January 19 marked a turning point for the Warriors when Jimmy Butler tore his ACL in his right knee. Prior to his injury, the team had managed to secure nine wins out of twelve games, gradually establishing a rhythm after a shaky season start. However, since Butler’s absence, their performance has declined, resulting in seven losses out of eleven games.
In an effort to boost their roster, the Warriors aimed to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo ahead of the February 5 trade deadline, but the Bucks opted to keep their star player. As a fallback, the Warriors brought in Kristaps Porzingis, though his debut with the team on Thursday appears uncertain.
Currently, the Warriors sit in 8th place in the Western Conference, with a record of 29 wins and 26 losses. Here are the three main storylines for them as the season progresses:
1. Will Kristaps Porzingis stay healthy?
The potential for the Warriors to remain competitive largely hinges on Porzingis’ health. The 7-foot-2 center, who played a key role in the Celtics’ championship win in 2024, is known for his scoring capabilities and three-point shooting, which could effectively complement Stephen Curry. Unfortunately, he’s only participated in 17 games this season, primarily due to issues related to his left Achilles and other health concerns.
General manager Mike Dunleavy has expressed optimism about Porzingis’ condition. “We’ve looked into this thoroughly,” Dunleavy said, acknowledging that while there are no guarantees, they feel positive about his current state.
Dunleavy also mentioned that choosing Porzingis over potential deals involving Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield was a calculated decision. There have been some issues with Kuminga, who has played only three games since early December. “We know the medical risks with Porzingis,” he added, “but it’s a risk we’re willing to take.”
Porzingis himself views joining the Warriors as a great opportunity and is confident about his health going forward. “I intend to do everything right and I believe I will,” he affirmed.
2. How long does Stephen Curry have a championship window?
After Butler’s injury, hopes for Curry to secure a fifth championship took a significant hit. The 37-year-old star is averaging 27.2 points per game this season, still showcasing his elite skills as evidenced by his selection as a starter for the latest NBA All-Star Game. Yet, the looming question is—how much longer can he maintain this level of play?
A healthy lineup featuring Curry, Butler, Porzingis, and Draymond Green could make a formidable playoff team, but with Butler’s absence and Porzingis’ health in question, it raises concerns about this season being a missed opportunity for Curry, arguably the best shooter in history. Curry, who is sidelined due to a knee issue, is not expected to play in the upcoming game against the Celtics, but he remains hopeful that if the Warriors qualify for the playoffs, they can still make an impact.
“I still feel like we’re a dangerous team,” he noted. “All we want is a chance in a seven-game series.”
3. Can the Warriors make significant moves this offseason?
This season, the Warriors aren’t operating under high expectations but have a significant number of first-round picks to work with. Their pursuit of Antetokounmpo earlier in the month indicates a commitment to forming a championship-caliber team around Curry.
Dunleavy emphasized that every asset the Warriors possess contributes to their goal of winning. This season serves essentially as a testing ground for Porzingis, who is under a $30.7 million contract that expires soon. Strong performances could lead to a long-term fit, but even if not, the team possesses sufficient cap space and draft assets to rebuild effectively.
While a big trade this month didn’t materialize, the Warriors are strategically positioned to provide Curry with a renewed shot at a championship next season. They managed to improve their roster without compromising their long-term plans significantly.
“We have what we need to make a deal,” Dunleavy stated. “We didn’t give up too much, so we’re still well-equipped to make impactful moves moving forward.”
