Three Questions Warriors Need to Answer Before 2026-27 Season

The Golden State Warriors face a season of uncertainty as it could be the final year of Steph Curry in the Bay with a player option and potential free agency looming. It could also be the final year of Draymond Green with the team after he re-signed for just one season. After finishing tenth in the West last year, the Warriors entered the offseason with hopes of landing a big fish through trade or free agency, but came up short in their efforts. Instead, they are bringing back the core of the tenth-place team, with Curry, Draymond, Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and Brandin Podziemski all returning. Heading into the season, what are the three questions that the team needs to answer before the year starts? Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Brandin Podziemski are locked in as incumbent starters. Kristaps Porzingis will likely start at the other frontcourt spot, and the team seems to be leaning towards starting rookie Yaxel Lendeborg as the other frontcourt spot. There is a possibility that they opt to go small with Gary Payton II or De'Anthony Melton as a starter, or Gui Santos, due to familiarity with the team. Head coach Steve Kerr probably has an idea of who the starting five will be, but it needs to be obvious going into training camp. The Warriors have two solid options behind Steph. De'Anthony Melton has more experience in the league, but his lack of shooting consistency might hold him back as the top option coming off the bench. He's a more proven scorer, averaging 12.3 points per game last year and finishing in the top ten in Sixth Man of the Year voting in 2022. Will Richard is entering his second season after showing promise in his rookie year. He shot just 33% from three, but there were flashes as a shooter and scorer to make fans believe that he can be the backup point guard. Both guys will get an opportunity. It was up to one of them to take the reins. Do they want to compete, or are they comfortable delaying things into the offseason? Having a plan and being able to adapt that plan as the season goes along is paramount for the Warriors. If the season is going well, maybe they go more all-in to land another superstar or better players to fit the team. If the season isn't going well, pivot into a different retool.