Warriors: One step back to go two steps forward

Having lost five of their last eight games, and with Draymond Green sidelined for at least a further two weeks, the Golden State Warriors have hit their first major hurdle of the NBA season.

But with crisis comes opportunity, and the Warriors will hope that Green’s absence will be a catalyst for crucial team and player development.

Although Draymond Green’s absence may hinder the competitive level of the Golden State Warriors in the short term, his unavailability may provide the opportunity for them to be a better team in the long term.

The first aspect is the ongoing reintegration of Klay Thompson, with the five-time All-Star now five games back after two major injuries. Given the sheer amount of basketball he’s played with Green, the chemistry between the pair should be no concern once the defensive star does return.

But on the other hand, the Warriors roster has undergone significant rejuvenation since the 2019 Finals where Thompson first got injured. Not that it’s an overriding concern, but there’s clearly a transitional period with Thompson back and learning to play with Golden State’s newer additions.

The chemistry already seems to be on the improve, with Thompson and Andrew Wiggins combining nicely on a number of offensive possessions in the Warriors’ big win over Detroit on Tuesday.

The new additions include Warriors rookie Jonathan Kuminga, who should be the greatest beneficiary of Green’s absence. That’s proven to be the case across the past few games, with the seventh overall pick averaging nearly 25 minutes over the last five, a considerable jump from his season average of 11.2.

It culminated with earning a start against the Pistons, with Steve Kerr happy to reward him should he combine his exhilarating talent and flair with solid team contributions. Although he got into early foul trouble against Detroit, Kuminga did notch his first career double-double with 12 points and ten rebounds.

The Dubs have a clear directive over the next fortnight or so; can they become a better team once Green comes back than they were before he left? Thompson’s play, both individually and in conjunction with his new teammates, is paramount in that discussion.

Kuminga is at the forefront as well, with this period likely to give the coaching staff an indication of his value come playoff time. This isn’t an experimental period for him and the Warriors, it’s a stretch for them to continue winning games while becoming a vastly improved team once Green does return.