The Golden State Warriors are staring down the barrel of another disappointing season, hovering around .500 for the second year in a row. This mediocre record screams one glaring truth: the Warriors need a reliable number two scorer alongside Stephen Curry this offseason.
Last year’s second-round exit might have raised concerns, but this season has hammered the point home. While Curry averages a respectable 26.9 points per game, the next best scorer on the 34-31 Warriors is third-year forward Jonathan Kuminga, who’s averaging career highs across the board. However, much of this production came after a mid-season report claiming Kuminga lost faith in Coach Kerr’s ability to develop his full potential. Since then, Kuminga has seen a significant jump in points and minutes, showcasing his potential.
There’s no denying Kuminga’s raw talent. He’s a bright spot with the tools to become an elite defender and possibly even a future number two option on a championship team. Unfortunately, time is not a luxury the Warriors have with their current roster.
Curry turns 36 this year, and Klay Thompson (averaging only 17 PPG) isn’t getting any younger. The clock is ticking on their championship window with Curry at the helm. Chris Paul’s contract expires this season, Draymond Green is 34, and the rest of the “prime” players – Wiggins, Looney, Saric, and Payton II – struggle with consistency.
Andrew Wiggins has shown flashes of his All-Star form, but overall, he’s unreliable. The reigning champion is averaging career lows in points, assists, and minutes, even getting benched for the first time in his career. While Payton II has been productive in limited minutes, injuries have plagued him, missing over half the season. Additionally, his lack of offensive firepower shrinks the floor, a crucial element in the modern NBA.
Looney and Saric’s struggles have forced Coach Kerr to rely on rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis, further highlighting the team’s lack of depth. For years, Curry’s generational scoring and gravitational pull have masked the roster’s deficiencies. But Father Time waits for no one.
The Warriors owe it to themselves, and especially to Curry, to find a stellar second scorer. It’s time to capitalize while they still have one of the greatest players of all time on their team.