I remember watching the height of the Warriors Dynasty in 2015 and appreciating how they dominated games with their quick ball movement and unselfish play style. Now, as they are about halfway through the season, I can only watch in despair as the once untouchable trio of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green are 12th in the Western Conference.
With the trade deadline coming up, the Warriors are willing to move anyone except Curry, so that leaves the front office with a lot of options and big decisions to make.
First, we must address Thompson. Despite some early success this season, Thompson has struggled with consistency. He can drop 30 one night, but then score three in another. Offensively, his shot selection isn’t great, and that’s affecting his overall performance.
Girls basketball coach Doc Scheppler is critical of Thompson’s offensive performance.
“He somehow changed his mindset of how he should play,” Scheppler said. “It has gotten him away from what he does well, which is catching and shooting.”
Defensively, Thompson has also struggled considerably.
“He’s been abysmal.” Scheppler said. “Before, he was a good on-ball defender, now he can’t stay.”
Because of his recent lackluster performance and expiring contract, it wouldn’t be surprising for Thompson to be packaged off in a potential trade.
Now, we move to Green. A previous Defensive Player of the Year and All Star, Green has earned a reputation for having a fiery temper, which has resulted in multiple on court altercations this season.
“He’s worn out his welcome,” Scheppler said. “As great as a contributor he is in terms of how they play, I think he’s worn out.”
With this, I could see Green being traded as well.
Last but not least, let’s look at Andrew Wiggins, a former all star during the Warriors 2022 Championship run who has since fallen off considerably, dropping down in nearly every statistic. He’s notably been inefficient in games with absences of consistent three point accuracy or reliable free throw shooting.
“He hasn’t worked on his game,” Scheppler said. “They didn’t see him for four months, from May until September. He’s starting to come around a little bit, but he still needs work.”
With his work ethic in question, Wiggins is definitely on the chopping block.
Aside from looking at who the Warriors should trade away, it’s also important to evaluate what type of players they should get back. I believe the Warriors truly need a big man who can affect shots in the paint and body players in the post. With the aging Warrior core slowing down, a younger player could also bring some much needed energy into the lineup.
“[Their starters] are good players, but not great,” Scheppler said. “You have Curry and then everybody else has dropped down.”
