SAN FRANCISCO — Despite the slow march of free agency, the Golden State Warriors remain trapped in limbo. Not because opportunities are scarce, but because Jonathan Kuminga’s restricted free agency has stalled everything. His unresolved contract has frozen the team’s flexibility. Until that domino falls, the Warriors’ offseason sits in neutral.
Warriors’ Depth Chart Tells A Troubling Story After Veterans Sign
The Waiting Room of Veterans
Golden State has already lined up several veterans. De’Anthony Melton, Gary Payton II and Al Horford all recently committed to join. The front office simply waits on Kuminga’s decision. His contract standoff has handcuffed the front office.
The impact is significant. Melton, who tore his ACL in November, hopes for redemption. He played only six games before the injury but managed 10.3 points and 1.2 steals in 20 minutes per contest. Payton, meanwhile, returns for a sixth consecutive season, providing energy and defense off the bench. Horford, at 38, offers leadership and versatility.
Their deals, however, remain paused. The deadline is October 1. Kuminga could sign his qualifying offer, negotiate a new deal, or even work out a sign-and-trade. Seth Curry is also expected to join once the dust settles.
Size Becomes the Issue
Here lies the problem: the Warriors are too small. Kevon Looney, their most reliable rebounder, signed with the Pelicans. His absence looms large. He ranked among the league’s top 50 in offensive rebounds per game despite playing just 15 minutes nightly.
Golden State’s projected roster paints a troubling picture. At least eight guards, all standing 6-foot-5 or shorter. Their wings? Draymond Green at 6-foot-6 and Jimmy Butler at 6-foot-7. Gui Santos is 6-foot-8 but unproven. That’s the extent of their forward presence.
The imbalance is striking. With a confirmation that their waiting room will all sign, the Warriors officially have a problem: they lack size. The front office doubled down on experience, but at the cost of physicality and length.
The Risks of Playing Small
The NBA has shifted toward length and athleticism. Teams like the Magic, Thunder and Hawks stockpile tall, versatile defenders. Golden State has done the opposite. They rely on older guards and undersized wings to stop rising stars.
Payton II remains a tenacious defender, but he’s 33 and entering the twilight of his prime. Who on this roster can credibly guard someone like Oklahoma City’s Jalen Williams? Or the rangy forwards that dominate playoff matchups?
The Warriors are too small to contend physically with today’s elite. Their strategy leans on skill, toughness and experience, but it risks being overwhelmed by youth, size and athleticism.
A Gamble That Defines Their Season
The organization bet on chemistry and guard play. If Kuminga returns with growth, they gain one versatile forward. But it’s not enough. This roster lacks balance. Too many guards, not enough size.
Golden State may still squeeze into the playoff picture, but their ceiling feels capped. The Warriors are too small for the modern NBA. Their margin for error is slimmer than ever.
Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images
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