Golden State Warriors’ key figures facing crucial questions over coming weeks

Watching Golden State Warriors basketball this season has been painful. With the same core returning that just won a title last season, the mediocre results in 2022-23 have been unexpected and disappointing.

As bad as this season has been, the 2021/22 regular season was similarly awful. The Warriors were equally as frustrating as they sputtered into the playoffs with unsolved issues, namely turnovers, defense, and overall focus. But come playoff time the Warriors found another gear and reminded everyone that they’re still the best team in the league when healthy.

Now, past the midway point in the 2022/23 season, the Warriors have yet to flip the switch and find their groove. There is little indication that they can repeat the magical feats of last season.

The Dubs are currently one game under .500 at 21-22. Fortunately, due to the underperformance of other teams in the Western Conference this year, that dismal record still places them in the 8th seed and only 2 games back from the 5th seed.

As the February 9th trade deadline approaches, the Warriors’ front office has some tough questions to ask themselves — Does this team have the same ‘switch’ that they possessed last season? Is the Warriors’ first half the true reflection of the team, or will they turn it around in the second half? With an extra year of age on the veteran core, is this season different than last? Is a trade necessary?

Last season, despite constant criticism and horrible play down the regular season stretch, the front office stood their ground and didn’t make a trade. It turned out to be the correct decision — the roster in place cruised to the title relatively easily, not once facing an elimination game. The front office deserves praise for this call.

But the question remains, will the strategy that worked in 2022 also work in 2023?

Every time the Warriors seem to be turning a corner, they revert back to bad habits. After a recent five-game win streak, they’ve went on to lose four of the next five. The 4-17 road record is alarming, to say the least.

ESPN reporter Kendra Andrews brought the topic up with Draymond Green, who still believes that the Warriors have not unlocked their true form.

But does the front office feel the same, or are they secretly monitoring trade options? Thus far, general manager Bob Myers and owner Joe Lacob have not publicly indicated that they’re looking for trades. This doesn’t say much because, of course, they would not tip their hat publicly and lose their leverage in a potential negotiation.

Back in November 2022, Lacob had the following to say about the Warriors’ early season struggles:

"“We’re not going to overreact to this start,” Lacob told Tim Kawakami of The Athletic. “We’re going to see how we move through it. But we view ourselves as contenders.”"

Lacob also alluded to potential changes if things did not improve.

"“I’ll get back on the phone with you after 40 games or half the season and if we are talking about the same stuff, maybe it’ll be different answers,” Lacob added."

So here we are, more than 40 games through the season and there is no sign of improvement. Perhaps the Warriors make a move and trade some of their young assets. Or perhaps they double down on their strategy from last year, do nothing, and assume the turning point of the season will come.

One thing is sure — the expectation for this team is a title and anything less will be considered a failure. If they don’t win the title, whatever trade deadline decision is made will be heavily scrutinized.