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Predicting the pathway for the Golden State Warriors’ fifth title in nine seasons

By William Spencer

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 16: General manager Bob Myers of the Golden State Warriors hugs head coach Steve Kerr after defeating the Boston Celtics 103-90 in Game Six of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 16, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 16: General manager Bob Myers of the Golden State Warriors hugs head coach Steve Kerr after defeating the Boston Celtics 103-90 in Game Six of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 16, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Elsa/Getty Images) /
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Head coach Steve Kerr has his plan for defending the Golden State Warriors’ fourth NBA title in this dynasty period, with general manager Bob Myers attempting to assemble all the pieces.

The pair’s task began with the decisions made to the Warriors’ final roster. Myers controversially cut Lester Quinones and Quinndary Weatherspoon just before the start of the season, signing Anthony Lamb and Ty Jerome to fill their two-way spots.

Steve Kerr’s rotations have been a work in progress due to the required development of the Golden State Warriors’ young core, the learning of new roles, and untimely injuries.

The Warriors’ rotation now looks a little more set in stone, with players stepping up in the absence of Stephen Curry and Andrew Wiggins through injury. Though a playoff spot is far from assured just yet, Kerr can start positioning his defending champions for a run at a fifth Larry O’Brien Trophy in nine seasons.

The Warriors only have one roster spot available, and Myers, once again, will make critical decisions for Lamb and Jerome’s future by the trade deadline. The pair have contributed meaningful minutes in recent wins over the Memphis Grizzlies, Charlotte Hornets, Utah Jazz and Portland Trail Blazers.

Ty Jerome has been important for the Golden State Warriors in Stephen Curry’s absence. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Ty Jerome has been important for the Golden State Warriors in Stephen Curry’s absence. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

Ideally, Kerr would target the 50-win mark during the regular season, though that would require them to finish 32-13 over the last 45 games. It’s less about the win total and more about simply securing at minimum the sixth seed to stay out of the play-in tournament.

From there, the Warriors could well revisit their pathway from the 2022 championship. A rematch of the Western Conference Finals could occur in the first-round, with the sixth-seed Warriors facing the third-seed Dallas Mavericks. Despite conceding home-court advantage, Golden State would be confident of repeating the success from last year’s postseason.

They could have subsequent matchups against recent foes in the Denver Nuggets and Memphis Grizzlies, while back-to-back Finals’ series against the Boston Celtics would conclude another historic season.

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To accomplish this goal, Kerr must be certain of his rotation heading into the playoffs. With Myers and Joe Lacob not envisioning significant trades, the biggest decisions may come down to determining the futures of Lamb, Jerome, Ryan Rollins and JaMychal Green.

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