Dub Hub: Steve Kerr regrets ‘terrible decision’ to bench Moses Moody vs. Kings

Rounding up all Warriors and NBA related news for Thursday, November 30th.

Warriors News:

Steve Kerr: “I didn’t have my best game as a coach“

The Warriors As We Know Them Look Cooked. What’s Next? | The Ringer

It’s been widely reported that Curry wants to finish his career with Thompson and Green. After all, these are the stars he’s won with his entire career. But in the back of his mind he has to wonder whether it’s still possible to win another championship with them as his team’s second-best and third-best players. Same goes for his coach, who will also be up for a new contract next summer. If things don’t improve, the Warriors may need to consider who is sitting on the end of the bench, as well.

Loyalty to the core that brought them success is commendable, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of the team’s future. The Spurs’ model of sustained success was built not only on continuity with a core of stars, but also on evolution and adaptation of their system, something the Warriors need to embrace. In the NFL, the New England Patriots’ approach of constantly reinventing the roster around a central star like Tom Brady could be an even better blueprint for the Warriors.

Top NBA trade candidates for the 2023-24 season | Hoops Hype

Golden State has been pleased with Paul’s production and fit with the team and is open to keeping him beyond this season for the right price, league sources told HoopsHype. Kuminga and Moody have also been consistent role players and won’t hit restricted free agency until 2025, which is noteworthy for a Warriors team with steep luxury tax payments ahead.

For example, is a trade candidate such as Pascal Siakam, who is represented by agent Todd Ramasar along with Warriors center Kevon Looney, someone who could move the needle towards championship contention? Is it worth increasing the luxury tax bill going forward? These are the types of questions the Warriors will debate leading up to February’s trade deadline.

Kerr ‘disappointed’ in Draymond’s actions in Warriors-Kings | NBC Sports Bay Area

“[It’s] disappointing because Draymond, he drives a lot of our results,” Kerr said Wednesday on 95.7 The Game’s ”Willard and Dibs.” ”I’ve told people over the years that we don’t have a single championship without Draymond and I fully believe that. Our teams have been so skilled, but Draymond is a guy who gives us a defensive force, the emotion, the edge. There’s just a different mentality with our team with Draymond and he takes us over the top. So he’s a very powerful figure and he knows that and he and I have talked about that.

“But he has to harness that power. I was disappointed last night that he got that tech, reaction to the foul afterward because the momentum really swung in Sacramento’s favor after that. So he’s got to be better and he knows that.”

Steve Kerr uses story from his Bulls playing days to explain why he sticks with his veteran players

NBA News:

Police investigating allegations against Thunder’s Josh Giddey | ESPN

“The Newport Beach Police Department is aware of information being circulated online involving an alleged relationship between professional basketball player Josh Giddey and a female minor,” the statement read, in part. “The Newport Beach Police Department is actively seeking additional information related to these allegations and pursuing all leads and evidence to obtain the facts of the case.

“The Newport Beach Police Department aims to ensure a fair and thorough investigative process while maintaining the privacy and dignity of everyone involved. At this time, NBPD Detectives are still conducting an active investigation.”

Kia Rookie Ladder: Chet Holmgren maintains his grip on No. 1 spot | NBA

1. Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder

Season stats: 17.9 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 2.2 bpg

Last Ladder: 1

Draft pick: No. 2 (2022)

Holmgren had a strong week, averaging 22.3 points, 9.0 rebounds and 3.3 assists, though his shooting (46.2/36.4/73.3) was a little off his previous 50/40/90 pace. His plus/minus gap over Wembanyama sits at 216 (Holmgren +91, Wemby -125). And he got a new frontcourt mate for some notable minutes, with coach Mark Daigneault experimenting with fellow big Jaylin Williams alongside Holmgren.

Magics’ Jalen Suggs and Cole Anthony replicate the iconic LeBron James and Dwyane Wade alley-oop

In case you missed it at Golden State of Mind:

Early returns on the Warriors offseason

Not extending Steve Kerr

The Warriors fanbase continues to amuse me with their insistence that Kerr is a bad coach who should be fired. I don’t think that Kerr entering the final year of his contract without an extension signals that the team is even remotely reconsidering his future. It could be that Kerr is, though that seems unlikely too, given that he committed to coaching the Olympics next year. The most likely story is that the team was focused on Klay, and no one on either side is concerned about handling Kerr’s contract when the time comes. This is kind of a non-story in my eyes.

Verdict: Ehh

Gary Payton II has a torn right calf

It’s awful news for Payton, who was looking healthy and like his old self after a 2022-23 season that was defined by injuries (and injury mismanagement by the Portland Trail Blazers). And it’s a brutal blow for the Dubs, as Payton had established himself as one of their best players on both sides of the ball, operating as a defensive menace, an excellent rebounder, and an exceptional cutter.

We’ll have to wait for an update from the Warriors to know what Payton’s timeline is, as the severity of the tear is not known. It’s safe to say that he’ll be out for a few weeks, if not months.

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