Evaluating the Golden State Warriors’ Roster: Steve Kerr’s Approach to the Future

The Golden State Warriors, with their rich history of success and a remarkable roster led by players like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, are at an important juncture. As the 2024-2025 NBA season progresses, the team’s roster, along with its performance on the court, will be under close scrutiny. Steve Kerr, the head coach of the Warriors, has announced that he will evaluate the team’s roster over the next month before making any decisions about potential trades or adjustments. This period of assessment is crucial in determining how the team can best navigate the remainder of the season and beyond, especially as the Warriors look to remain competitive in an increasingly tough Western Conference.

The Importance of Roster Evaluation

For any NBA team, particularly a perennial contender like the Warriors, evaluating the roster midseason is essential. It allows the coaching staff to assess the current form and fit of the players, see how they perform under different matchups, and identify areas of weakness that need to be addressed. The evaluation process also takes into account the dynamics of the locker room, player development, injury recovery, and how well the team’s style of play aligns with its personnel. Kerr’s approach will focus on a comprehensive analysis, considering both short-term goals (like a playoff push) and long-term aspirations (such as championship contention in the future).

While Kerr is known for his strategic thinking, his evaluation will likely cover several key areas: the performance of core players, the effectiveness of the supporting cast, potential trade targets, the Warriors’ style of play, and overall team chemistry. Let’s take a deep dive into these areas and consider how they could shape Kerr’s decision-making over the next month.

1. Evaluating the Core Players: The Foundation of the Warriors

The Warriors’ dynasty has been built on the shoulders of their three core players: Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. Their success has been the foundation of Kerr’s system, which is predicated on quick ball movement, perimeter shooting, and relentless defense. However, evaluating these players’ performances and their future with the team is critical.

Stephen Curry: Curry remains one of the NBA’s best players, and his ability to score from virtually anywhere on the court continues to set him apart. But as he ages, the Warriors must be mindful of his long-term health and how his playstyle can evolve. His leadership, shooting, and playmaking are still top-tier, but the team must ensure they build around him with the right mix of complementary players. Kerr’s evaluation will likely focus on Curry’s physical condition, his ability to stay healthy, and whether the current roster can take some of the load off his shoulders without sacrificing competitiveness.

Klay Thompson: Thompson’s journey back from multiple major injuries has been well-documented, and although he’s regained much of his shooting form, questions linger about his overall impact. Thompson’s defense has shown signs of decline, and his consistency as a shooter, while still potent, has fluctuated. Kerr will likely focus on Thompson’s ability to stay healthy and contribute at a high level, particularly in the postseason. If Thompson struggles to return to his previous All-Star form, the Warriors may need to explore options for strengthening their perimeter defense and shooting.

Draymond Green: Green remains the defensive heart of the Warriors, offering unparalleled versatility, leadership, and a unique playmaking ability for a forward. However, his offensive game has always been a question mark, and it has become even more noticeable in recent seasons as he struggles to maintain consistency as a scorer. Green’s role is evolving, and Kerr will assess whether his defensive prowess and leadership are enough to justify his place in the core group moving forward. Additionally, Green’s occasional conflicts with teammates and coaches could factor into his long-term value to the franchise.

2. Assessing the Supporting Cast: The Key to Championship Contention

The Warriors’ supporting cast plays a vital role in determining whether the team can return to the upper echelons of the NBA. While Curry, Thompson, and Green remain crucial to the team’s success, the performance of the supporting players will make or break their championship aspirations.

Andrew Wiggins: Wiggins’ growth in Golden State has been impressive. He has developed into a reliable two-way player and a key contributor on both ends of the floor. His ability to guard multiple positions and provide a scoring punch alongside Curry and Thompson has been a valuable asset. However, Kerr will need to evaluate whether Wiggins can maintain his consistency, especially in the postseason, where his performance has sometimes been erratic. If the Warriors aim for a deep playoff run, Wiggins’ ability to step up as a secondary scorer and defender will be crucial.

Kevon Looney: Looney has carved out a niche for himself as a solid, dependable center. He doesn’t bring much offensively but is an exceptional rebounder, screen setter, and defender in the paint. Looney’s work ethic and ability to impact games without needing the ball are vital to the Warriors’ system. However, Kerr may look to see if Looney’s minutes need to be balanced more effectively as the season progresses, or if the Warriors need a more dynamic center to contend with stronger frontcourts in the West.

The Bench: One of the major challenges for Kerr will be evaluating the Warriors’ bench depth. The team’s second unit has often been a point of concern, with inconsistencies from players like Moses Moody, Jonathan Kuminga, and Chris Paul. While Chris Paul has brought invaluable experience to the table, Kerr must evaluate if he fits with the Warriors’ pace and style, especially with a smaller role on offense. Moody and Kuminga represent the team’s future, but both are still works in progress. Kerr will assess whether these young players can consistently contribute, especially in high-leverage games, or if the Warriors need to target more established players via trade.

3. Trade Considerations: Will the Warriors Make Moves?

After evaluating the roster, Kerr will need to consider whether the Warriors need to make trades. The NBA trade deadline typically falls in February, and Golden State will need to make decisions about whether to stay the course or make significant moves. Possible areas of focus include:

• Adding a versatile forward or center: Given Green’s limitations offensively and Looney’s lack of scoring threat, the Warriors may look to add a player who can provide another scoring option while also contributing on defense. A player who can guard multiple positions and space the floor would complement the team’s current makeup.
• Strengthening the bench: With Paul’s limitations and the youth of players like Kuminga, adding a proven contributor off the bench could be a priority. This move would be crucial for postseason depth, where the Warriors’ bench has sometimes faltered.
• Addressing the injury concerns: If Thompson or Curry’s injuries become more of an issue, the Warriors might look to add depth in the backcourt or wing positions. Injuries to key players have been a recurring theme in recent seasons, and Kerr may want to hedge against potential setbacks.

4. Team Chemistry and System Fit: The Warriors’ Style of Play

Kerr’s system has always been predicated on fast-paced ball movement, shooting, and versatility. Evaluating how well the current roster fits into this system is essential. As players age and as new ones join the fold, Kerr must ensure that the team remains cohesive and that everyone understands their role within the offense and defense. If the Warriors’ ball movement or defensive communication begins to falter, it could signal a need for changes in personnel or strategy.

Chemistry, both on and off the court, will be another key consideration. Kerr has been lauded for his ability to foster a positive and unified locker room culture, which has been crucial to the Warriors’ past success. If tensions arise or if the team struggles to come together as a group, trades or other adjustments may be necessary to reinvigorate the roster.

5. Long-Term Planning: Beyond This Season

Looking beyond the current season, Kerr and the Warriors front office must consider the team’s future. Curry, Thompson, and Green are all in their 30s, and while they remain elite talents, the Warriors must begin planning for life after this core group. This may involve developing younger players like Kuminga and Moody, scouting potential future stars, or even looking to make a splash in free agency. Evaluating the balance between maintaining championship competitiveness and preparing for a future transition will be key in determining how the Warriors navigate the next few months.