Grading every Golden State Warriors player after 30 games
Grading every Golden State Warriors player after 30 games of the 2022-23 season.
Stephen Curry A+
30 points per game for the two-time MVP on 43.4% shooting from three-point range — absolutely scorching numbers. As the unequivocal best player, how much blame can Curry take for the team’s poor start to the season?
Although he’s had a couple of quieter, poorer shooting games (which anyone is bound to have), the answer is very little. Almost all the media narrative is about what the Golden State front office can do to salvage another spectacular Curry season, rather than anything about him needing to lift his level. His latest injury could spell an end to the Warriors hopes of repeating as champions.
Andrew Wiggins B+
Averaging 19.1 points on 51.1% shooting and 45% from three-point range, Wiggins’ offense may be at a career-high, A+ level. The slip to B+ comes because of his defense. Steve Kerr has highlighted in press conferences that he isn’t quite at the All-NBA level defensively that he must have been close to last season.
The Warriors are 20th in defensive rating, and given Wiggins plays a huge role on that end, it’s difficult to judge him anything better than a B+. The team desperately needs him back in the fold as he’s missed the last several games with an adductor strain.
Kevon Looney B
The ever reliable starting center, Looney continues to grow as a fan favourite among DubNation. His performances in last season’s playoffs will never be forgotten, and he’s importantly retained his strong play through 30 games in 2022-23.
It’s not about the numbers for the 26-year-old and it’ll never be flashy, yet those who watch the team closely understand his importance to success. Once an injury-prone outlier to Kerr’s plans, Looney has become one of the most trustworthy players in the entire league as he’s now been available for over 130 straight games going back to the start of last season.
Donte DiVincenzo B
After a hamstring injury slowed his start to the season, the Warriors’ major offseason free-agent acquisition has proven an important foil to the team’s plans. DiVincenzo is averaging 6.5 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2,5 assists in exactly 20 minutes per game, also shooting 37.3% from three-point range.
His capacity as a decent three-point shooter, capable ball-handler and playmaker, and most importantly his perimeter defense, DiVincenzo is a versatile player that Kerr could utilize even more in important situations. It’s for that reason they’ll be hoping he remains completely healthy as the season progresses.
Anthony Lamb B
A controversial two-way selection just before the season began, Lamb has surprisingly been a constant in the Warriors’ rotation. There’s reasons for that — he’s a solid defender, shoots 37.1% from three-point range, and generally makes fewer mistakes than his younger teammates. For the sake of Golden State’s season, fans should be hoping Lamb gets phased out of meaningful minutes.