As the new season approaches, the Golden State Warriors are getting ready to head to Hawaii for their training camp. General Manager Mike Dunleavy expressed confidence in the current squad during a Thursday press conference, stating that the team has made tangible improvements over last year. He noted that while they possess a strong core, the franchise is feeling a high level of impatience to win, reflecting the pressure of their current timeline.
Dunleavy emphasized the importance of staying disciplined despite that urgency, noting that the summer's roster moves and internal development have set them up well. On the coaching side, Steve Kerr mentioned that he has a crowded rotation of 12 to 13 potential players. This is a recurring challenge for Kerr; in previous seasons, having too many options often resulted in a lack of cohesion rather than a strategic advantage. However, he feels the current group of new acquisitions makes this year a different story.
Beyond the new faces, Kerr is banking on growth from within, with high hopes for Andrew Wiggins' return to form. Wiggins' recent seasons were heavily impacted by personal tragedy and family obligations, including the passing of his father in July. Despite these hardships, Kerr reminded everyone that Wiggins was a cornerstone of the Warriors' 2022 championship run.
Kerr noted that Wiggins appears physically ready and mentally focused, sounding at peace and highly motivated. The coach believes that after a couple of very difficult years, Wiggins is now in the right headspace to reclaim the elite level of play he displayed a few seasons ago.
With Klay Thompson no longer on the team, Kerr looks to Wiggins to help fill the scoring gap. However, the emphasis isn't just on offense; Kerr is demanding that Wiggins return to the high-caliber defending he provided two years ago. More broadly, the coach is prioritizing a defensive overhaul for the entire team, especially when defending in transition.
Kerr admitted that the team's transition defense was a major weakness last year and plans to make it a primary focus during camp. He believes that, provided the team stays healthy, the current roster is better equipped to be a defensive powerhouse. His goal is to return the Warriors to their tradition of being a top-10 defensive unit, ensuring they can consistently stop their opponents regardless of where they rank.
This shift in focus might lead to a change in playstyle. Kerr mentioned that he wants to simplify the team's offensive sets, reducing the number of options to ensure players can execute their roles with precision. The objective is to find a balance where the team keeps its unique identity but operates with more clarity and efficiency.
Neither Kerr nor Dunleavy are using last year's 46 wins as a benchmark for success, as that record wasn't enough to make the playoffs. While they aren't yet ready to put a hard ceiling or floor on the team's potential, they are acutely aware that they need to move fast to maximize Stephen Curry's prime. Kerr concluded by stating that they will remain aggressive in seeking improvements, utilizing their remaining assets to make the team as competitive as possible.