Warriors’ Starting Five Shuffle: Who’s Kicking Off Next Season?

Alright, let’s be real. After a season that felt more like a rollercoaster stuck in a perpetual loop of ‘almost there’ and ‘oh no, not again,’ the Golden State Warriors are heading into an offseason brimming with more questions than answers. The biggest one echoing around the Bay Area is simple: What will the starting five look like when the ball goes up next season?

The Undisputed Anchor: Steph Curry

Let’s get the obvious out of the way. Stephen Curry is, and will remain, the undisputed maestro of this team. No matter who else is on the court, Steph is the sun around which the Warriors’ universe revolves. His shooting, gravity, and leadership are non-negotiable. He’ll be there, splashing threes and probably making us all gasp at least once a game. The real intrigue begins around him.

The Veteran Core: Klay & Draymond’s Futures

This is where things get fascinating, and a little nerve-wracking. Klay Thompson is set to be an unrestricted free agent, and Draymond Green holds a player option. While it’s hard to imagine a Warriors team without them, the business side of basketball is brutal.

* **Klay Thompson:** After a challenging, inconsistent season, Klay’s future is the biggest question mark. If he returns, will he still be a starter? The heart says yes, but the analytical mind might whisper ‘bench impact’. For this exercise, let’s optimistically assume he’s back and in the starting conversation, at least to begin the season.
* **Draymond Green:** Draymond’s defensive genius and playmaking remain vital. If he picks up his player option (which is highly probable), he’s almost certainly starting. His connection with Steph is foundational; the team functions differently with him on the floor.

Filling Out the Puzzle: The Other Three Spots

Assuming Steph, and likely Draymond, are locked in, we’re left with three spots that could go in a multitude of directions. This is where the youth movement, potential trades, and strategic decisions truly come into play.

The Wing & Guard Mix: Youth vs. Experience

This is perhaps the most competitive area. Andrew Wiggins had a rollercoaster season. Can he rebound? Will he be traded? His contract is substantial, making him a complex piece.

* **Jonathan Kuminga:** Kuminga truly broke out last season, showing incredible athleticism and improved scoring. He’s made a very strong case for a starting spot. His explosiveness is something the Warriors desperately need.
* **Brandin Podziemski:** Podziemski was a revelation, playing with intelligence, toughness, and an uncanny knack for rebounding. His passing and feel for the game are mature beyond his years, making him a strong candidate to slide into a guard spot next to Steph.
* **Moses Moody:** While not getting consistent minutes, Moody always produces when given the opportunity. He’s a solid 3-and-D option who could push for minutes, especially if a veteran departs.

The Big Man Conundrum: TJD’s Ascendance?

The center position has been a revolving door. Kevon Looney, once the iron man, saw his minutes decline. Trayce Jackson-Davis, however, showed real promise as a rim protector and lob threat in his rookie year.

* **Trayce Jackson-Davis:** TJD’s impressive debut makes him a prime candidate for the starting center spot. His athleticism and defensive impact were undeniable, bringing a vertical threat the Warriors often lack. Looney could transition to a valuable bench role.

Strategic Considerations & Wildcards

So, what does this all mean for opening night? If Klay returns and starts, a likely lineup could be Steph, Klay, Kuminga, Draymond, and TJD. This offers a good balance of shooting, athleticism, and defense.

However, if the Warriors prioritize youth, defense, and playmaking, we might see Steph, Podziemski, Kuminga, Draymond, and TJD. This would be a more energetic, modern lineup. The front office could also make a big splash via trade or free agency for a proven two-way wing or a dominant big, which would obviously shake things up entirely. General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. has his work cut out for him balancing championship aspirations with nurturing young talent.

What’s Your Take?

Ultimately, projecting the Warriors’ starting five is less about definitive answers and more about educated guesses. Will they lean into the youth movement, try to squeeze another run out of the veteran core, or somewhere in between? One thing’s for sure: the excitement (and anxiety) for next season is already building. What’s your ideal starting five, Dub Nation?