to 20.6 points per game in January, a significant increase from the 11.3 points he averaged in November. Hughes ponders whether Kerr should have given Kuminga, along with Brandin Podziemski and Trayce Jackson-Davis, opportunities to showcase their talents earlier, speculating on how their performances might have affected the team’s outcomes.

Jonathan Kuminga is averaging 25.1 PPG and shooting 61.9% from the field since January 12th.

The only other player to average 25+ on 60% or better shooting in that span is Nikola Jokic. pic.twitter.com/1H6eDMuq3G

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) January 31, 2024

Warriors Facing Catch-22 Situation

After concluding the 2023-24 season, the Warriors are anticipated to revamp their roster to bolster Stephen Curry’s chances of securing his fifth championship in the upcoming season. This likely involves bringing in experienced players to support Curry, Draymond Green, and potentially Klay Thompson (if he remains with the team).

Yet, the same uncertainties may persist in the following year unless young talents like Kuminga and Moody make significant strides and become integral members of the team’s playoff lineup.

Kuminga, in particular, expresses confidence in reaching an All-Star level next season.

“It all hinges on how I approach this summer,” Kuminga stated. “My progress will determine everything. I believe I have the potential to reach All-Star status next year. It ultimately depends on the work I put in this summer.”

JK believes this summer will go a long way toward him developing into an All-Star 💪 pic.twitter.com/2rsbUCLQMu

— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) April 17, 2024

“Although the Warriors face obstacles ahead, Curry intends to maintain a positive outlook. “I will always hold onto the belief that I can compete for a championship,” Curry shared with reporters during his end-of-season press briefing, as reported by The Ringer. “Yet, I understand the considerable challenges in becoming genuine contenders.

The landscape of this league has evolved significantly. While it’s been two years since our last championship, we need to elevate our performance. It’s imperative that we come together as a team, along with the key decision-makers in the organization, to strive for improvement.”