The Golden State Warriors have struggled mightily this season, sitting in 12th place in the Western Conference with a record of 17-20.
During a tough stretch last November, the squad suffered six consecutive losses, and they are currently on a two-game losing streak.
The Dubs were once a dominant force that secured four NBA championships over the past decade, but they now appear to be a mere shadow of their former selves. Their most recent championship victory occurred just over a year ago, but things have rapidly changed for the Bay Area team.
A major shakeup might be needed for them to return to championship contention, especially with Stephen Curry still at the peak of his powers.
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3 Reasons Why Golden State Should Fire Steve Kerr
- Outdated principles
Kerr revolutionized the small ball philosophy upon entering the league in 2014, ushering in a new era where smaller, quicker, and sharp-shooting players outmaneuvered traditional lineups.
However, nearly a decade later, his once-dominant philosophy has fallen out of favor. The league has shifted towards taller and more skillful players, with athletic tall wings and shooting becoming the prototype for an ideal NBA player.
Last season, Kevon Looney, a 6-foot-9 center, was the tallest player on the Warriors' roster. This year, they added Dario Saric, who stands at 6-foot-10 but doesn't play like a traditional big man.
The recent five NBA MVP winners, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, and Joel Embiid, have showcased dominance inside the paint. When facing these big men, the Warriors have often found themselves outplayed.
- Odd rotations
Kerr has faced criticism for his rotations over the past few years, but the noise reached a new level this season.
Young players like Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and Trayce Jackson-Davis have received inconsistent minutes despite strong performances.
Meanwhile, struggling veterans Andrew Wiggins and Klay Thompson continue to see extended runs on the floor. Kerr has also opted for shorter players like Cory Joseph despite already facing challenges with size.
Some of the lineups the Warriors have put on the floor have been baffling, notably deploying four guards simultaneously, which is evidently a net negative on the defensive end.
- Poor track record with young players
Despite dominating for much of the last decade, the Warriors secured high draft picks and acquired talented young players, yet many didn't mesh well with the team.
One success story was Jordan Poole, who was drafted 27th overall in 2019. The explosive guard was crucial in the Warriors' 2021-22 title win. However, a preseason altercation with Draymond Green and a subsequent regression in his play led to his trade to the Washington Wizards last summer.
In the 2020 NBA Draft, the Warriors had the second overall pick and chose center James Wiseman. He struggled to integrate and was traded to re-acquire Gary Payton II in 2022-23.
Notably, players like LaMelo Ball, Tyrese Haliburton, and Tyrese Maxey, who were still available during the 2020 draft, could have significantly benefited the team with their struggles today.
In the 2021 NBA Draft, the Warriors selected Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody at 7th and 14th. History seems poised to repeat itself as both players have expressed frustrations with unclear roles on the team.
Two standout picks during this year's draft, Brandin Podziemski and Trayce Jackson-Davis, have yet to see consistent playing time despite showing massive potential.
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