For the past decade, the Golden State Warriors have maintained a streak of consistent victories, with four league championships under their belt. Their most recent championship victory was just two seasons ago, and their dynasty remains effective. But with many of its superstar players nearing retirement, the team must plan ahead.
In the 2023 draft, the Warriors selected shooting guard Brandin Podziemski, a sophomore from Santa Clara University. Podziemski’s college career, though short, helped establish himself as a great talent, averaging 20 points per game and winning the 2023 West Coast Conference Player of the Year. His ability to score and provide 3-point scoring lines up with the Warriors’ fast-paced, run-and-gun style of play.
The Warriors also drafted 6 foot 9 inch forward-center Trayce Jackson-Davis, who cemented himself as one of the best power forwards in the nation in college, becoming a consensus first-time All-American. Now, he brings size and strength to the Warriors’ small-ball play style.
By adding two college-dominating players to the team, the Warriors greatly improved on their mistakes from prior drafts. For example, the Warriors drafted center James Wiseman with the second pick in the 2020 draft. Wiseman showed promise in college, but with little experience playing against NBA-level talent, he was unable to live up to his full potential.
On the other hand, Podziemski and Jackson-Davis have refined their games throughout their collegiate careers and demonstrated their ability to play their roles successfully.
In addition to players drafted, the Warriors secured 12-time All-Star Chris Paul from the Washington Wizards. With a career average of 9.5 assists and 2.1 steals per game, Paul has proven himself as one of the NBA’s best passers and floor generals, a wonderful addition to the Warriors’ offense-fueled roster. The bold trade, which included future draft picks and multiple players — notably rising star Jordan Poole — sacrifices young talent in favor of experienced leadership.
The team also signed other veterans such as point guard Cory Joseph, a valuable role player with an ability to knock down the three, and center Dario Saric, who along with Jackson-Davis, brings added height and rim protection.
By adding veteran talent, the Warriors rid themselves of an issue their young team brings: a lack of maturity. Now with a veteran core, the team includes skilled players who know how to win.
With the beginning of the Warriors’ 2023-24 off-season, the team looks to impress fans once again, blending their old dynasty with a valuable selection of young talents.
