Warriors Are Now Paying a Steep Price for Controversial Rotation Tactic
The Golden State Warriors have long been one of the most successful franchises in the NBA, owing much of their success to a combination of elite talent, a winning culture, and exceptional coaching. However, despite their storied history, the Warriors are currently facing one of the most challenging periods in their recent history, grappling with a set of issues that have placed them on the back foot in the 2024-2025 NBA season. One of the primary reasons for this struggle has been a controversial rotation tactic employed by head coach Steve Kerr, which, while innovative, has resulted in some undesirable consequences.
The Warriors’ rotation choices have drawn the ire of fans, analysts, and even players within the team. What was initially viewed as a potentially game-changing move has now turned into a strategic misstep that may have long-term consequences. As the team faces a difficult stretch of games and the threat of falling behind in the playoff race, the Warriors are now paying a steep price for these decisions.
The Strategy Behind the Rotation Shift
To understand the controversy surrounding the Warriors’ rotation, it’s essential to break down the rationale behind the shift in strategy. Under Steve Kerr’s leadership, the Warriors have been known for their up-tempo, three-point heavy offense, led by superstars Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. However, with the NBA evolving and the team’s core aging, Kerr began experimenting with his rotations in the hope of maintaining the Warriors’ competitiveness while developing younger talent.
The primary focus of Kerr’s rotation tactic was the increased utilization of young players such as Moses Moody, Jonathan Kuminga, and James Wiseman, alongside the veteran core. Kerr’s thinking was that the Warriors needed to balance their championship window with the development of their young stars, allowing them to gain more playing time and experience on the court. The hope was that this strategy would not only sustain the team’s success in the short term but also position the franchise for future greatness once the veterans started to slow down or retire.
The controversial part of this strategy involved the distribution of minutes. Kerr began reducing the playing time of veterans like Andre Iguodala, Kevon Looney, and even Draymond Green during certain stretches, particularly in the first half of the season, in favor of giving the younger players more significant roles. The tactic was meant to develop these players faster, with the idea that a deeper, more dynamic roster would be able to contend in the future.
However, the results of this rotation shift have not been as positive as Kerr had hoped.
The Impact on Team Chemistry
One of the most immediate consequences of Kerr’s controversial rotation tactic has been the erosion of team chemistry. The Golden State Warriors have long been known for their close-knit locker room and their ability to come together as a unit. The presence of players like Draymond Green, Stephen Curry, and Klay Thompson, who have played together for nearly a decade, has created a strong sense of unity within the organization.
But the shifting of minutes, especially taking opportunities away from key veterans, has disrupted that chemistry. Draymond Green, who has been the emotional leader and defensive anchor for the Warriors, has been one of the most vocal critics of the rotation changes. Green, who has built his entire career on being a glue guy and leader, found himself on the bench more than he was accustomed to, leading to frustrations both on and off the court. His leadership has been noticeably affected, and his interactions with younger players, while still professional, have become strained at times.
Another consequence of the rotation adjustments has been a lack of consistency in team play. The Warriors have always been a team that relies on ball movement, spacing, and chemistry. With the younger players being thrust into the rotation alongside the established stars, the flow of the offense has been inconsistent. This lack of cohesion has resulted in turnovers, defensive lapses, and uncharacteristic shooting slumps. For a team that relies on precision and timing, this loss of rhythm has been detrimental to their overall performance.
The Struggles of the Young Players
While the idea of developing young talent alongside seasoned veterans seems like a good plan on paper, the execution has been more complicated than anticipated. Despite the minutes given to Moses Moody, Jonathan Kuminga, and James Wiseman, the young players have not been able to step up in the way Kerr had hoped.
Jonathan Kuminga, a dynamic athlete known for his impressive athleticism, has struggled to make a consistent impact. His defense has shown flashes of promise, but his offensive game remains raw. His decision-making, particularly in high-pressure situations, has been a concern for Kerr, and he’s struggled to fit into the Warriors’ system. While he has the potential to become a major contributor in the future, his lack of polish has hindered the team’s ability to trust him in crunch time situations.
Moses Moody has had moments of brilliance, but his performances have been inconsistent. He’s shown flashes of being a reliable shooter and defender, but like Kuminga, his development has not been linear. The pressure of playing alongside the Warriors’ established core has at times led to mistakes and missed opportunities. His confidence, while growing, has fluctuated, and he has struggled to find a rhythm with the veterans on the court.
As for James Wiseman, the former No. 2 overall pick, his struggles have been even more pronounced. After dealing with injuries early in his career, Wiseman has yet to live up to his immense potential. His time on the court has been a mix of defensive lapses, offensive indecisiveness, and an inability to consistently execute the Warriors’ offense. As a result, he has often found himself on the bench during critical moments, with Kerr opting for a smaller lineup or more experienced players to close out games.
The issue with the young players is not necessarily their talent but the pressure placed on them to contribute immediately. In a team with championship aspirations, there is little room for growing pains, and the Warriors have paid the price for not giving these young players the appropriate development time away from the limelight.
The Effect on Veterans
While the focus has been on the younger players, the veterans have been deeply affected by the rotation changes as well. Kevon Looney, who has been a crucial part of the Warriors’ success in recent years due to his rebounding and defense, has found himself playing fewer minutes. This reduction in playing time has impacted the Warriors’ rebounding numbers and interior defense, two areas where Looney excels.
Andre Iguodala, a key veteran who has been integral to the team’s leadership, has also had his role reduced. Iguodala, who has been known for his basketball IQ, defensive presence, and leadership, has found himself relegated to the bench more often than in previous years. His impact on the court has lessened, and although he remains a valuable mentor for the younger players, his absence in critical moments has been felt.
And then there’s Draymond Green, whose frustration with the situation is perhaps the most apparent. Green, a four-time All-Star and one of the best defenders in the league, has seen his minutes fluctuating, especially when Kerr opts for more small-ball lineups featuring younger players. While Green remains an essential part of the Warriors’ defensive schemes, his role has been lessened, and his leadership on the court has been compromised by the shifting rotations.
These veterans have been the backbone of the Warriors’ success over the past decade. By reducing their minutes, Kerr has created a sense of uncertainty within the locker room, which has carried over onto the court. The results have been uneven, and the team’s overall performance has suffered as a result.
Paying the Price: The Warriors’ Current Struggles
The Warriors’ early-season struggles are now becoming apparent in their record, with the team slipping in the standings and facing a tough battle to maintain a top playoff spot. The controversial rotation tactic has contributed to a lack of continuity, poor chemistry, and inconsistent play. The Warriors are currently fighting to stay competitive in a crowded Western Conference, with the likes of the DallaPhoenix Suns,s Mavericks, and Denver Nuggets all emerging as major contenders.
Without the necessary cohesion and balance, the Warriors’ chances of making another deep playoff run are uncertain. Their offensive rhythm is off, and defensively, they have struggled to keep opponents from exploiting their weaknesses. While Kerr’s emphasis on developing young players was a noble one, the results have been less than ideal. The Warriors now find themselves in a position where they must reassess their rotation tactics and find a way to reintegrate their veteran core more effectively, or risk falling short of their championship aspirations.
Looking Ahead: Can the Warriors Recover?
The Warriors still have the talent to compete for a championship, but they will need to make adjustments to their rotation in order to find the right balance. The veteran players, particularly Curry, Thompson, and Green, must be given more opportunities to lead the team in crucial moments. At the same time, the young players like Kuminga, Moody, and Wiseman should continue to develop but in roles that better fit their current skill levels and experience.
The Warriors have always thrived when they’ve been able to rely on the leadership of their veterans and the brilliance of their star players. Kerr will need to find a way to restore that balance while still providing development opportunities for the younger players. If the Warriors can manage this delicate balance, they have the potential to turn things around and make a push for the playoffs. However, if they continue to stick with the controversial rotation strategy, they may find themselves paying a steeper price than they anticipated.
