The Golden State Warriors are facing one of their most difficult seasons in years, and tough decisions may be unavoidable. With losses piling up and frustration growing, head coach Steve Kerr has openly admitted that things are not working as planned.
As the season continues to slip away, fans and analysts alike are asking the same question: what must the Warriors change right now to avoid a complete collapse?
The Warriors’ Season Is at a Turning Point
After more than a decade of dominance, the Warriors are no longer the automatic title contenders fans became used to. The current struggles feel shocking, even though everyone knew the dynasty would eventually slow down.
Kerr, Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green are all feeling the pressure. Mistakes late in games, constant lineup changes, and inconsistent effort have left the team searching for answers.
Steve Kerr Faces Growing Pressure
Steve Kerr recently admitted, “I’m not doing my job well this year.” While the Warriors are not expected to fire him, that comment shows how serious the situation has become.
Kerr is known for his loyalty to veteran players, but loyalty alone may not be enough to fix a broken rotation and declining chemistry.
Move 1: Draymond Green Could Be Benched — Temporarily
Why a Lineup Change Makes Sense
Draymond Green has been a starter almost his entire career under Kerr, missing that role in only a handful of games. However, this season, his impact has slipped.
Green is still an elite defender, but his offense has declined. He is shooting under 40% from the field, well below his career average, and his turnovers have increased significantly.
Taking Green out of the starting lineup — even for a short stretch — could help rebalance the team. It would allow Kerr to start more three-point shooters alongside Curry, spreading the floor and improving spacing.
A Risk Worth Taking
Benching Green would be risky emotionally and strategically, but it could provide a spark. Green remains the emotional heartbeat of the team and is likely to handle the move professionally.
Move 2: Jonathan Kuminga Trade Feels Inevitable
Jonathan Kuminga’s role with the Warriors has been inconsistent, and that uncertainty has hurt both the player and the team.
With the trade window opening on January 15, the Warriors will play 12 games before Kuminga becomes eligible to be moved. There is little chance he does enough in that short time to secure a long-term role.
Why the Experiment Isn’t Working
Kuminga’s minutes fluctuate, his confidence appears shaken, and his recent performance against the Suns — just two points in under 10 minutes — highlighted the problem.
Many teams still believe Kuminga has untapped potential and that he has never been given a consistent opportunity to grow. That belief could help Golden State get solid value in a trade.
Regardless of the return, continuing this experiment may hurt the Warriors more than ending it.
Move 3: Stick With One Starting Lineup
Constant lineup changes have hurt the Warriors’ chemistry. Even Stephen Curry has spoken out about the need for stability.
“Guys need to know who is out there and what the rotations are,” Curry said recently.
A Possible Stable Starting Five
One lineup that could bring balance and spacing includes:
- Stephen Curry
- Jimmy Butler
- Quinten Post
- Brandin Podziemski
- Will Richard
More consistency could help players settle into their roles and improve late-game execution.
The Team Needs a Mental Reset
Sometimes, solutions go beyond tactics and rotations. The Warriors’ championship core has solved problems before through trust and unity.
Back in the 2014–15 season, a late-night bonding moment helped turn their playoff run around. A similar moment of reflection and honesty may be needed now.
If Curry, Green, and Butler can reconnect and refocus together, the season may still be salvageable.
Conclusion
The Golden State Warriors are no longer cruising on past success. Tough choices lie ahead, whether that means benching a franchise icon, trading a young talent, or committing to lineup stability.
Time is running out, but if the Warriors are willing to make bold moves and trust their leaders, there may still be a path back to relevance — and maybe even the playoffs.
