Posts: 684
Threads: 18
Joined: Oct 2013
A lot of encouraging signs for the Warriors.
1. Steph is still steph, and Jimmy is still Jimmy. As Steph goes, so do the Warriors title hopes, and at some point there will be a drop off. But all indications look good so far.
2. Despite all the summer drama, Kuminga looks to have made a brobdingnagian leap. He is playing within the system, and it seems to have "clicked" in terms of when to keep the ball moving vs. when to attack the rim with his athleticism. And when he attacks, he has been much better about not just putting his head down but using his drive to play make for others. His rebounding is much improved. His shot looks better (though small sample size), and he is playing hard on D, though still has some lapses, especially off ball. He has quickly gone from a "we need to find the right lineups to make him work" to "we can't take this guy off the floor, he makes every lineup better."
Honestly if this is the player he is going to be, the Warriors should only trade him if it's in a package for a true star like Giannis. Otherwise we can negotiate a long term extension and decline next years team option.
3. Will Richard has been a revelation. He isn't just "good for a rookie", he is a legit NBA playoff rotation player, which is absurd to find in the back of the second round. Just a guy who does everything well, with good D, rebounding, shooting, hustle, and playing within the flow of the game. We will have a real logjam at the 2-3 spot once Melton (and Seth) are healthy, and ultimately i see GP2 getting DNPs in the future, perhaps Buddy's minutes coming down some as well.
4. Horford is a perfect/seamless fit.
5. Other back end rotation guys have mixed signals. Moody looked great in pre-season and against memphis and is shooting the cover off the ball, which will obviously recede, but you like what you see. Podz had a rough start, but looked great against Memphis. Post and TJD both look pretty similar, had hoped to see Post look a lot stronger on D but both of them are in their mid 20s and probably are who they are. They are useful role players, but we could probably use an upgrade at the backup center spot if we're making a move at the deadline.
Overall, this looks like a team that should be a top 5 seed in the west, and hopefully do so without relying purely on Steph/Jimmy to carry everything every game. In the Lakers and Grizzlies wins, Steph kind of coasted his way to 20+ points, which is the key to getting him through the season. There will be nights (like against Denver) where we need him to put the cape on, and he can do it, but this is a much more sustainable formula.
