Blue Man Hoop
Fansided

3 gifts on the Golden State Warriors’ Christmas wishlist

By William Spencer

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 07: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies drives to the basket and shoots over Stephen Curry #30 and Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half of Game Three of the Western Conference Semifinals of the NBA Playoffs at Chase Center on May 07, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 07: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies drives to the basket and shoots over Stephen Curry #30 and Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half of Game Three of the Western Conference Semifinals of the NBA Playoffs at Chase Center on May 07, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

It’s Christmas Eve and the Golden State Warriors are in desperate need of some presents under the tree. December is supposed to be the happiest month of the year, but instead the reigning NBA champions have slumped to a 15-18 record and are coming off a 1-5 road-trip.

What will Joe Lacob, Bob Myers, Steve Kerr and the entire Golden State Warriors franchise be wishing for as another Christmas rolls around?

There’s little going right recently for the Warriors, and therefore there’s no shortage of gifts they’d like to help turn things around. Let’s narrow it to three though given Santa’s workload.

1. A win over the Memphis Grizzlies to conclude their Christmas Day.

Not only would a win on Christmas boost the morale and enjoyment of Golden State players, staff and the fanbase, but it would also be vitally important in the grand scheme of where they sit. The Warriors need a confidence booster after blowout losses to the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets to the tune of a combined 68 points. What better way to restore some faith by beating a noted rival who are currently second in the Western Conference.

2. The Health of Stephen Curry and Andrew Wiggins.

Curry’s return is the most imperative aspect at present, with the Warriors hoping Santa works his magic on the superstar’s recovering shoulder. Golden State went 1-3 on their road-trip following his injury against the Indiana Pacers, and it appeared they were missing his sheer presence and leadership just as much as his offensive firepower.

Andrew Wiggins is nearing a return following an adductor strain — an unusual occurrence given he’s practically played ironman throughout his career so far. The Warriors will be hoping there’s no recurrence of the injury once Wiggins returns.

The Golden State Warriors desperately need Andrew Wiggins and Stephen Curry back in the lineup. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The Golden State Warriors desperately need Andrew Wiggins and Stephen Curry back in the lineup. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

3. Fulfilling the promise of James Wiseman, Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody

Drafted as the second overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft, James Wiseman has recently returned from Santa Cruz as the Warriors face their injury issues. He had a career-high 30 points against the Nets on Wednesday, although the blowout nature of the game means it’s uncertain

Moses Moody has also received recent minutes given injuries, but his place in the regular rotation is far from assured. Here is an excerpt from a recent article on Moody and the Warriors’ second unit.

"“Kerr’s coaching decisions (DNP) have not discouraged Moses Moody; sitting on the bench next to Andre Iguodala, Moody is learning his trade through the eyes of his veteran hall-of-fame player-coach. Fans of the young star patiently remain optimistic. Moody, 6′ 6″, with a 7′ 2″ wing span, a picture-perfect shot he can execute from the bounce or catch, and the ability to get to the rim, has yet to find meaningful minutes in Kerr’s Rotation. Moody has failed to gain the trust of Steve Kerr because of his propensity to commit unnecessary fouls and foolish turnovers.”"

Jonathan Kuminga’s Christmas gift came early this year, celebrated on Warriors’ Twitter earlier this month with an artistic meme and a biblical verse declaring, “John (Jon) has arrived.” Kuminga has played his way into Kerr’s rotation, with last year’s seventh pick showing great signs including a game against the Dallas Mavericks earlier this month in which Steve Kerr declared the “best game I’ve ever seen JK play.”

dark. Next. What record do the Golden State Warriors need on their eight-game homestand?

These gifts are wrapped without a return receipt and with the anticipation of being opened soon. Golden State need it if their to turnaround the season, and in the case of the youngsters, their time at the franchise may be on borrowed time if that development doesn’t come after Christmas.

Home/Warriors News