The Golden State Warriors shifted away from their two-timeline strategy after the Kevin Durant era, moving away from developing young players. James Wiseman, a high draft pick, was traded early, and Jordan Poole was exchanged for veteran Chris Paul.
While young players like Brandin Podziemski, Jonathan Kuminga, and Moses Moody remained, they didn`t seem to be top priorities. Podziemski, despite a good rookie season, struggled to find his place on a veteran-heavy team. Kuminga reportedly questioned coach Steve Kerr, and Moody`s role was inconsistent. The focus was on winning with Stephen Curry, and the young players` development suffered.
The acquisition of Jimmy Butler, aimed at immediate success in 2025, ironically clarified Golden State`s future. Kuminga, Podziemski, and Moody are now thriving alongside Butler. It turns out that integrating the future into the present was key to unlocking the potential of Golden State`s younger players.
Butler brings valuable skills like drawing fouls, attacking the rim, and perimeter defense. He quickly adapted to Golden State`s system, which is similar to Miami`s motion offense. Butler`s scoring ability changes how teams defend Golden State, but he also impacts the game without needing to dominate scoring. His presence provides a clearer offensive structure without limiting other players to simple roles.
This was evident in their win against the Los Angeles Lakers. Butler`s stats were modest, but Podziemski, Moody, and Kuminga combined for 59 points. The Butler trade has reduced defensive pressure on them and allowed them to take on bigger roles.
Moody`s role has changed significantly. Before Butler, he played limited minutes and was almost out of the rotation. Now, he`s a consistent starter since February 13th, playing about 10 more minutes per game. He’s become a primary 3-and-D wing, and the stability has boosted his confidence and defensive performance.
Podziemski is also playing with more confidence. After defenses adjusted to him, he struggled early in the season. The addition of Dennis Schröder didn`t help. However, Butler`s arrival brought balance. Butler is a star ball-handler but plays a different position and in different areas than Podziemski. While his scoring in the paint isn`t ideal, he creates opportunities for teammates and is making his three-pointers.
Kuminga`s fit with Butler was initially uncertain. Athletic forwards like him usually thrive with shooters, and Butler and Draymond Green aren`t known for shooting. However, their game against the Lakers demonstrated how Kuminga`s driving ability works within a high-IQ offense. The ball movement from Green, Butler, and Curry creates spacing. When Kuminga is aggressive, as he was against the Lakers with 18 points, nine rebounds, and four assists, he elevates the team, according to Green.
While Curry, Butler, and Green are the core, Moody, Kuminga, and Podziemski are now considered essential. Their roles are consistent, and when they perform well, Kerr`s strategies capitalize on their strengths.
This doesn`t mean the Warriors are building a team to succeed Curry, but they are benefiting from their young players now. Instead of being future leaders, they are crucial role players today. By integrating their future into the present, the Warriors have become a formidable team in the Western Conference, combining veteran star power with emerging young talent.
Jasper Hawthorne