Testing rough waters of late, the Warriors continue to grapple with mounting troubles, including potential injury scares. As we approach the business side of the season, player health issues involving Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Gary Payton II present a serious challenge.
Currently, 3-11 in their last 14 matchups, head coach Steve Kerr and crew are tied for the ninth-best record in the West. Their recent Christmas Day loss against the Lakers served as a major wake-up call. Adding to the misery of Dub Nation are the injury concerns surrounding Steph, Draymond, and Payton II.
According to reports, Curry has been listed as out against the Clippers due to bilateral knee injury management. Draymond remains questionable with a lower back contusion. Payton II is sidelined for at least a week due to a mild left calf strain.
Major Injury Concerns Loom Over the Golden State Warriors
Golden State’s Championship Core is Not at 100%
Despite an impressive start to their 2024-25 campaign, the Dubs have been rather inconsistent throughout December. Now, as per coach Kerr’s recent comments, Curry could sit out for a couple of games going forward, as he enters the injury management list.
“Steph’s had the knee issue. A couple weeks ago when the knee issue started, we really wanted to make sure we’re staying in front of it. Part of staying in front of it is not playing in both ends of back-to-backs for now.”
Steve Kerr | @WillardAndDibs
https://t.co/lSqEzgg2g3 pic.twitter.com/csf01xYgg8
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) December 27, 2024
The two-time MVP’s longtime teammate, Draymond Green, has been dealing with a lower back contusion. Listed as questionable against the Clippers, the 2016-17 Defensive Player of the Year could miss a few games as well. Joining this championship core of the Warriors is Payton II, who is set to miss a week with a calf strain.
This is not a good sign for the Dubs, who already find themselves in a challenging spot. Another commonality among the above names is championship experience. At the same time, the medical staff on the Warriors need not rush with the recovery process. This could also be the perfect chance for players like Jonathan Kuminga to take the reins. Recently voicing his displeasure towards trade rumors, the 22-year-old could capitalize on this window.
The Warriors Need to Make a Trade Soon
No doubt, the latest acquisition of Dennis Schroder has been a plus. But isn’t enough to ensure Golden State a playoff ticket. Going by the rumors, a Jimmy Butler trade can serve as a game-changer for Curry and Co., considering the six-time All-Star’s skill set and resume.
With most of the teams having a superstar duo, the Warriors only have a 36-year-old Curry. Therefore, it is time, that owner Joe Lacob and the management provide the four-time champion with the necessary aid. Some of the names on the trade market that could be pursued are Cam Johnson, Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic, and Brandon Ingram.
This marks the perfect time for the Warriors to resolve their age-old issue of not having enough size. Making a run for a center or power forwards such as Vucevic or Johnson would serve as a breakthrough, given Golden State’s small ball system isn’t yielding them the desired results for a while now. Lacob and the front office cannot afford to waste Curry’s closing window for a fifth title.
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