5. Can their bench take them to the top?
Last season, the Golden State Warriors were 7th in bench scoring during the regular season, as well as 4th in the playoffs. The Dubs’ bench, however, was also the second worst in terms of turnovers committed during the regular season; and in the playoffs, only the Sacramento Kings averaged more errors.
With net ratings of -0.5 (season) and -2.2 (postseason) in 2022-2023, the Warriors’ bench has plenty to prove as the quest for the NBA title begins anew. Among the players that beefed up the bench during the Dubs’ most recent title run, three players remain. While Gary Payton II appeared to have earned Steve Kerr’s trust in the 2023 playoffs, neither Jonathan Kuminga nor Moses Moody has fully emerged as a fearsome threat to banner the second unit.
Can Kuminga and Moody collectively make up for the 20.4 points per game that once came from Jordan Poole? Are veterans Dario Saric and Cory Joseph capable of holding the fort like Andre Iguodala, Shaun Livingston, and David West in years past? If roster depth remains a question mark late into the season, the Golden State Warriors might struggle to cling to a playoff spot, let alone clinch homecourt advantage.