USA Today via Reuters

The Golden State Warriors woes deepened as they endured a disheartening 141-105 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, a stark contrast from the team’s glorified era of four championships and six NBA Finals appearances between 2014-22. With a current record of 17-20, the 2023-24 season has proven to be a far cry from their past successes. Their recent performance includes a disconcerting 2-6 slump in the last eight games, four of which ended in double-digit defeats.

Finding words amidst the chaos

In a post-game press conference, Steve Kerr articulated his point of view at the behest of someone who threw him a question concerning communication among players and his role in the locker room. Kerr openly admitted to the delicacy of this balance. He admitted, “Yeah, I mean as a coach, it’s a delicate balance. When we’re fragile like we are right now, I don’t think that screaming and yelling at them is going to help.”

However, Kerr recognized that a shift in approach was urgently necessary after two successive non-competitive home games. This critical need is for defensive connectivity, the lifeline that might bring the Warriors’ willingness to fight back to life. As Kerr grapples with the team’s struggles, the question remains Can the Warriors return to what used to be their glory days?

Is the veteran core of the Golden State Warriors in danger?

Amid constant claims by Coach Steve Kerr about the endurance of the Warriors’ championship nucleus, there is still a cloud of ambiguity hanging over Klay Thompson. The sharpshooter, in the final stretch of a five-year contract inked in 2019, faces a pivotal juncture.

The question now arises–will the Warriors entertain the notion of parting ways with Thompson, who might be eyeing another deal? Speculations grow as Thompson, maybe not satisfied with Golden State’s proposal, considers the opportunity to become an unrestricted free agent.

The Warriors’ dilemma extends to Draymond Green, considered vital for both Kerr and Curry, who secured himself a considerable four-year $100 million contract. Though his defensive knowledge has weakened, a notable deterioration over the last two seasons, both Kerr and Curry remain keen on emphasizing his importance.

Yet, Green’s on-court distractions have marred the 2023-24 campaign. The Warriors are now faced with the dilemma of these trials. Can they manage to keep Green and survive through a period that might change everything? With Steph Curry talking about winning a championship, the seed of having a new core that could lead the Warriors into the future remains an interesting storyline.