Former Golden State Warriors head coach P.J. Carlesimo says the team is still in a good spot, a view that comes as the Warriors handle a tough stretch with just one win in their last five games. Their most recent outing was a 115-110 loss to the LA Clippers on April 13, 2026, extending a losing run to three straight defeats.
Carlesimo, who coached the team from 1997 to 2000, shared his perspective with reporter Kyle Odegard ahead of the 2026-27 season. He pointed to health and the front office's ability to make a move as key factors. "If they are healthy, they’re good right now, and they are always a player away," Carlesimo said. "By the middle of the year Mike (Dunleavy Jr.) will figure something out."
The offseason was quiet for Golden State, failing to add a major star to support Stephen Curry. This has led to questions about the team's ceiling, especially with a core that relies heavily on its veteran stars. Carlesimo's comments suggest a belief that the existing roster, when fully operational, possesses enough talent to compete. His faith extends to General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr., whom he expects to be active before the trade deadline.
That internal confidence is being tested by recent results. The loss to the Clippers followed a 124-118 defeat in Sacramento on April 11 and a 119-103 home loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on April 10. Their lone recent victory was a 110-105 win over those same Kings on April 8.
A 1-4 record in the last five contests, including losses in the final three, creates immediate pressure. It highlights potential flaws in roster construction, defense, or consistency that even a legendary core cannot always overcome. Each game carries weight in the Western Conference playoff race, making every slump dangerous.
Specific results like the 117-116 heartbreaker to Houston on April 6 and a 118-111 loss to Cleveland on April 3 show the margins have been incredibly thin. The team's ability to close out tight games has been inconsistent, a problem that often gets magnified in the postseason. Analyzing these trends is essential for understanding what moves, if any, Dunleavy might pursue.
The immediate path involves correcting the on-court issues that led to this skid. Improving perimeter defense and finding reliable secondary scoring behind Curry are perennial topics. Coach Steve Kerr will need to adjust rotations and perhaps give more minutes to younger players to find a spark.
Longer term, Carlesimo's prediction of a mid-season move will be watched closely. The Warriors' financial flexibility and asset pool will determine if they can land that "player away" he referenced. For now, the focus is on stopping the slide, getting healthy, and preparing for the next opponent. The coming weeks will reveal if this is a minor stumble or a sign of deeper issues the front office must address aggressively.
