The Golden State Warriors are navigating a new chapter, one that fans have clamored for over the years. With Jimmy Butler sidelined for the season and Stephen Curry also missing time, the team is leaning into a youth movement that’s been on the back burner for years. Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis are also battling their own injuries, which has further pushed the Warriors to rely on their younger talent.
This shift comes as Jonathan Kuminga makes a splashy debut with the Atlanta Hawks. After five intriguing seasons with the Warriors, Kuminga lit up the court, dropping 27 points, grabbing seven rebounds, dishing out four assists, and snagging two steals. While it’s too soon to predict his future trajectory, Kuminga’s performance certainly fuels the conversation about whether he was underutilized by Warriors head coach Steve Kerr.
Meanwhile, the Warriors’ depth is shining. De'Anthony Melton, at 27, continues to impress, posting his second consecutive 20-plus point game. Yet, he’s just one of several under-30 players stepping up in this new spotlight.
Despite the absence of their stars, these younger players are proving they have more to offer than previously thought. So, why weren’t they getting more playtime all along?
Moses Moody, 23, recently put up 24 points in a game against the New Orleans Pelicans, following a standout performance of 23 points, seven rebounds, and five assists in a win over the Denver Nuggets. It marked his third 20-plus point game in six outings and his sixth consecutive game scoring in double figures.
Gui Santos, also 23, is breaking out alongside Moody. He scored 15 points against the Pelicans and has hit that mark in six of his last seven games. Before this surge, Santos averaged just 11.8 minutes per game, highlighting a significant rise in his role.
Moody’s newfound assertiveness, Santos’ increased playtime, and Kuminga’s debut in Atlanta underscore a tough reality. It’s not necessarily about these players reaching star status but recognizing their talent and capacity to relieve the pressure on the team’s veteran stars.
With Butler out for the season, the Warriors are left pondering what might have been, while also looking ahead to a future filled with potential and questions.