As the 2025-2026 NBA season approaches, the Golden State Warriors find themselves at an intriguing crossroads, with a roster that blends established stars and promising young talent, giving them a potent mix of experience and potential. ESPN’s projections for the team’s roster have sparked discussions about what the Warriors’ lineup might look like, especially as the franchise aims to remain competitive in the league while continuing its championship pedigree. The Warriors’ success has been built around their iconic “Splash Brothers,” Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, whose shooting prowess and leadership have defined the franchise for over a decade. However, as the team enters the 2025-2026 season, the key question is how the franchise will evolve with age starting to catch up to some of its core pieces, while integrating younger players who might be critical to their future success.
One of the most notable aspects of this possible roster is that the Warriors will still rely heavily on the contributions of Stephen Curry. The two-time MVP continues to be one of the most dynamic players in the league, and his ability to change the game with his deep shooting range and playmaking is unparalleled. Even as he approaches his mid-30s, Curry remains in peak condition, and the Warriors will look to him to lead the team on both ends of the court. His scoring ability has always been central to Golden State’s success, but as the years progress, his role could evolve. Curry could become more of a floor general and facilitator as opposed to a heavy scorer, especially as other players on the roster develop and become more involved in the offense. The Warriors’ offense is largely built around his gravity—the way opposing defenses must stretch to cover his shooting range, opening up lanes for teammates to operate.
Klay Thompson, Curry’s backcourt partner, is also in the latter stages of his career but remains a key piece for the Warriors. After recovering from two devastating injuries—an Achilles rupture and an ACL tear—Thompson has been somewhat inconsistent in recent seasons but still offers elite shooting ability and exceptional defense. His defensive contributions are often overlooked, but as one of the best two-way players of his era, Thompson’s ability to guard multiple positions and lock down opponents in crucial moments is a valuable asset. The Warriors are likely to continue managing his workload to preserve his legs, but Thompson’s role will still be critical in the 2025-2026 season. His shooting touch, though not at the peak of his pre-injury days, is still among the best in the league, and the Warriors will continue to rely on his ability to stretch the floor and provide spacing for Curry and other teammates.
However, with the veteran core of Curry and Thompson, the Warriors also have to ensure they maintain long-term sustainability. This is where the younger players on the roster come into play. One of the most exciting names for the Warriors moving forward is Moses Moody, a young wing player who has shown flashes of his potential. After a couple of seasons of development and learning from the veterans, Moody is expected to take on a bigger role in the rotation. The Warriors need him to become a consistent contributor on both ends of the floor. His defense and ability to knock down the three-pointer will be crucial as the team looks for complementary pieces who can provide spacing and perimeter shooting alongside the aging stars. Moody’s development could be a defining factor for the Warriors’ future, as they hope he can step into a more prominent role in the coming years.
Jonathan Kuminga is another young player whose potential is tantalizing. The forward, who is still developing his game, possesses a unique combination of size, athleticism, and defensive potential. Kuminga’s biggest challenge has been refining his offensive game, especially in terms of his decision-making and shot selection. However, his raw talent is undeniable. The Warriors will likely continue to be patient with Kuminga, providing him with opportunities to grow while also asking him to contribute on defense and in transition. Kuminga’s athleticism makes him a dangerous player in transition, and if he can further develop his offensive skills, he could be a major asset for Golden State in the 2025-2026 season and beyond.
Then there’s the looming question of Draymond Green. Green’s impact on the Warriors cannot be overstated, as he has been the defensive backbone of their dynasty, anchoring the defense, facilitating the offense, and serving as an emotional leader for the team. However, as Green enters his mid-30s, his role may shift. He has shown some signs of slowing down in recent seasons, particularly on the offensive end, where his scoring has become less of a threat. Despite this, Green’s basketball IQ and leadership remain invaluable to the team. His ability to guard multiple positions, direct traffic on the floor, and be a vocal leader will continue to be essential. Green may see his minutes reduced in favor of younger players like Kuminga or even Kevon Looney, but his experience in big moments is something the Warriors cannot afford to lose. The team will likely manage his minutes carefully, especially during the regular season, to ensure that he remains fresh for the playoffs.
Speaking of Kevon Looney, he is another crucial part of the Warriors’ potential 2025-2026 roster. Looney has quietly become one of the most reliable and underappreciated centers in the NBA, especially in the postseason. His rebounding ability, shot-blocking, and high basketball IQ make him a perfect fit for Golden State’s system. Looney’s role will be to provide stability in the paint, defend the rim, and serve as a solid screen setter for Curry and Thompson. While he’s not a player who will dominate offensively, his impact on the glass and his defensive presence make him invaluable to the Warriors’ success. The addition of Looney, alongside Green and the young wings, gives Golden State a well-rounded team capable of both defending and spacing the floor.
The Warriors have also made some strategic moves in free agency and the draft to bolster their depth. The team’s front office has been adept at identifying players who can step in and make an immediate impact. One name that stands out is the addition of veteran forward Tobias Harris, who has been brought in to provide scoring and veteran leadership. Harris, while not the star he once was, still has the ability to contribute offensively, particularly as a mid-range shooter and in spot-up situations. His size and experience will be important for the Warriors as they look to match up with other contending teams, especially in a forward-heavy league.
Another name to watch is rookie guard Jalen Hood-Schifino, who could play a role in the Warriors’ backcourt. While it remains to be seen how much immediate impact he will have, the team’s coaching staff is known for developing young talent, and Hood-Schifino has shown promise as a secondary ball handler and defender. If he can develop his shooting and decision-making, he could be an intriguing player for the Warriors to work into the rotation as they continue to manage Curry and Thompson’s minutes throughout the season.
In terms of the coaching staff, Steve Kerr will remain at the helm, and his experience and leadership will continue to be a stabilizing force for the team. Kerr has been the architect of Golden State’s system, which is predicated on ball movement, spacing, and shooting. His ability to adapt to different lineups and create a system that maximizes the strengths of his players will be critical as the Warriors look to remain contenders in the highly competitive Western Conference.
Looking ahead to the 2025-2026 season, the Warriors will continue to be a championship contender, but their ability to balance the aging of their stars with the development of younger players will determine how successful they can be. If Curry, Thompson, and Green can remain healthy and productive, and if the younger players like Moody, Kuminga, and Looney continue to improve, the Warriors will have the necessary mix of experience and youth to compete at the highest level. Ultimately, Golden State’s ability to evolve while staying true to the principles that have made them so successful in the past will be crucial in determining their success in the years to come.
