Warriors, ahead of camp, believe they're an improved team

SAN FRANCISCO -- As the Golden State Warriors get ready to head to Hawaii for their training camp, there is a shared belief among the team regarding their upcoming journey: they are an improved squad compared to the previous season. "We are very optimistic about the team, as we have made significant enhancements," stated Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy during a press conference on Thursday. "Fundamentally, we possess a strong team, yet we are likely one of the most impatient franchises at this moment, considering our timeline and circumstances."

The timeline is distinctly focused on Stephen Curry, who has recently signed a two-year contract extension worth $62.2 million, ensuring his presence with the Warriors until the conclusion of the 2026-27 season.

Dunleavy expresses confidence in maximizing the potential of the remaining years. "There exists a delicate balance between impatience and a lack of discipline," he remarked. "I am optimistic about the discipline we maintained this summer, the roster we have assembled, and the internal development we anticipate." Coach Steve Kerr believes he has 12 to 13 players capable of contributing to the rotation, a challenge he has previously encountered. In the last two years, this situation has resulted in more confusion and inconsistency rather than effective depth. However, Kerr asserts that this year is distinct due to the new players acquired and, more significantly, the internal progress he expects to witness. "I am anticipating a significant year from [Andrew Wiggins]," Kerr stated. Wiggins was sidelined for two months during the 2022-23 season and took an additional week off last season to care for his father, who passed away in July. Prior to these events, Wiggins played a vital role in the Warriors' championship victory in 2022.

Kerr remarked on the impressive physical condition of the player, stating, "He appears to be in excellent shape. In our conversation, he conveyed a strong sense of motivation and tranquility. It seems he recognizes that the past few years have presented numerous challenges, and I believe he is ready to return to his previous form." Kerr identified Wiggins as a potential candidate to help compensate for the scoring void left by Klay Thompson's exit, while also emphasizing the importance of maintaining the defensive performance he exhibited two seasons ago. One of Kerr's primary objectives for the team is to enhance their defensive capabilities, particularly in transition situations. "Our transition defense significantly declined last year. A major focus during training camp will be to address this issue," Kerr stated. "I believe we have improved our roster this year, which should enable us to become a more effective defensive unit, provided we can avoid injuries and similar setbacks. Historically, we have ranked among the top 10 defenses, and my goal is to return to that level of excellence, ensuring we can rely on our ability to secure stops, regardless of our ranking."

Transition offense will remain a key area of emphasis. Given the significant changes in the roster since the last championship victory, Kerr indicated that he intends to maintain a focus on a fast-paced style of play characterized by extensive ball movement. However, he acknowledged that the new personnel will necessitate adjustments to his system to optimize player performance. "This presents an opportunity to potentially alter our approach," Kerr remarked. He further elaborated, "I believe I can improve by streamlining some of our plays, ensuring that the players have a clear understanding of their roles without being overwhelmed by too many options. The challenge lies in striking a balance that preserves our core identity while simplifying our strategies for greater clarity."

Following a season in which they secured 46 victories yet failed to qualify for the playoffs, Kerr and Dunleavy are not setting a specific win target to signify a successful season. They are also not prepared to establish a definitive range for the team's potential performance. However, they are unequivocally aware of the necessity to act with urgency in order to optimize Curry's contributions. "The goal is always to enhance and strengthen the team," he stated. "We possess a number of talented basketball players, and in addition, we have the majority of our assets," he continued. "We have avenues for improvement. We will be proactive. Does this guarantee that we will take action? No. Last year, we were highly proactive around the trade deadline but achieved limited results. It requires a partner to make a deal... Nevertheless, the commitment and urgency will consistently be present."