The Golden State Warriors are preparing for another run at the NBA title with Stephen Curry at the helm, fresh off a 128-118 preseason win over the Portland Trail Blazers on October 16. The team's preseason slate, which included a 101-89 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on October 13, offers a glimpse of their potential as they head into the regular season opener on October 21 against those same Lakers.
Stephen Curry starts his 18th NBA season at age 38, recently signing a two-year, $116 million extension that ties him to the franchise through 2029. He remains the central figure alongside Draymond Green and head coach Steve Kerr, a core chasing a fifth championship together. Their last title came in 2022, and the mission is clear: contend again in a loaded Western Conference. The team finished 37-45 last season, losing in the play-in tournament to miss the playoffs entirely.
Coach Steve Kerr enters his 13th season with a 604-353 record. The front office, led by general manager Mike Dunleavy, faced criticism for a relatively quiet offseason after missing on major targets. Key departures include center Quinten Post and guard Pat Spencer. New faces are rookie forward Yaxel Lendeborg, forward Georges Niang, and guard Brandon Williams.
Having Curry guarantees elite offense and gravity that opens the floor for everyone. His chemistry with Draymond Green is a foundational strength. Veteran additions like Al Horford and Georges Niang are expected to provide reliable support. Guard De'Anthony Melton is another important piece after averaging 12.3 points and 2.6 assists in 49 games last season following knee surgery.
But the roster has significant questions. The Warriors will not be at full strength to start the year. Guards Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody are recovering from knee surgeries and likely won't return until after the new year. Also, center Kristaps Porzingis, who signed a two-year, $40 million extension, has been sidelined indefinitely in the preseason with an undisclosed health issue. This lack of depth early on could be a problem.
Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg, the 11th overall pick from Michigan, is expected to compete for rotation minutes immediately. Another young guard, Brandin Podziemski, is motivated after signing a five-year, $110 million extension and wants to earn a starting role.
Veteran forward Georges Niang signed a one-year, minimum contract hoping to bounce back. He missed last season with a foot injury but averaged 9.9 points in 79 games for Atlanta and Cleveland in the 2024-25 campaign. His shooting could be vital for the second unit.
The preseason provided a mixed bag of results, including wins over the Kings and Lakers but also losses to the Clippers and Trail Blazers. The real test begins with the season opener on the road against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 21. How quickly Butler, Moody, and Porzingis get healthy will likely define their early-season trajectory as they try to keep pace in the talented West.
