SAN FRANCISCO — At the beginning of every season, the energy is a little different. But this year in Golden State, it’s palpable.
The Warriors are without Klay Thompson, and with that Golden State is forced to make changes for the first time in 12 years. That’s not all bad though.
“It’s just going to look a little different now,” Draymond Green said at media day. “Where there is the most uncertainty, that is usually the greatest opportunity for growth.”
“For a long time it was just the same thing,” Green continued. “As it’s always the same thing, it makes it even harder to perform at a high level….because you get tired of doing the same thing over and over and over, and you get bored by chasing that greatness. I think we did a great job of not getting bored chasing greatness, (but) now we’re turning the page.”
The new cast of the Warriors this season is long. After the departure of Thompson — and also that of Chris Paul — Golden State acquired Buddy Hield, Kyle Anderson and De’Anthony Melton. They also plan to feature their younger core of Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski and Trayce Jackson-Davis more.
Because there are so many new faces, Green, as well as Steve Kerr and Stephen Curry mentioned the possibility of changing their style of play to suit everyone’s best.
“I’m coming into this training camp with an open mind about how we need to play,” Curry said. “I know there’s a Warriors mindset and a culture of how we do things, there’s a system that we’ve run for a decade plus that’s worked. It doesn’t necessarily mean that’s how this team has to play.
“We have to kind of have antennas up and an openness to accept what this team’s strengths are, what our weaknesses are, and kind of lean into those.”
For Curry, losing two veteran players — one of whom was part of the Warriors core — was just the flip of his mindset entering this season.
“I think you get smacked in the face and don’t make the finals, that’s all the real message you need, the reminder you need … when it comes to your Xs and Os and the style and all that kind of of things. , being open to evolving and pivoting and figuring out what (works).”
Because of how last season ended for Golden State – receiving a bounce from the first game against the Sacramento Kings – it was no secret within the Warriors organization that changes had to be made, whether or not Thompson remained with the team.
There’s an understanding of that every season, even after they’ve won their championships. But, after two turbulent seasons, it was more pressing than ever.
Last week, Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy said Golden State is “as impatient with a franchise as you can be right now given our timeline.” They took big swings at players such as Paul George and Lauri Markkenen over the summer.
But after failing to get them, they hit on smaller signings with Hield, Anderson and Melton. According to Green, these moves will more than likely help the Warriors get back to their ultimate goal.
“One move in this league, it can pretty much set you up for how the next 10 years of your organization is going to go. Sometimes the best deal you can make is not making a deal, and I think we did a great job. in going out and getting pieces that will help this team grow,” Green said.
Green compared the new additions to when the Warriors brought in Gary Payton II, Otto Porter Jr, and Nemanja Bjelica in the 2021-22 season, which saw them win their fourth title. That season, Golden State’s depth was one of their best weapons.
“Championships are won 6 to 10. Championships are not won 1 to 5,” Green said.
Kerr said he feels there are 12 to 13 players he thinks could crack the rotation, and all but two starting lineup spots are open. Through training camp and the preseason, the task will be to figure out how to put everyone in the best position to unlock themselves individually and their teammates — something the Warriors have struggled with recently.
“Like we’re the chasers, among a lot of other teams,” Curry said. “What can this team do to maximize every skill that we have in that locker room? That’s the challenge for us. Some new faces on the coaching staff. Like I said, the first time me, Klay and Draymond weren’t together as teammates Whatever story you want to key in, for us to win, you have to think things differently.”
