Warriors Face BRUTAL Early Schedule | Can Jimmy Butler SAVE Their Season?
In a recent podcast episode, hosts Charlie Walter and Mike Logangh dove deep into the demanding schedule facing the Golden State Warriors for the upcoming NBA season. They highlighted the team’s “grueling path” at both the start and finish, noting that the Warriors will only have five home games in their first 19 matches. This setup could test the squad’s depth and resilience right from the jump, making early wins crucial for building momentum.
A Rocky Start and Finish to the Season
The Warriors are bracing for a brutal opening stretch, squaring off against powerhouses like the Lakers, Nuggets, and Clippers early on. The hosts pointed out that the schedule doesn’t ease up at the end either, with six of the final eight games pitting them against top-tier opponents. This monthly breakdown reveals October and April as the toughest periods, emphasizing how an aging roster must perform early to avoid falling behind. It’s a scenario that could define their playoff chances, as the team navigates potential injuries and fatigue.
The Need for a Strong Opening
Logangh and Walter stressed the importance of a hot start, drawing parallels to last season when the Warriors kicked off with a 12-3 record. That early success provided a buffer during tougher times marked by injuries and inconsistency. For this veteran squad, getting off on the right foot isn’t just about wins—it’s about setting a tone that carries through the grind.
Imagining Jimmy Butler in Golden State
The conversation took an intriguing turn as the hosts speculated on a hypothetical addition of Jimmy Butler to the Warriors. One host argued that Butler’s veteran leadership and competitive edge could be a game-changer, acting as a steadying force in close contests. His presence might elevate the team’s intensity and provide that extra boost in high-stakes moments.
Potential Drawbacks of the Butler Scenario
However, not everyone was sold. The other host raised concerns about Butler’s inconsistent regular-season performance, pointing out that he’s not the ironman type who plays every game and his scoring can be unpredictable. While his playoff prowess is undeniable, fitting him into the Warriors’ system could pose risks, especially with their current mix of stars.
Trade Buzz Around Jonathan Kuminga
Turning to real trade talk, the hosts unpacked the rumors swirling around young forward Jonathan Kuminga. They mentioned a potential deal for Milwaukee’s Bobby Portis that fell through, along with reports that Kuminga is seeking a contract on par with players like Cade Cunningham and Scottie Barnes. This has left the front office in a tricky spot, with owner Joe Lacob publicly expressing a desire to…
Trade Buzz Around Jonathan Kuminga
Turning to real trade talk, the hosts unpacked the rumors swirling around young forward Jonathan Kuminga. They mentioned a potential deal for Milwaukee’s Bobby Portis that fell through, along with reports that Kuminga is seeking a contract on par with players like Cade Cunningham and Scottie Barnes. This has left the front office in a tricky spot, with owner Joe Lacob publicly expressing a desire to keep Kuminga while also balancing the team’s long-term financial flexibility.
The dilemma centers on whether the Warriors should invest heavily in Kuminga as a future cornerstone or leverage his rising value in a trade for more immediate help. Given the team’s aging core and championship aspirations, the decision could shape the Warriors’ trajectory for years to come.