Warriors’ Hot Start Fades as 3-Point Woes and Injuries Spark Trade Speculation

The Golden State Warriors began the season on a high note, boasting a stellar 10-2 record, thanks to exceptional defense, a solid assist-to-turnover ratio, and elite 3-point shooting. However, the team’s fortunes have since taken a downturn, losing eight of their last 12 games. The drop in 3-point efficiency, a cornerstone of their success, has been particularly alarming, with their ranking in the league plummeting from third to 14th.

This decline has prompted questions about whether the current roster can recover or if general manager Mike Dunleavy needs to explore trade options. While some may label this stretch a slump, Warriors forward Lindy Waters III disagrees. “We’ve been in every single game. We’ve had chances to win. I wouldn’t call this a slump,” he said.

Waters himself exemplifies the team’s struggles. After shooting 40.7% from deep through the first 12 games, his accuracy has since dropped to 30.6%. Similarly, Stephen Curry, Buddy Hield, Moses Moody, and Draymond Green have seen their 3-point percentages dip. Jonathan Kuminga has struggled throughout, and De’Anthony Melton, once a key two-way contributor, was lost to a season-ending knee injury. Only Andrew Wiggins and rookie Brandin Podziemski have improved, with Wiggins shooting a stellar 47.4% from beyond the arc in recent games.

Coach Steve Kerr acknowledges the challenge of finding the right combinations on the floor. Without Melton, who provided a rare blend of defense and reliable shooting, the team has leaned on Gary Payton II, Podziemski, and Waters to fill the void at shooting guard, each with their limitations.

Kerr admits the team lacks a surplus of dependable shooters. “You can never have too much,” he said, noting the difficulty of balancing offense and defense without Melton. As the team struggles to recapture its early form, Dunleavy may need to explore trade options for a two-way player to stabilize the roster.