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Is it time to get excited about the Golden State Warriors again?

By William Spencer

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 11: Moses Moody #4 of the Golden State Warriors talks with head coach Steve Kerr against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on October 11, 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 - OCTOBER 11: Moses Moody #4 of the Golden State Warriors talks with head coach Steve Kerr against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on October 11, 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) /
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It’s amazing what a return home and a couple of wins can do for you. With Stephen Curry and Andrew Wiggins out, and the team having come off a road-trip where they lost five of six, it all seemed like doom and gloom for the then 15-18 Golden State Warriors.

But the boys from the bay have won their last two, including shutting up their rival Memphis Grizzlies in a 123-109 win on Christmas Day. Step-by-step you can feel the excitement as Steve Kerr again attempts to mastermind the Warriors to another title.

The development of the Golden State Warriors’ younger players has been a thorough enjoyment for fans over recent games.

Kerr and the Warriors draft, develop and manage a roster to win when it counts most — in the playoffs. His and Bob Myers’ focused approach is constructing a roster that can endure the regular season and obtain the best possible seeding. Still, it’s an important balance between ‘chasing wins’ and developing the players that can ultimately fill his rotation to win 16 playoff games.

Kerr, Myers, and Joe Lacob have a heavy investment in developing young talent, carefully chosen for one purpose; winning titles. A player may be a contributor or even an all-star for eighty-two games during the regular season, yet be a total liability during the critical moments that are necessary to win a championship. Kerr’s coaching staff carefully identifies and develops the unique, exceptional talent required to hoist another Larry O’Brien Trophy.

Steve Kerr with Golden State Warriors’ youngster Jonathan Kuminga. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Steve Kerr with Golden State Warriors’ youngster Jonathan Kuminga. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

For example, an All-Star caliber player who breaks the mold is a talented big man who shoots fifty percent from the foul line. If the hack-a-Shaq strategy is employed, that player can’t be on the floor and therefore can’t rise to the moment. Some struggle to understand why a player is so effective for 82 games but can become a complete disappointment in the postseason.

You can see in Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody — developing two-way players who aren’t going to get exploited come playoff time by a massive weakness. It’s why the Warriors are preaching defense and rebounding for James Wiseman — the elements that with time and more consistency, can make him a playoff contributor.

Golden State Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga proving to be a man for the big moments. dark. Next

No more needs to be said if you’ve been fortunate enough to attend a playoff game. It is a unique presence that shocks your senses the second you enter the arena. Once experienced by a fan, team owner, coach, or player, there is never enough. Especially if the result is a title. Take this opportunity to sit back and watch Kerr weave his web into another championship. Yes, it’s time to get excited again.

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