Is this the Warriors last shot at a title?

Summary

The Athletic NBA Daily — “Is this the Warriors’ Last Shot at a Title?”

Date: October 3, 2025
Hosts: Dave DuFour & Marcus Thompson
Main Theme:
A thorough, entertaining preview of the 2025-26 Golden State Warriors — their off-season moves, shifting dynamics, and whether this season represents the true “Last Dance” for a storied but aging core.

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Episode Overview

Marcus Thompson joins to break down a pivotal Warriors season, discussing whether it’s the team’s last realistic shot at a title. The conversation explores the state of the franchise, offseason roster changes (Al Horford arrival, Jonathan Kuminga extension), and who holds the key to swinging the Warriors’ fate amid an aging core. The hosts keep the tone lively by weaving in running analogies, media day highlights, and playful banter about the “uncle energy” on the roster.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Tonal Shift: An Uncharacteristically Quiet Offseason

• [01:20-03:42]
  • Marcus reflects on a surprisingly dull media day, with few headlines or controversies, contrary to the Warriors’ usual drama-filled reputation.

    “This was like the team that is most dramatic and most like soap opera-ish, deciding to say no headlines today. And it was kind of boring.” — Marcus Thompson [02:22]

  • The hosts agree this “calm” is likely strategic after several years of turmoil.
  • Steph Curry’s comments highlight the uniqueness of their situation as a winning team still holding elite talent together.

2. Offseason Moves & Roster Makeup

• [04:28-11:02]
  • Biggest Changes:
    • Jonathan Kuminga’s extension (two years, $48M, team option on Year 2)
    • Al Horford joins on a two-year deal, spurning retirement and Boston for a final run (“the only reason he wanted to leave Boston was for the Warriors” — Marcus Thompson [06:44])
    • Notable veteran presence: Seth Curry, D’Anthony Melton (recovering from ACL), Gary Payton II; younger contributors: Quentin Post and others.
  • Al Horford’s Impact:
    • Massive addition for floor-spacing, defense, and conserving Draymond Green’s energy.
    • “They need somebody to spare Draymond… Every minute they could get away with Draymond not playing center, not guarding centers, that’s so massive for them.” — Marcus Thompson [08:21]
    • Horford’s shooting and experience allow new lineup flexibility, letting the Warriors play “five out” with actual size for the first time in years.
  • The roster’s “uncle energy” is joked about (“lots of uncles, red cups, cognac” [06:15]), referencing the influx of veteran leadership on both the Warriors and Clippers.

3. Young Player Development & Role Shifts

• [11:02-19:23]
  • Who Takes a Step Forward?
    • Brandon Pajemski (“Pods”) is highlighted for a breakout year:

      “Pods had a rough start … came back and looks really good with Jimmy. They need another ball handler on the court… trusting his drives and finishing.” — Marcus Thompson [13:02]

    • Due to Melton’s injury, Pajemski will see an increased role early on.
      • Pods is in a contract year, adding extra motivation.
      • The hosts note his focused, no-nonsense media day demeanor:

        “His media day interview? One word answers … he is locked in.” — Host [15:09]

    • Moses Moody is also pegged for a leap, especially defensively (noted for picking “the pockets of Jalen Brunson, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander” [20:45]), with improved shooting a focus.
  • Who Takes a Step Back?
    • Buddy Hield, whose defensive limitations and inconsistent shooting may drop him down the pecking order with Horford and Melton healthy.
    • The pressure is on Hield to maintain his offensive output to stay on the floor:

      “I think Buddy might have to get comfortable with them not needing his shooting so much… Steve Kerr, when given the choice, is going to go defense.” — Marcus Thompson [18:50]

4. Leadership & Superstar Expectations

• [20:45-27:43]
  • Focus on the “big three” (Steph, Draymond, and new addition Jimmy Butler).
    • Media day anecdotes: players, especially younger ones, emphasize team-building trips (e.g., Jimmy hosting at his San Diego house).
    • Jimmy Butler’s Role:
      • Expected to be a true secondary superstar — can both relieve Curry and lead when needed.
      • Stepping up as a locker-room and on-court leader (“There is another superstar here. That, to me, was metaphoric for how this season is going to go.” — Marcus Thompson [25:42])
    • Steph & Jimmy’s Health Management:
      • They must be “elite, but also chill out” — balance top production with careful rest to avoid burnout.

        “You cannot be getting to March with your light on… you need to stop at the gas station.” — Marcus Thompson [23:15]

      • Emphasize team culture, conditioning, and leadership (“These are two of the best-conditioned players in the league.” – Host [23:11])

5. Biggest Swing Factor: Jonathan Kuminga

• [28:24-32:44]
  • Kuminga’s new contract signals long-term investment, but also the potential for a mid-season trade.
    • Will he finally embrace a featured role, especially when the “uncles” rest?

      “There needs to be stretches where (the vets) are out. There’s nobody more suited to say, all right, Dolphins running through you tonight, than Jonathan Kuminga.” — Marcus Thompson [29:31] “If he just gets 30 minutes, he’s gonna do the thing he does…he’s probably one of the best at drawing fouls outside of Jimmy Butler.” [30:04]

    • He is expected to “mind the grill” (lead the second unit) whenever given opportunity, preserving older stars.
    • The risk: if Kuminga can’t seize the moment, or is traded, the Warriors lack a dynamic bridge to the future.
  • Honorable Mention: Draymond Green
    • Can he stay aggressive offensively, or does passivity hurt spacing and rhythm?
    • “That Draymond who’s getting downhill, who’s attacking, it’s a game changer…If he’s passive…it just messes everything up.” — Marcus Thompson [34:04]

6. Realistic Season Outcomes

• [35:10-37:41]
  • Expectations are wide-ranging due to age and health volatility:
    • Best-case: “They could make the West finals. If they make a trade, maybe even further.” — Marcus Thompson [36:20]
    • Worst-case: “If age catches up…they end up a play-in team that flames out and loses to some young upstart.” [36:22]
  • The hosts agree the Warriors’ run hinges heavily on health and how well the new and old pieces fit together.
    • Referencing the All-Star Game and the Clippers: “The old heads, they know how to win.” — Host [36:45]
    • But the margin is razor-thin: “That’s always a massive ‘if’ when you start…We saw what happened one injury, Warriors were done.” — Marcus Thompson [36:54]

---

Notable Quotes

• “I like messy Warriors. I like stuff.” — Marcus Thompson [03:59]
• “Draymond Green is one of the greatest centers in Warriors history, and he’s not a center.” — Marcus Thompson [08:21]
• “Pods is in a contract year…he ain’t about playing no backseat.” — Marcus Thompson [14:28]
• “It’s like the Warriors and Clippers are trying to have an ‘unc off’ — lots of wisdom in the room for both these teams.” — Host [05:22]
• “If he can’t do that, that hurts…Who takes over the offense when those guys sit?” — Marcus Thompson, on Kuminga’s importance [31:49]

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Key Timestamps

• 01:20 — Warriors’ calm media day, origins of new team tone
• 06:30 — Al Horford’s signing, impact on frontcourt and Draymond’s role
• 11:02 — Young players who must now step up: Pajemski, Moody
• 16:50 — The case for Hield taking a step back; the value of defensive options
• 20:45 — Defensive leaps by Moody; the importance of versatile young contributors
• 23:06 — Managing expectations and minutes for Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler
• 28:24 — Kuminga as the season’s biggest swing factor
• 32:44 — Team option in Kuminga’s deal; could be on the trade block
• 34:15 — Draymond’s mindset, offense as a “game changer”
• 35:10 — Realistic season outcomes: finals run vs. play-in disaster

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Memorable Moments

• Media day “no headlines zone” — Marcus and the host joking about missing the “messy” Warriors era [03:59].
• “Uncle energy”: comparing the roster to a cookout, with the old heads running the grill, and the young guys hoping to take over [10:10, 31:59].
• Kuminga’s “audition season” for both more responsibility and possible trade showcases [30:00-32:44].
• “If Steph makes two threes, the energy is different… when Draymond’s on, it’s a different level unlocked.” — Host [34:15]

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Conclusion

This episode offers a comprehensive, witty, and insightful breakdown of the 2025-26 Warriors. The team is at a crossroads: reliable but aging superstars, young players ready (or needing) to step up, and a newly added future Hall of Famer looking to fill crucial gaps. The consensus: If the “uncle club” can stay healthy and the young core (especially Kuminga and Pajemski) capitalizes, another deep run is possible — but the line separating “title contender” from “first-round casualty” has never been thinner for Golden State.

Transcript

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[Host]

Good morning everyone, and welcome to the NBA Daily, presented by ebay. I got my guy, Marcus Thompson out here in the Bay and we got to talk about the Warriors. Of course, this team has always been embroiled in chaos and controversy, and of course, this offseason was nothing new. And Marcus, I think that the controversy has died down. I think it looks pretty normal now for the warriors, especially with the signing or resigning of Jonathan Kaminga back to the team. So let's, let's dive into this preview. How are you feeling right now about the Warriors?

[Marcus Thompson]

It was weird because you got like, dudes not showing up at media day, like, not available, the coaching, talking, GM ain't talking. And it was like wildly anticlimactic. You know, I'm used to trade demands immediately, you know what I'm saying? I, I cut my teeth on Monte Ellison. I can't win with Steph Curry and media day. You know what I'm saying?

[Host]

Right, right, right.

[Marcus Thompson]

So this was like the team that is like most dramatic and most like soap opera ish, literally deciding to say no headlines today. And it was, it was kind of boring.

[Host]

So it did feel like everybody was on their best behavior. And I feel like maybe that's the, that was the case because everyone knows that the warriors over the last few years have had headlines, have had drama. Because, because I love the way that Steph Curry kind of had this like, line in some of his responses of just how unique everything about the warriors is, the situation they find themselves in terms of being a super winning team and the caliber of talent they've been able to keep Together, especially in Steph and Draymond, the fact that people want to come play for them and be a part of what they've got going on. JK situation incredibly unique. We know that what they're doing and how they've operated for so long, especially at this stage in this iteration of the warriors, is different than any other team. And so I feel like they were like, you know what? There's already been a lot of talk about us. We're one of the teams that have the last hanging thread when it comes to our roster makeup or what it feels like. So let's just be cordial and calm, and we'll figure this out. That's what it felt like the resounding.

[Marcus Thompson]

Conversation points were, which is completely, like, inconsiderate of me and what I needed.

[Host]

Sure.

[Marcus Thompson]

You know what I'm saying? I'm just not gonna sit here and accept that. Like. Like, give me something. I mean, Draymond, to his credit, he tried. He put on some.

[Host]

Some sunglasses.

[Marcus Thompson]

It was. It was. It was a semi noble effort, but, you know, that Draymond, playing it safe. Nah, I need, you know, remember how people got there. I missed the old Kanye. I missed the old Warriors. I'm one of them. The bring back the mess. Or maybe this is like, hey, we know we're gonna be as a mess later. Let's just not start right now, right? Let's not start now. Let's. Let's be smooth with it. I like messy warriors, though. I like stuff.

[Host]

I think everyone does. There's. That's why there's always going to be a magnetic attraction to them as a team. There's always something that's going to go down. And even Steph said it in his, you know, media comments. They started 12 and 3 last year, and then things kind of went off the rails, you know, fell apart. So you. You could imagine something could happen with the Warriors. But let's talk about first what has happened, and we got to talk about this offseason. A lot has happened, of course, I believe, you know, going into the summer, we knew this Jonathan Kaminga thing was going to be kind of a cloud over the team. We knew that this was going to be a conversation point. And I don't even want to say a cloud over the team, because everyone has to get paid at some point in everyone's career.

[Marcus Thompson]

Dark cloud. Right?

[Host]

I don't want to call it a cloud. I don't want to call it a cloud. But it is something that everyone knew.

[Marcus Thompson]

Was going to be pressure. Let's go with that.

[Host]

I like that. I like that. Because you can still get rainbows and.

[Marcus Thompson]

Stuff out of there, too, but that's what I do. I just.

[Host]

Popping up. Okay, so the JK situation's happening. Jimmy Butler has done half a season, and he's getting ready. He's going to do a full training camp with the warriors, which is awesome. With JK finally being signed, we can see not only the terms being agreed to by Al Horford, but he officially signs with the team alongside Seth Curry, alongside d' Anthony Melton. Gary Payton, the second is back in the locker room, which is great. It looks like the warriors and the Clippers are trying to have an unk off. Like, you know, a lot of wisdom in the room for both these teams. But if you were to say, what was the most impactful change for the warriors this off season, out of all the things we just listed, what do you think is the biggest.

[Marcus Thompson]

I'm sorry, uncle had me.

[Host]

It's a thing. It's a thing. Lots of uncles in the. In the function.

[Marcus Thompson]

A lot of uncles, lots of red cups, cognac.

[Host]

So there you go.

[Marcus Thompson]

What was the question? I'm sorry.

[Host]

All of the changes I just listed, what's the most impactful to you?

[Marcus Thompson]

Al Horford. Al Horford joining the warriors, which is wild, because that dude is like. You know what I'm saying? Like, yeah, he's like. He approaches deal, by the way.

[Host]

Not just one, two years.

[Marcus Thompson]

Yeah, yeah. And he said he wouldn't have. He never. He wasn't considering retirement, really. And he would have. The only reason he wanted to leave Boston was for the. For the Warriors. So there's some conviction on both ends that he's 39, but he still can play. And this is. This is massive for the warriors because for multiple reasons. Number one, like, every body can use a stretch rocks. Like just period in modern basketball, you having that center who could step out. And Al Horford is. Has become a sniper, right? Like, if you're leaving them open, he's hitting it. And the warriors know this as well as anybody because they lost game one in the finals because Al Horford caught fire and then gave six and got a little dicey because Al Horford caught fire. So that. That's just massive, having that piece. And if you watch the warriors last year, you know, they were trying Quinton post, squint post, walked out of nowhere. Like, I literally was at training camp, walked by that dude, didn't know who he was, and then saw him at practice. It was like, oh, he is on the team. You know how you see tall people be like, he must play basketball. And I saw the word practice, I was like. I was right. The seven footer plays basketball. Right? Like, so next, you know. Yeah, right, exactly. Next thing you know, he's, like, starting. Right?

[Host]

Right, yeah.

[Marcus Thompson]

It's like a big part of the team because he could hit shots. And the rest, they could just, like, kind of muscle through a deal with, like, that's how badly they needed it. This is central. So number two, which is probably number one, is they need somebody to spare Draymond like that.

[Host]

And this shifts Draymond into the position.

[Marcus Thompson]

Yeah, Yep. Like, Draymond is like. I'm not saying this like, you know, to, like, hyper. It is hyperbole, but it's not that much. Draymond is one of the greatest sinners in warriors history, and he's not a sinner. Right. And this is a franchise with Nate Thurman and, you know. You know Wilt Chamberlain. Right. Like. Like Clifford Ray and Andrew Bogan.

[Host]

I was gonna say Andrew Bogut, too.

[Marcus Thompson]

Yeah. Draymond. I was trying to think of the ones who won championships. And actually, Nate Thurman did win a championship, but he's the hall of Famer. So Draymond has. They've won four championships because he has this ability to be transformed into a 6, 6 center. But at 35, they went on this massive run last year, got Jimmy with 23, seven down the stretch, had to win to play in. Had a seven game duel with Houston, and by the time they got to Minnesota, when Steph was out, they had no gas. And now they're. Now they're running it back for 82 games. They just absolutely have to figure out a way to preserve these guys. Draymond lives on energy and fire, so every minute, they could get away with Draymond not playing center, not guarding centers, that's so massive for them. On top of that, Al Horford can shoot, but he is a godsend to them because. Because even if Quentin Post, you like them, what he developed, now there's two guys you can play. You can start with Al Horford, you could come in with Quentin Post, and you can save Draymond for when you really want to play him at center, which is in the game. So to me, that because of its impact on the rest of the roster, not to mention the combinations they can use when you like the worst, they. In order to play five guys out, they go on six, eight, and under. No saying they could play five out and still Keep some size on the court because Horford. So the way Horford impacts everybody else.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Marcus Thompson]

Even if he's just marginally the Horford we know, it's. It's massive for them.

[Host]

Yeah. Impacts their size, impacts their geometry. It really impacts their IQ as well. Right now. Quentin Post certainly impacts their red cups, baby.

[Marcus Thompson]

I use Dominican. They don't do red cups, do they?

[Host]

I think everyone uses red cups.

[Marcus Thompson]

The solo cups is like gold.

[Host]

I think it's universal. Yeah, absolutely. Absolutely. There's. There's a lot of admiration in other countries about the red cup. It, like, symbolizes American college culture, so. And anyways, that's an anthropology.

[Marcus Thompson]

The fact that, you know, that is insane.

[Host]

Let's keep it going. So thinking about, you know, Al Howford, changing the geometry, changing how someone in that position that, you know, you no longer have a Kavon Looney that had that back and forth so well with Steph in terms of knowing where he should be and. And. And how to pass to him and how to put him in positions to score or work with him off ball, you now have someone that may not have that experience, but will learn quickly and has the dexterity and the ability to figure out how to pass and. And move in this space, regardless of how much experience he has with this group. So great. You have Al Horford. You move Draymond into a position where he can be explosive in the way that he wants to be without completely being, I don't know, depleted. From an energy perspective, I'm hearing a lot of things that helps conserve energy, Right. Conserving energy, conserving Steph's energy, conserving Draymond's energy. It seems like the Youngins. The Youngins have to step up here. And I'm asking. I'm saying that because I'm wanting to ask. As you look down this roster and you're looking at the folks that have just joined, the people that are coming back, players are going to have to take a step forward to ensure that this wise team makes it through 82 games right to the playoffs. Who is the player you think is most likely to take a huge step forward and who might, because of the things that have been added to this team, might need to shift their role, maybe take a step back or shift to the side? I don't know how you want to put that, but who do you think is going to take a step forward?

[Marcus Thompson]

Yeah. I'm so torn about this, because Pods is the answer I want to give.

[Host]

Okay, okay.

[Marcus Thompson]

Brandon Bajimsky is the answer. I want to give for. For multiple reasons, but the. Anthony Melton is out. You know, he. He tore his ACL during the season, so he's still recovering from that. They've already said he's, you know, he'll be reevaluated in four weeks, so he's out for October and probably into November. You know what the words don't have. And they were. They were playing Pat Spencer in the playoffs because of this. They don't have other ball handlers. You know, Pods had a rough start to last year, got hurt, got to watch, got to calm down, you know, got to humble it a little bit and came back and looks really good with Jimmy. Like, he fits. They need another ball handler on the court, right? They need another playmaker. He's got more aggressive, like, trusting his drives and finishing. So I do feel like Pods is gonna have a year where it's like, okay, like that. That Game five in. In the. In the playoffs against Minnesota where he was slumping and he finally got going, that was so huge for him because to him, to me, it's all confidence for him. He has a skill, but he don't always believe. So he loves to drive the lane and then spin it back out because it's like, I don't really have to shot like now. You know, you got to get in there and get a bucket. So I do think now. Now you add Al Horford and he's got more space. The floor is spread, right? So. So it feels like Pods is going to have that type of year. But. But the Anthony Belt is there, so he might have to take a step back. Because they love the Anthony Belt, right? Like, they love the Anthony Belt.

[Host]

Well, he was so integral to that 12, three run.

[Marcus Thompson]

He plays games and look at this. Like, he plays six games and they're like, yeah, no, Melt's one of us. Like, so that's a trip. When he gets there, it's going to be interesting how that works. Also. Pods is in the contract year, by the way. Yes, do. For an extension, you know. You know, the. The NBA's Jack Harlow is not. It's not about, like, you know what I'm saying? He ain't about playing no backseat like he about to get out here.

[Host]

I will tell you this. This is how I knew that I was just going to say Jack Harlow, and I hate you for that. The reason why I know that Brandon Pajemski is not playing around his media day interview one were answers.

[Marcus Thompson]

Yeah, he wasn't.

[Host]

Yeah, he wasn't met. He Was. Oh, how are you feeling? Good. How was the off season? It was good. Worked on some things. Do you want to elaborate on what you worked on?

[Marcus Thompson]

Nope, nope.

[Host]

He wasn't given nothing. He is locked in, working, like worried about the work and you're out.

[Marcus Thompson]

He got something to prove, right?

[Host]

He's got something to prove. Exactly. That's the energy that I got from it. And I do think that this is a player absolutely. That can take a step forward. It's so funny you mentioned that Minnesota series, because the number one thing that I remember from that Minnesota series was, yes, ball handling, but also shooting, like lack of shooting. So, yes, Al Horford fixes that for sure. But it was funny that in the media day interviews, Jackson Rowe, one of the two way players that came onto the team last year, talked about that's one of the things he worked on in the off season was being able to shoot because there was the lack of shooting in Minnesota. And that made me think of Buddy Heald, because, let's be real, that was something that everyone had their eye on about Buddy, he played so hard. You could never take that away from him. You couldn't pick on him for defense. But when it came to his shooting.

[Marcus Thompson]

That Bahamian energy, though, he was running. Boy, he was running.

[Host]

He was, he was. And I don't know if it's all the sugar he eats. He's a lot of candy. Did you know that?

[Marcus Thompson]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Host]

He's like really big about candy, but.

[Marcus Thompson]

It seemed like it loves some candy.

[Host]

Yes, but. Right, exactly. But it seems like he needed more shooting. Like he needed to be the. The Buddy Heel. That's been a 40% career three point shooter, and we just didn't get that consistently out of him except for like.

[Marcus Thompson]

Game seven in Houston. That was the game of his career. Yeah, he was massive in that game.

[Host]

Exactly.

[Marcus Thompson]

How do you say that? Buddy heels my step back guy. He's gonna take a step back guy. Here's why. Right. I mean, again, obviously, defensive Buddy and the warriors needed his shooting so badly that they did things to like, all right, we're gonna cover a few on defense. We're gonna put up with your defense. But, right. It's like, all right, we're gonna put you on the ball. Just do the chase thing, the pit bull thing. Right. But he was still very attackable. Right. Especially in a playoff setting where you could kind of get picked on. And what it did was it made him kind of have to make shots because, you know, if you give it up buckets the other Day. It puts a lot of pressure on those shots. I think Horford gives them another shooter, which limits their. The thirst for a shooter. Right. And the other thing is, I do think Melton, like, you know, is a guy who can knock down a shot, but he guards. So I think because of that and the other guy, who I was thinking about saying might take a step forward, like, I was torn, but I'm torn between pause and Moody. I think the thing that Moody showed, yes, was Moody. They. They put Moody at the top. It pushed, put him on the ball, and he was way better than everybody thought. And I would have doubted this at the end of the year because the way he ended, like, he just couldn't make shots. And then you find out, oh, he had a severed ligament in his hand and his stuff, right? So it's like how he played once they got Jimmy and put him at the bulldog spot. And the reason it worked, because he got. He had Jimmy and Draymond behind him, two high IQ players telling them what to do. Now you got another dude with Horford, right, who can do more at the rent to protect him. It feels like it's set up for Moody to kind of resume that spot. And he's a guy who could shoot 38, 40% from 3. So it feels like Buddy might have to get comfortable with them not needing his shooting so much. And when Steve Kerr got the choice, like, you gonna go with defense? Like, that's why they love Melt. Melt's gonna go, get out there, guard, right? So I think, I think, especially compared to how he was in the playoffs, right, because remember, Jimmy gets hurt and Buddy's playing a lot like Buddy was the man. Moses got kind of bench a little bit, you know, like, Buddy was like, hey, we need Buddy out here. That, that life he was living, I don't think that's going to be his life. To stop foreign.

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[Host]

See mintmobile.com Interesting. Okay, okay. We'll see. We'll see. So with man, I'm still thinking about Moses Moody. I don't know how many times we saw him pick the pockets of Jalen Brunson, Shay Gildis, Alexander, I mean top ball handlers in this league. And he was, he just showed out. He was so gritty about it last year and that is really exciting to think that he might unleash another level to that. Okay, let's keep it moving to the best players on this team and the expectations for them. And I want to look at the quote unquote big three. But we could also just hone in on Steph and Jimmy. I really love this concept that like the entire media day for the warriors, all the players, especially the young ones, we're talking about going to Jimmy's house, right? Being able to go to his house and see one, what NBA money can get you shout out to the work. Two, he was really funny for that. Right?

[Marcus Thompson]

This is what money can do for you.

[Host]

Okay, got you. But also just like the fact that, you know, even Guy Santos was talking about just how great it was to see all the guys again and to be together as a family. And now you have Jimmy Butler being a part of that as opposed to getting him in the middle of the season. Even though he did great being joined in the middle of the season, now he feels like he's at home. Steph mentioned Jimmy now can play. Come into this situation and not play with all the distractions that had been around him in previous settings. And so you're coming in from full season at full force with your leaders. And Steph and Jimmy, what are the expectations for those two? Knowing that they're getting older. You know, their. Their cups have been filled up a little bit at the party, right? The solo cups got a little bit condensation on them. They've been chilling how. What does this look like? But. But at the same time, you know that these are two of the best conditioned players in the league. They care about their bodies so extensively, and they know their game. They know exactly what they have to do to be able to contribute. So what can you expect for them? Year 17 first stuff.

[Marcus Thompson]

Yeah, this is gonna be unique because they have to be like, elites, but also they gotta chill out.

[Host]

Oh, interesting.

[Marcus Thompson]

You cannot. You cannot be getting to march, like, you know, with the. With. With your light on. You know what I'm saying? Like, you need to stop at the gas station.

[Host]

The. Ding, ding, ding.

[Marcus Thompson]

Yeah, yeah. You know what I'm saying? They. They, they. They've. This is going to be so difficult, like, And. And a lot of it. Like, we know Steph. Steph is Steph, right? Steph, go. Steph's gonna be Steph. A lot of it is Jimmy, right? A lot of it is Jimmy. He has to be great. Because if Jimmy's got to sit out right there, there are things the warriors can do, right? If he's got to miss a few games, you know, you got Kaminga. Yeah. You got Moody, you got. Now you. Now you go more by committee, but you got. It's a wing, right? They got wings. If Steph is out, somebody's got to be the A1, right? And then the playoffs, we saw, like, that was tough. Like, it was tough for them to have a place to go, you know? So a lot of it is on Jimmy kind of being that catalyst. Like, we called it playoff Jimmy, but he's got to be a dog. Like, they've got to be able to keep. Compete with the best in the west, but also, like, they just, like, they're third, you know, they 30 plus, according to Jay Z, they shouldn't be wearing jerseys no more, right? So he said, you know, they need a crisp pair of jeans in the button up at this point. Like, they still playing, but they. So they. They've got to figure out a way that all of them can find pockets to rest, right? But they have to. They have to be elite. And a big part of what that San Diego trip did was, like, you already saw it. It was like a metaphor. That. That wasn't Steph. That was a Draymond. That was Jimmy saying, hey, I'm. I'm. I'm a leader on this Team. Like, I'm. I'm inviting you to my house. Like, there is another superstar here, right? So you know them dudes coming down to. Throughout the whole journey of, like, trying to get another superstar, right? They. It was like, try to get Paul George and, you know, try to reach a little bit on Lori marketing, you know what I'm saying? But they ended up with a guy who maybe nobody thought could. Like, what's he got left? And he's showing you, like, no, it's different. That's the thing that Jimmy has done. He lets you know, like, there's a difference between good players and superstars. Like, there's a massive difference. Like, their aura is different.

[Host]

So.

[Marcus Thompson]

So immediately he's come in and it's like, hey, Draymond. Steph, I'm here. Like, I got you, you know, so Draymond is just in the wine cellar, you know what I'm saying? Like, he ain't even like, you don't got to do that. You know, come to my house. I'm a host in this time. You don't have to host. You don't have to be the leader this time. That, to me, was metaphoric for how this season is going to go. They've got to find a balance to not be done come March because they had to fight for everything just to get out of the play in. But also they've got to be elite enough because it's still the west and you gotta play. Like, you gotta bring it so that. That it's gonna be tough, but they've gotta find that balance.

[Host]

That's actually a really beautiful metaphor thinking about that trip. And for context, those of you that might have not heard this, but Jimmy Butler invites the team down to his house in San Diego. They had a dinner, they scrimmaged down there as well, you know, took the guys on the tour around the house. So the are kind of seeing this is what could wait for me, you know, could be awaiting me if I put in the work and I try and reach this level that they're at.

[Marcus Thompson]

Especially Jimmy, right? He wasn't especially.

[Host]

Right, right. Second round Marquette. Like, he wasn't this decorated player, first round draft pick. And. And you could also say there's like kind of stair steppers to that, right? Jimmy's at. Was at the quote, unquote, bottom of not being decorated, coming out and growing in that way. Draymond same, you know, one step above him. And then Stephen Curry, you know, being a first round pick, but still being an underdog in the way in how he was supposed to translate into the NBA. So there is this kind of really special story between the three of them that's going to be really, really cool. But, yes, Jimmy's going to have to step up as a big time leader, and it looks like he's already taking those steps. Okay, so, yeah, when you got.

[Marcus Thompson]

You see his earrings? When you got earrings like that, when you got to play.

[Host]

Was it cold in Chase Center? It must have been freezing.

[Marcus Thompson]

I know. I needed some sunglasses.

[Host]

Go look up these earrings under that light.

[Marcus Thompson]

Under the light of the thing, I.

[Host]

Was like diamonds, ripping, dancing. Okay.

[Marcus Thompson]

I'm up there like this. I'm like.

[Host]

I'm done. Okay, for those of you listening, you got to go look at the YouTube so you can just get that joke. But anywho, let's keep it moving to the biggest swing factor for this team. And I have a feeling I know what you're going to say because we. We ha. We've managed to drop his name here and there, but we haven't actually said it and discussed it. I might be completely off, though. So I want to ask you, Marcus, who do you think. What do you think is the biggest swing factor for this team?

[Marcus Thompson]

The obvious. The obvious. And, like, probably most, like, likely answer to this is Guy Santos. Like, that's the one.

[Host]

I am rolling my eyes for the record. Love the energy that it brings off the bench.

[Marcus Thompson]

I was kidding. I was kidding. I was kidding. It's very clearly Pat Spencer, right? If Pat Spencer gets in there, that's gonna be. This is Pat Spencer's year, man. From the.

[Host]

Listen, keep shouting out my Santa Cruz guys. I'm. I'm so proud of their growth. Okay. Having seen it up closely and personal, I love it. But let's get to the real. Thank you.

[Marcus Thompson]

Even though I could make a case for Draymond, but it's Jonathan Kaminga, mostly because of what we've already talked about, right? Jonathan Kaminga. His whole point is that I want. I want my minutes, I want shots, I want to be. I want to be featured in the offense. I want to finish games. He's actually going to get a chance to do that. Like, and again, like, Steph's going to be 38 when the season ends, right? Draymond and Jimmy Butler, 36. Like, there. There needs to be stretches where they're. They're out. And there's nobody more suited to say, all right, Dolphins running through you tonight than Jonathan Kaminga. So if he can. Can deal with that in spots, which I'm. We Just must say, he's always done it, right?

[Host]

He's been able to do it. I made a face where I was like, yeah, but we've seen this.

[Marcus Thompson]

He's always done it whenever he gets 30 minutes, like, he plays well. Like, even if it starts rough, if he just gets 30 minutes, he's gonna do the thing he does. He's gonna find a way to put the ball in the hole. He's probably one of the best at drawing files outside of Jimmy Butler. So he can. He can get you points with the clock stop, right? And as long as he's not settling for quick threes and being patient to get to his spots, like, they. They. They had to learn how to run some offense with him in the playoffs because they didn't have Steph. So he's kind of positioned to where he could really kind of accelerate them. Like, a big year for him would be massive for them. If nothing else, it helps them spare these. You know, I'm saying the uncle's club, right? They don't. They don't kill him. Now, unfortunately, that might mean come playoff time, he could find himself as the tenth man again. But, you know, he gonna get his run before the lights come on. You know what I'm saying? Like, before the street lights come on, he's gonna get his time. And if he uses that, and keep in mind, like, he could be a free agent or could be on a trade block, right? Like, he's auditioning for something, he's got bigger plans, so he's motivated to be that. Now, if he can't do that, that hurts. Because Steph, Jimmy, like, who takes over the offense when those guys sit. You get in a situation where you're scoring 89 because one, because Steph is out now, Steph ain't gonna want to sit out, right? Steph's not gonna be okay with sitting out. So they kind of need somebody to say, all right, young fellow, this. This is your thing. And that's just scheduled kind of time off. They're already saying they're going to be careful with the vets, right? Let alone if an ankle tweak happened, that's a week, right? That's right.

[Host]

Got to be careful with this.

[Marcus Thompson]

Yeah. If they don't have anybody to say, you're now the epicenter of the offense. We saw what happened in Minnesota, like, it was hard for them to score.

[Host]

Okay. I am keeping this cookout analogy going, and I'm just imagining the UN are basically giving the tongs to Jonathan and say, hey, mind the Grill.

[Marcus Thompson]

You know what I'm saying? We gonna go play these dominoes.

[Host]

We're go dominoes. Really quickly. Just mind the grill.

[Marcus Thompson]

Just don't let nobody burn mar.

[Host]

Don't burn. Exactly. Don't burn anything. Just mine. The grill. Now, you said before this, I think. Oh, wait. Really quickly. Just want to clarify for everyone. Jonathan Kaminga resigns. Two year deal, 48 mil.

[Marcus Thompson]

Yeah.

[Host]

Team option on the second year. Right. Which allows the team to potentially move him.

[Marcus Thompson]

Yeah. Right.

[Host]

Okay. I just want to make sure that's clear, that everyone understands.

[Marcus Thompson]

Likely to move him.

[Host]

Right. Likely to move him. But we'll see what happens. You said you could make the case for Draymond. I got to ask that question first before we close this out. What's the case for Draymond being the.

[Marcus Thompson]

Biggest swing factor for similar reasons like Draymond, they need. They need Draymond aggressive on offense, and we can see the difference between the two. If he has a good offensive year and, you know, it plays the same kind of defense where he could be defensive player of the year candidate, it's just such a major factor. He's on the court. Like, he's actually on the court, so he has to do something on offense. Right. He's got the ball in his hands. A lot of times he gets into these ruts where he don't. He missed a couple shots that he don't want to shoot. But that. That Draymond who's getting downhill, right? Who's attacking the big, who's looking for his shot, who's saying, you're not about to disrespect me and put nobody on me like that is a game changer for them. We saw it. We saw it in Houston series. And if he's in that boat where Artist three is off, so now he's passive and all that, it just messes everything up. Because now you got to put a lineup out there to compensate for the fact that you go in 405 because Draymond's not producing on offense. So to me, he's so vital in that. How his headspace is and how his condition it is. And if he can say, I see the big and they bagging off me, I'm driving into your chest and I'm trying to finish, right? If he's that Draymond, it's such a game changer for them offensively because now he's playing both ends of the court.

[Host]

I don't think there's anyone on that roster that is more of kindling to the fire. And energy that the warriors can play with than when Draymond is having a good game. If you make two threes, it's unreal. Everyone's energy is up. It just completely transforms the way that the warriors look out on the floor. Even just the intensity with which they play defense when he is on the benches. I mean, everything about it, it just. They. They're. They're excited about everyone. But when Draymond's on, it's. It's a different level. Unlocked. Okay.

[Marcus Thompson]

Because they know, like, oh, you in trouble now.

[Host]

Right? Yes. He's got something. He's backing it up. Exactly right. He's got something to say, and he's backing it up. Okay. We got to close this out. I've had too much fun talking about the Warriors. I am looking forward to this season. And I gotta ask you, most realistic outcome for this team this season? What's your thoughts?

[Marcus Thompson]

So we saying realistic, like, what's possible?

[Host]

What's possible? What do you think is possible for this?

[Marcus Thompson]

I think realistically, they make a trade at the deadline, and it gets them either deep like, like in the second round series that they're. They're in. Not like a four, like, not like a gentleman sweep because Steph is hurt, but, like, if they lose it, it's the Oklahoma City in game six or seven in a dog fight. Right. I think that's a realistic outcome. If they don't. If they make a move, then they could very well end up in the. In the west finals if they. If this age catches up to them. Right. Or if they got a burnout, they can end up in a play in and this thing could flip. Like, it's so tough to project what's going to happen, because as Steph said, everything they do is unique. We've never seen this before. We just have never seen it before. The starting center is 39. The starting point guard is 37.

[Host]

But it's different.

[Marcus Thompson]

Like, we've just never seen this before.

[Host]

But they're also some of the best players in the league.

[Marcus Thompson]

They could make the west finals.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Marcus Thompson]

Or they could be a playing team that flames out and loses to, like, some young upstart.

[Host]

The flame out is real. But you know what makes me. You know what makes me hopeful for what could happen with the warriors and really even the Clippers, because I keep thinking about their. Their team, too. And just in terms of age, that all Star game.

[Marcus Thompson]

Yeah.

[Host]

The old heads, they know how to win. They know how to win. They know their game. They know what it takes. And if they can stay healthy, they can take care of themselves.

[Marcus Thompson]

That's always a massive if when you start. And we saw what happened one injury. Warriors were done. Yeah, they were done. That's it. And you saw what they were like before Jimmy Butler. Like they needed Jimmy Butler to actually do anything. So they're just like there, there's a thin line between making the west finals. Might shock some people to win a champion to get to the championship. Like in like a very Indiana vein or man, we finish it as the 12th seed. Like, like it's tough. Sacramento gets us right.

[Host]

Right. I know some young upset start, it's just like.

[Marcus Thompson]

Absolutely. It's like Memphis or something. Or it's always something like that. They do have a problem.

[Host]

Like Houston 17 series could crash the barbecue, ruin the function or.

[Marcus Thompson]

Or put tofu on the grill.

[Host]

These young, you know, something like that. Or they could end out everyone's line dancing. It's a great time. Thank you so much, Marcus, for breaking down the warriors with me. I always love talking to you and yeah, that's going to do it for today. Thanks for joining us. On the NBA Daily, presented by ebay. Go read Marcus Thompson over the Athletic. He's always going to have some sort of analogy that you're going to enjoy. All right, guys, enjoy the rest of your day.

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