Golden State Warriors: A Fresh Start, Chemistry, and Depth in the 2024 Season Opener
The Golden State Warriors have started the season strong, with a record of 7-0 that stretches back to the preseason. While preseason games might not count, they offer a sneak peek into the Warriors’ renewed energy, chemistry, and notably improved depth. From dominating the Portland Trailblazers in their season opener to making strategic plays and showcasing a revamped roster, this season holds much promise. For fans, this feels like a fresh start, especially considering the challenges the Warriors faced last year.
1. Dominance and Depth in the Opener
The Warriors blew out the Trailblazers, a game that might have tripped them up last season. They won by as many points in this game as any game last year, a clear indication of an elevated level of play. Though Portland isn’t at their peak, these are games where the Warriors struggled before. The improvement hints at a promising season where such games might yield fewer surprises and more predictable wins.
A standout aspect of this season opener was the chemistry and depth that this new Warriors roster displayed. A significant change is the emergence of Buddy Hield, who has brought his shooting skills to a team that has heavily relied on Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry over the years. Hield doesn’t replace Thompson, but his shooting and ability to create his own plays fill a long-needed gap. His skill at scoring with precision when the Warriors were struggling from beyond the arc was evident. For example, when the Warriors were 0-10 from three, Hield’s off-the-bench energy was pivotal. He hit back-to-back threes, which gave the team a much-needed lift and momentum.
2. Chemistry Between Curry and Hield
One of the highlights of this season’s opener was the synergy between Stephen Curry and Buddy Hield. Curry closed the game with 10 assists in just 25 minutes, showcasing his playmaking skills and new-found connection with Hield. Had the game not been effectively finished after three quarters, Curry could have secured a triple-double. Many of Curry’s assists went directly to Hield, which demonstrates an early understanding and a natural on-court alignment between the two players.
On several plays, Curry set up Hield beautifully. In one play, Draymond Green passed to Curry in transition, and Curry immediately found Hield open for a three-pointer. The chemistry between Curry and Hield is especially promising, given both players’ movement off the ball and shooting precision. The Warriors’ system thrives on movement and spacing, and with Hield, they have another versatile player who understands positioning and timing.
3. Stephen Curry’s Consistency
While Curry’s excellence is expected, his performance in the opener underscored his importance to the Warriors’ success. The combination of his shooting, playmaking, and leadership remains a cornerstone of the team’s strategy. For fans doubting his ongoing impact, this opener proved once again that Curry is indispensable to the Warriors’ style of play.
Beyond Curry’s performance, the contributions of De’Anthony Melton, Gary Payton II, Kevon Looney, and Andrew Wiggins add depth to this year’s lineup. Wiggins, in particular, showed signs of a revival. During his first years with the Warriors, Wiggins displayed All-Star potential and two-way excellence. His performance in the opener reflected that early form, as he confidently shot the ball, hustled on defense, and played with precision. This type of consistent performance from Wiggins would be transformative for the Warriors. A confident, engaged Wiggins who can contribute around 20 points per night while defending multiple positions could help lift the Warriors to a championship level.
4. Emerging Young Talent: Trace Jackson-Davis
One of the most unexpected highlights of the Warriors’ depth is rookie Trace Jackson-Davis, who finished with 14 points and four rebounds. While his scoring stats are impressive, it’s his basketball IQ, defensive skills, and passing ability that may turn him into a vital piece of the Warriors’ rotation. At 6’9”, he may not have the size of traditional centers, but he compensates with defensive positioning and the ability to make precise passes.
One play that stands out is his fake handoff with teammate Pods, which created a perfect opportunity for a cutting Stephen Curry. Jackson-Davis’s vision and playmaking skills are tailor-made for the Warriors’ system, where ball movement and court vision are key. Additionally, his passing skills make him a threat in the Warriors’ short pick-and-roll, creating easy opportunities for teammates. His versatility as a rim protector, playmaker, and scorer may make him a consistent contributor on both ends of the floor.
5. The Underrated Role of De’Anthony Melton
De’Anthony Melton might just be one of the Warriors’ hidden gems this season. Though often overlooked, his versatility, defense, and scoring ability make him a crucial player in this roster’s depth. Melton’s adaptability is reflected in his defensive prowess and shooting consistency, particularly as a secondary ball-handler. He fits perfectly into the Warriors’ system and could become one of the season’s most underrated acquisitions. Given time, Melton could add an extra layer to the Warriors’ guard rotation, easing the load on Curry while providing scoring, defense, and playmaking.
6. Challenges for Podziemski and Kuminga
Not everything in the season opener was perfect. Both Brandin Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga struggled, each facing distinct issues. Kuminga’s performance was inconsistent; he appeared to force plays and overestimated his impact, resulting in four turnovers in just 19 minutes. He often ran into defenders, showing a lack of composure and awareness. Kuminga’s drive to prove himself is palpable, but his need to fit within the Warriors’ rhythm is equally important.
Podziemski, on the other hand, had the opposite issue. He seemed hesitant and lacked decisiveness when handling the ball, limiting his impact on the game. Both players were reliable contributors last season, so it’s reasonable to expect improvement. Yet, with the depth in this roster, both Kuminga and Podziemski may face trade speculation if their performance doesn’t meet expectations.
7. Trade Value and Roster Depth
The Warriors now have a rare problem for any team: excess depth. With Melton, Hield, Kyle Anderson, Wiggins, and Payton II all providing strong performances, the Warriors might consider trade options for Kuminga or Podziemski if they struggle to find their footing. Wiggins described this as the “deepest team in the NBA,” a claim some fans doubted but that holds merit when examining this roster.
8. Looking Ahead
If this opener is any indication, the Warriors are poised for a season of renewal, fueled by a blend of veteran leadership, emerging young talent, and strategic depth. The team’s balance, improved shooting, and defensive upgrades offer a promising path forward, but the true test will come with consistency. Health, especially for Curry and Green, remains a critical factor, and Wiggins’ performance will be instrumental.
The Warriors’ season opener shows that this team is as strong as ever, with potential for greatness. The key now is maintaining this level throughout the season. With the improved depth and a fresh spark from new players, the Warriors may just have what it takes to reach new heights.
