Following last year’s disappointing loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference semi-finals, the Golden State Warriors come into this season determined and with a lot of optimism. The Warriors finally have their roster set for the 2025–26 season, despite a long summer of negotiations between one player, Jonathan Kuminga. Jonathan Kuminga re-signed with the team, which was a big deal as he is one of their key young players. They also added veterans like Al Horford and Seth Curry, while also keeping Gary Payton II for his defense and energy. With Kevon Looney leaving to the New Orleans Pelicans, Al Horford is expected to step into a key role, as his shooting and being a stretch five could give the Warriors more spacing on offense than they have ever had before. Having Seth Curry join his brother also makes the backcourt even more dangerous from beyond the arc.
The big question is whether or not the team can stay healthy. Curry, Butler, and Green are all getting older, and the season is long and tough. Horford is 39 and also a veteran in the league and if injuries occur this season, the team could struggle to compete in the competitive Western Conference. De’Anthony Melton is also still recovering from an ACL injury and won’t be ready right away, which means the Warriors will have to use their depth at the guard position to their advantage.
The Warriors have a demanding schedule that includes back-to-backs and long road trips. ESPN projects the Warriors to finish around 48–34, which would have them in the play-in tournament as the seventh seed in the Western Conference.
The good news for the Warriors is that Stephen Curry is still one of the best players in the NBA, Jimmy Butler brings his IQ and toughness, and Draymond Green continues to set the tone with his intensity on the defensive side of the ball. The new additions give the Warriors better spacing and depth, and Kuminga’s athleticism should add youth to the lineup. If their team chemistry picks back up to the way it was last season after the Jimmy Butler trade, the Golden State Warriors should surprise people and fight for a top-six spot in the Western Conference instead of just the play-in like they were last season.
Overall, the Warriors’ window to compete for a championship is not as wide as it used to be, but it’s not closed. If their stars can stay healthy and the role players contribute, they could be a dangerous playoff team. If not, they might end up battling just to make it out of the play-in like they were a season ago. This season will really show if Golden State has one more big run left in them with Stephen Curry leading the way.
