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As the Golden State Warriors approach this upcoming 2021-22 NBA season, there are still a few burning issues that need answers. With a host of new players and a few coaching changes, things will be different. How they handle these things will play a significant role in how successful this year could be. Reuniting Klay Thompson with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green is going to help tremendously. Still, it's three questions that need answers quickly for the success of the team.
Big Warriors questions:
When will Klay Thompson return?
The target date for Thompson's return is Christmas day. It's not necessarily him returning as the issue but who plays in his spot. You have players like Jordan Poole, Mychal Mulder, and rookie Moses Moody. The Warriors will have to decide who gets the big minutes while Thompson is out. Trying multiple lineups for too long can tarnish relationships and ultimately hurt the team.
Moody and Poole are both first-round draft selections, which may give them the first shot at the opening spot, but Mulder being a knockdown shooter could give the team a better look at how things will go when Thompson returns. An interesting situation but with the depth of the group, it could be an easy fix. That is until Thompson returns, then rotations will have to be adjusted again.
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Are the Warriors developing youngsters or trying to win now?
It was a question Steve Kerr was repeatedly asked during last season. The Warriors have four players 22 years old or younger. It's not that it's so many young players but young players who need to be playing. Jordan Poole, James Wiseman, Moses Moody, and Jonathan Kuminga are all first-round draft picks. You typically play your first-round guys, but Andre Iguodala, Kevon Looney, and Juan Toscano-Anderson could be more helpful in making a run in the playoffs.
Having a plan and finding balance is necessary for the Warriors to have a successful season. Their future is also vital, so figuring out the issue with the everyday lineup needs to be a top priority. The third question needs to be answered.
Will the Warriors entertain trades?
After impressive performances by this year's draftees, Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody, during the NBA Summer League, teams would love to get their hands on them. Multiple trade rumors have surfaced since then. Same with second-year player 20-year-old center James Wiseman. Having your name be involved in trade rumors could affect a young prospect's self-esteem, which could stunt a player's development.
The Warriors are in motion to make great things happen, and answering these questions as soon as possible could be critical for the present and the future. It's not the first time the Warriors have been in this situation. Warriors' current stars Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green came in under veteran leadership. The front office made tough decisions then, and look how it turned out. Warriors fans can expect the same this time around.
