Stephen Curry's Warriors Aim to Reclaim Glory in Loaded Western Conference

After a disappointing 37-45 campaign that ended with a play-in tournament loss to Phoenix, the Golden State Warriors are determined to bounce back in the rugged Western Conference. Head coach Steve Kerr, entering his 13th season with a 604-353 record, will once again rely on superstar Stephen Curry to lead the charge. The Warriors open their season on October 21 at the Lakers.

Curry, who turns 38 this season, is embarking on his 18th NBA campaign after signing a two-year, $116 million extension that keeps him under contract through 2028-29. Alongside longtime running mate Draymond Green and Coach Kerr, Curry is chasing a fifth championship ring, with the franchise's last title coming in 2022.

However, the Warriors won't be at full strength early on. Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody, two key backcourt contributors, are recovering from knee surgeries that sidelined them late last season. Their absences contributed to the team's underwhelming finish, and both are expected to return around the new year.

Key Analysis

Golden State's success hinges on Curry's brilliance and the supporting cast's ability to step up. Veteran big man Al Horford and forward Georges Niang provide experience and spacing, while De'Anthony Melton offers playmaking after a solid 2024-25 season in which he averaged 12.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 49 games (24 starts) following left knee surgery in December 2024.

On the flip side, general manager Mike Dunleavy faced criticism for a quiet offseason, notably missing out on LeBron James. Depth is a concern with Butler and Moody out, and center Kristaps Porzingis—who signed a two-year, $40 million extension—is sidelined indefinitely with an undisclosed preseason issue.

Rookie forward Yaxel Lendeborg, the 11th overall pick out of Michigan, is expected to contribute immediately, while guard Brandin Podziemski, fresh off a five-year, $110 million extension, is eager to prove he belongs in the starting lineup. Niang, signed to a one-year, $3.9 million minimum deal, sat out last season recovering from a left foot injury but averaged 9.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 79 games (three starts) for Atlanta and Cleveland in 2024-25.

Departures include center Quinten Post and guard Pat Spencer. Additions feature Lendeborg, Niang, and guard Brandon Williams. With Curry leading the way, the Warriors believe anything is possible—but they'll need to navigate early-season adversity to contend in the talented West.

Originally reported by yourvalley_net.