In an ideal world, the Golden State Warriors would have all their players present for training camp, ready to hit the ground running for the upcoming season. However, the team’s build-up has been anything but ideal, given the impact the negotiation of Jonathan Kuminga’s contract has had on other deals the front office has lined up.
With several key players unable to participate in the team’s training camp since they have yet to sign official contracts, the Warriors find themselves in an odd situation. However, despite this hiccup, Stephen Curry reflected on the team’s makeup and expressed satisfaction with how the roster has shaped up so far.
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Build on the momentum they established
The Warriors were arguably one of the best teams in the NBA in the second half of the season. With Jimmy Butler’s arrival at the trade deadline, which injected the team with a new level of energy, the Warriors went on a tear and had one of the best records in the league.
However, with Kuminga’s contract negotiations taking up most of the front office’s attention, other deals had to be put on hold, specifically the signing of veteran center Al Horford and versatile guard De’Anthony Melton.
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Still, Curry has plenty of reason to be optimistic heading to the new season with him, Butler and Draymond Green all healthy.
“I think with this last little piece that needs to settle, I think I’m extremely happy with a different look,” Curry said during the team’s media day.
With Butler in the lineup, the Warriors went 23-7 in the regular season to nab the seventh seed. After sending home the second-seeded Houston Rockets in the first round, they looked the part of giant beaters after winning Game 1 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, disaster struck as Curry injured his hamstring and was unable to return to the lineup. The Warriors failed to win another game and were eliminated in five.
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“We’re just trying to carry the momentum that we had from last year, understanding getting through an 82-game season is the challenge for every team, but especially a veteran team,” he explained. “But the way that we finished and the record that we had, and obviously before I got hurt during the second round, we were a relevant threat, and I think we’ve gotten better.”
The Warriors have more depth
While the Warriors lost longtime sentinel Kevon Looney, who signed with the New Orleans Pelicans, they have a deeper — although incomplete — roster. With Melton and Horford, along with the re-signing of athletic, defensive-minded guard Gary Payton II, the Warriors can trot out various combinations that keep them a threat.
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“It’s tough to lose Loon, like that’s a big deal knowing what he meant to our franchise, but we have a lot of pieces that are going to have an opportunity to take that next step,” Curry expressed.
One thing the Warriors have going for them is the chemistry between the team’s undisputed leaders. Between Curry, Butler and Green, they have a wealth of playoff experience and, as opponents saw last season, terrific chemistry that made it seem like the trio had been playing with one another all their lives.
Curry conveyed that with this in place, they don’t have to tinker with the game plan too much.
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“When we’re healthy and going toe-to-toe with anybody in the West, we feel like we have a really good chance,” he declared. “Hopefully, with some rejuvenated energy around that identity, we don’t have to figure much out. It’s just about putting it all together again and doing it for a whole year.”
The Western Conference is as wild as it has ever been. With Kevin Durant bolstering the Houston Rockets, the Denver Nuggets receiving vital reinforcements and the reigning champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, looking as strong as ever, the Warriors’ path to a fifth ring is more treacherous than ever before.
But with a healthy Curry at the helm and a renewed focus on what they already have, the Warriors are confident in their ability to navigate through whatever challenges come their way. With their core group intact and playing at its best, they believe they have what it takes to complete a journey towards another NBA title.
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This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Sep 30, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.