Should the Golden State Warriors Make a Trade?
As the trade winds begin to blow just around the time the Golden State Warriors are struggling, the biggest question is should they make a move? If you ask Warriors coach Steve Kerr, his answer is an emphatic “No” despite their worrisome 10-12 record following a 6-2 start. Kerr has unwavering faith in his veterans despite their inconsistencies this season save for Stephen Curry, who is playing at an MVP level. “We’re good enough to win a championship,” Kerr told reporters after a recent game. “This team. I believe that. But if we are just going to turn it over and throw the ball to the other team and foul over and over, then we’re going to lose.”
The Struggle on the Court
The Warriors have blown away big leads in routine fashion this season, most notably squandering a 14-point lead and a 3-point cushion in the final eight seconds of a recent game. The culprit is their execution and poor decision-making which is unbecoming of a team that dominated the last eight seasons with four championships. Last season, they led the league in turnovers. On Friday against the Thunder, they committed a season-high 28 turnovers, their most under Kerr. But the most frustrating part is that 19 of those turnovers came from their starting unit composed of their dynasty core. Is Father Time finally catching up on them?
The Road Ahead
The next two months will be a crucial stretch for Kerr and the Warriors as 15 of their next 29 games before the February 9 trade deadline are against playoff contenders. Maintaining leads against younger and more athletic teams has been a struggle, and the Warriors will need to address their issues to have a chance at a playoff run.
Gary Payton II Making Progress
Injured defensive specialist Gary Payton II is making real progress in his recovery from a serious calf injury. San Francisco Chronicle’s Ron Kroichick posted the video of Payton II intensely working on a stationary bike, indicating an imminent return to the court. Payton II has been out since their November 28 loss to the Sacramento Kings in a game they squandered a 24-point lead. The Warriors are 2-2 since the guard tore his right calf.
Written by Alder Almo who is a basketball journalist covering the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Golden State Warriors for Heavy.
