A week of training camp has come to a close for the Golden State Warriors. Now they will participate in their first preseason game Monday against the Portland Trail Blazers. So far, some issues got resolved, and some questions still need answers and clarity. For the most part, it's been a great camp to this point.
Here are four takeaways from the first week of Warriors training camp.
4. Andrew Wiggins is now vaccinated
Steve Kerr said Andrew Wiggins got vaccinated, and he will play in tomorrow's preseason game.#DubNation
— Mark Haynes (@markhaynesnba) October 3, 2021
Since day one, the main question asked for anybody of importance had something to do with Andrew Wiggins and his vaccine stance and status. Last season when teams started to go out and get vaccinated together, Wiggins told the media he didn't see himself getting the vaccine unless he was forced to do it. Fast-forward to now, that's pretty much what transpired.
The City of San Francisco made it a requirement to be fully vaccinated to enter the Chase Center and other indoor event spaces. It would impact Wiggins and the Warriors starting October 13th. If he didn't get vaccinated, he would only be allowed to play away games. The announcement Steve Kerr made on Sunday of his starting small forward's recent vaccination status was the best news the team received all week. But it was the only good news they received.
3. Only one minor setback
The biggest problem for the Warriors the past two seasons has been with injuries. This past week there were no new significant hardships to the team. There was only one announcement made about Gary Payton II's hernia issue. This misfortune will not allow him to play in Monday's game against the Blazers. His absence will surely make things more challenging to make the official 15 man roster. However, Payton II did play well in Summer League, which might help influence his fate on the final roster.
Meanwhile, Klay Thompson and James Wiseman are right on schedule. They are rehabbing with the team in camp every day. Thompson's presence was felt instantly on the court and off.
You have to love Klay Thompson. 😆#DubNation pic.twitter.com/tEM5gXNtO3
— Mark Haynes (@markhaynesnba) October 2, 2021
Thompson has been doing everything the rest of the team has besides scrimmage and live contact. The players and coaches are all excited to see Thompson make his way back. The thought of his return has Stephen Curry daydreaming about that night.
Wiseman is looking good and spending a lot of time with the new assistant coach Dejan Milojevic. His expertise is coaching big men, and he was hired specifically for Wiseman. If this relationship works out, we might see a major leap in the production of Wiseman. That would be huge for the Warriors and could have them thinking championship.
2. The battle for the 15th spot
The competition for the final roster spot has been intense, which is bad news for Payton II. Kerr has said nothing but good things about veteran guards Avery Bradley and Langston Galloway. Both appear to be comfortable and satisfied with their efforts on the court. They are enjoying the situation and trying to take advantage of the opportunity.
It is unclear who is in the lead as Kerr keeps a decent poker face about the race. Everyone will play against the Blazers, so that will be the first public look at the two with the team. Then fans will be able to take to social media to try and influence who they want to see in a Warriors uniform. The team will choose the player they feel fits best, and the decision probably won't be made until the last moment.
1. Klay's replacement
The news of Thompson missing games during the beginning of the season is real. A replacement for him is necessary. Although Kerr hasn't announced who will fill that void, all signs are pointing to Jordan Poole. Kerr and Poole's teammates have raved about the third-year guard being the hardest worker on the team. Hard work will usually pay off in the NBA, and Poole knows it.
Steve Kerr on Jordan Poole: "He's our most consistent present worker here in the building."#DubNation
— Mark Haynes (@markhaynesnba) September 28, 2021
The guard from Michigan isn't focusing on the starting position. His focus is on winning and however he can most effectively contribute to the team. It's a big year for Poole, and after this season, he will be eligible for a contract extension. That's more motivation for Poole to have a great year. Having the opportunity to play as a starter alongside Curry could help him tremendously.
It was a great first week of basketball for the Warriors. They are checking all the boxes on things they need to accomplish and with good timing. Now the Bay Area gets to see their team in action for the first time since being eliminated in last season's play-in games. It's a tournament the Warriors do not plan on being in after the 2021-22 regular season as they have higher goals in place.
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