Tag: Golden State Warriors

Buddy Hield isn’t feeling pressure to replace Klay Thompson

Buddy Hield isn’t feeling any pressure to replace Klay Thompson on the Golden State Warriors roster.

The Golden State Warriors acquired Buddy Hield to help fill the perimeter shooting void left behind by Klay Thompson. Hield is one of the best volume-shooting three-point specialists in the NBA. He can hit shots off movement or when spotting up. Last season, Hield shot 38.6% from the perimeter on 6.8 attempts per game.

Despite being added to Golden State’s roster to help plug a Thompson-sized gap, Hield isn’t feeling any pressure to replace the four-time NBA champion. Instead, he will likely want to play his own game, find where he fits within Steve Kerr’s system and provide the floor spacing Steph Curry needs to consistently attack high-quality shots.

“There’s no pressure,” Hield said. “…Just come and do my job. What Klay has done for this organization has been tremendous. I love Klay a lot. I’ve watched him a ton over the years and he’s special…So, I don’t look at it as pressure, but I think it’s fun just being in that role and seeing if I can get the same looks he got.”

Golden State failed to make the playoffs last season. The front office has moved to revamp the rotation during the opening weeks of the offseason. Hield’s perimeter scoring ability should give Kerr’s team an additional weapon in the half-court while also providing the franchise with some fresh opportunities to incorporate some new plays.

The Warriors are reportedly still in the market for upgrades, too. Lauri Markkanen’s name has consistently been floated as a potential target. It will be interesting to see how Golden State’s rotation looks by the start of the new season.

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Steph Curry scores 13 points vs Germany in Team USA’s final showcase game before Olympics

Steph Curry notched 13 points against Germany on Monday in Team USA’s final showcase game before the start of the Olympics.

After winning their first four showcase games, including a narrow win against South Sudan, Team USA had one final tune-up game before the official start of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

On Monday in London, Team USA met up against Germany, the No. 3 ranked team in the FIBA world rankings.  In a close game that saw Germany hold on to a one-point lead heading into the fourth quarter, Team USA handled business to secure a showcase game sweep.

For the second straight contest, Lebron James took over down the stretch to help push Team USA. James finished with a game-high 20 points in Team USA’s 92-88 win over Germany.

Steph Curry struggled with his long-distance jumper, hitting only one 3-pointer on seven attempts from deep. However, the Golden State Warriors point guard still finished with 13 points on 5-of-13 shooting from the field to go along with three rebounds, two assists and a block in 25 minutes.

Watch Curry’s highlights from Monday’s game via YouTube:

Curry and Team USA will now prepare for the group stage of the Olympics, starting with a matchup against Nikola Jokic and Serbia. Team USA will open Olympic player with a contest against Serbia on Sunday, July 28.

This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

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Is Andrew Wiggins due a bounce-back year for the Warriors?

Can Andrew Wiggins re-discover the level of play that saw him emerge as a key piece to the Golden State Warriors 2022 championship?

The past two seasons have been far from ideal for Andrew Wiggins. The veteran forward has been unable to replicate the level of play that saw him become a major piece of the Golden State Warriors championship run in 2022. Wiggins has struggled for consistency since winning his first ring and was floated as a potential trade chip at the Feb. 8 trade deadline last season.

At his best, Wiggins is among the premier three-and-d forwards in the NBA. He’s capable of shutting down the opposing team’s best player while also providing reliable perimeter scoring and athletic finishing in the lane. Steve Kerr’s team is at its best when Wiggins is playing near his maximum level.

In a recent video by the “Athletic Alchemy” YouTube channel, the hosts discuss whether Wiggins is due to bounce back from his two tough years with a strong performance in the 2024-25 season. The veteran forward could be playing for his future in the Bay Area.

You can watch the full video by clicking on the embedded link above.

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Warriors would have to show patience to re-sign Lauri Markkanen

The Golden State Warriors would need to wait until the 2025 free agency period to re-sign Lauri Markkanen if they acquired him via trade.

The Golden State Warriors are reportedly interested in acquiring Lauri Markkanen via trade. The rumor mill has been churning out potential trade packages to send the impressive big man to the Bay Area in recent weeks. According to reports, Utah are pushing for a package centered around Brandin Podziemski and future draft capital, while the Warriors would prefer to keep the sophomore on their roster.

Another hurdle Golden State must face if they choose to acquire Markkanen is that he is in the final year of his current contract. The Warriors don’t have the available cap space to negotiate a contract extension with the big man instantly. According to Marc Stein, the franchise’s continued interest in a potential trade could indicate a level of confidence that the Warriors could re-sign Markkanen in the 2025 offseason.

“The Warriors’ ongoing interest in Markkanen, furthermore, suggests they have confidence in their ability to sign the 7-foot Finn to a contract extension next summer should they ultimately persuade Utah to consummate a trade after weeks of discussion between the teams that began in conjunction with the June 26 draft,” Stein Reported. “Golden State, remember, does not possess the salary cap space to execute an immediate renegotiate-and-extend deal with Markkanen that Utah has and would have to wait until after the season to secure his long-term future in the Bay Area. Renegotiate-and-extend deals can only be completed with cap space.”

Currently, there doesn’t appear to be a framework in place between Utah and Golden State; as such, a trade isn’t projected to be imminent. As Stein detailed, the Warriors have multiple moving parts to consider before signing off on any deal.

Nevertheless, Markkanen would fill a clear need within Golden State’s rotation and could position them to contend for a championship in the near future. Whether Mike Dunleavy Jr. can get a deal over the line will remain to be seen.

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Warriors unlikely to entertain any trade talks involving Podziemski

The Golden State Warriors are unlikely to part with Brandin Podziemski.

Brandin Podziemski projects to be an important part of the Golden State Warriors‘ future. The All-Rookie First Team selection had a strong debut season in the NBA and will undoubtedly be looking to build on those performances as he enters his sophomore season in the Bay Area.

However, Podziemski’s summer has been marred by trade rumors. The Warriors’ reported pursuit of Lauri Markkanen from the Utah Jazz has seen the rebuilding Western Conference franchise set their sights on Podziemski as a potential makeweight in a deal. According to Marc Stein, the Warriors are expected to resist any overtures for their talented young guard but may be willing to part with Jonathan Kuminga to get a deal over the line.

“There is also a growing belief leaguewide that the Warriors would be more willing to move Jonathan Kuminga in a Markkanen trade — or any big-swing deal — than Podziemski,” Stein wrote. “To this point, however, it must be noted that Golden State’s offers for Markkanen have centered around a package featuring Moses Moody and draft compensation without including Podziemski or Kuminga.”

Markkanen is a logical target for Golden State. He adds size, scoring and an interior presence on defense. However, the Warriors are wise to be cautious in who they part with to secure a potential deal. Both Podziemski and Kuminga have shown All-Star upside. 

Nevertheless, Podziemski’s style of play, and additional years on a cost-controlled deal have made him the ideal long-term prospect in the Bay Area. Whether a package of Kuminga and Moses Moody (plus draft picks) is enough to pry Markkanen away from the Jazz will remain to be seen.

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Buddy Hield wants to be ‘a sponge’ when playing with Steph Curry

Buddy Hield wants to learn as much as possible from Steph Curry after joining the Golden State Warriors

Buddy Hield is the man tasked with replacing the perimeter shooting the Golden State Warriors lost when Klay Thompson left for the Dallas Mavericks. Hield is one of the best volume three-point shooters in the NBA, and is averaging 40% from the 3-point line for his career.

During his introductory news conference on Thursday, July 18, Hield discussed his excitement at getting the opportunity to share the court with Steph Curry. He explained how he’s looking to learn from the Warriors superstar and hopes to incorporate some of those lessons into his own game.

“Steph, he’s the one. I’ve been watching all my life,” Hield said. “I’m a sponge. Ready to learn. Ready to watch him and see how he goes about his shooting mechanics. The way he goes about how he works, his routine. I think it’ll be an interesting year for me. … I think it’s fun. I’m excited.”

Hield, 31, isn’t guaranteed a starting spot on the Warriors roster next season. Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody will provide stern competition throughout the season. Nevertheless, his presence in the rotation will ensure the Warriors’ spacing remains elite, giving Curry the room he needs to operate on the perimeter.

The Warriors did an excellent job in pivoting to acquire Hield. He fits Steve Kerr’s offensive system and helps replace a significant portion of what the team lost when Thompson left. It will be interesting to see how he can fit next to Curry and whether the experiment pays dividends.

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How to watch NBA Summer League: TV channel, free live stream

Catch all of the NBA Summer League season and watch the basketball stars of the future.

NBA Summer League action is winding down and we’re left with the last few games of the tournament.

Sunday brings two semifinals from Las Vegas as the Memphis Grizzlies take on the Los Angeles Clippers and the Golden State Warriors battle the Miami Heat.

The four remaining teams are the only undefeated teams left in Las Vegas, but only one can be crowned the champions of the 2024 NBA Summer League.

How to watch Grizzlies vs. Clippers Summer League playoff semifinals

The first semifinal features the 4-0 Grizzlies against the 4-0 Cliippers. Zach Edey, Memphis’ first round pick was injured in the team’s last game and is unlikely to play against the Clippers.

  • Game: Memphis Grizzlies vs. Los Angeles Clippers
  • When: 2:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday, July 21
  • TV: ESPN (Watch FREE on Fubo)
  • Live stream: Fubo

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How to watch Warriors vs. Heat Summer League playoff semifinals

The second semifinal features the 4-0 Warriors against the 4-0 Heat. Brandin Podziemski has been the best players so far this summer for the Warriors, while Jaime Jaquez Jr. has been arguably the best player in the entire NBA 2K25 Summer League.

  • Game: Golden State Warriors vs. Miami Heat
  • When: 4:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday, July 21
  • TV: ESPN (Watch FREE on Fubo)
  • Live stream: Fubo

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When is the NBA Summer League Finals?

The NBA Summer League Finals will be played on Monday, July 22 at 9:00 p.m. EDT.

Where to watch NBA Summer League Playoffs?

The NBA Summer League playoffs will air on exclusively on ESPN. Every game is available on Fubo with a subscription.

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Warriors believe Podziemski is a future All-Star

The Golden State Warriors coaching staff and front office view Brandin Podziemski as a future All-Star.

Brandin Podziemski enjoyed a stellar rookie season with the Golden State Warriors. He played in 74 regular-season games, averaging 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists while shooting 45.4% from the field and 38.5% from 3-point range. He earned himself an All-Rookie First-Team selection due to his high level of play, both off the bench and in the starting lineup.

During a recent news conference at Las Vegas Summer League, Joe Lacob revealed that the Warriors coaching staff and front office believe Podizemski is a future All-Star. He cited the young guard’s deep skillset as a primary reason why everyone in the organization is so high on him.

“He was a revelation, to be quite honest,” Lacob said. “Steve [Kerr] had troubles getting him off the floor. He had to have him on the floor he was so good. He does so many things well. He’s ultra confident, he’s got an NBA body, he can get wherever he wants. He obviously can shoot threes. He can drive, he can pass. What can’t he do?”

Podziemski has been floated in multiple trade rumors in recent weeks, with his name being linked to a deal for Lauri Markkanen. However, if the Warriors truly view Podziemski as a future All-Star, they will likely be steadfast in their desire to keep him on the roster long-term.

The Warriors have been straddling two timelines for multiple years. Now, with Steph Curry and Draymond Green entering the final stage of their career, the younger core is getting an opportunity to step up. Podziemski looks like a potential star of the future, and that should encourage Warriors fans around the world.

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Does Buddy Hield move the needle for the Warriors?

How much on an impact can Buddy Hield make for the Golden State Warriors?

Buddy Hield will replace the perimeter scoring the Golden State Warriors lost when Klay Thompson left for the Dallas Mavericks at the start of free agency. The Warriors front office quickly pivoted to ensure Steph Curry would have the necessary floor spacing to continue cooking opposing defenses without dealing with countless double and triple teams.

There aren’t many better volume three-point shooters than Hield. He averages 40% from deep for his career, and hit 38.6% of his three-point attempts this past season. As such, Steve Kerr won’t need to make too many alterations to a system that has allowed the Warriors to dominate for over a decade.

Nevertheless, there are still questions surrounding the level of impact Hield will have on the Warriors rotation. In a recent video by YouTube channel “Swish Central,” the hosts discuss how the veteran floor spacer can help elevate Golden State’s perimeter offense, and why his scoring gravity could unlock Curry’s overall game.

You can watch the full video by clicking on the embedded link above.

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Joe Lacob reveals text after Klay Thompson confirmed he was leaving

Joe Lacob has detailed his conversation with Klay Thompson after the veteran informed the front office of his decision to leave the Warriors

Klay Thompson’s departure from the Golden State Warriors was reportedly an emotional affair. The veteran sharpshooter had spent 13 successful years in the Bay Area. However, the chance of a fresh start with the Dallas Mavericks was an opportunity the veteran appears to be relishing.

During a recent episode of the “Hoops Adjacent” podcast, Joe Lacob detailed his conversation with Thompson as the veteran broke the news that he would be leaving the franchise in free agency. Thompson was an unrestricted free agent and could discuss terms with any team in the league.

“After he had called me and told me he had made the decision to move on, this was before free agency, he called me and was very nice about it and explained he didn’t like making the call but he said ‘I feel I just have to do this,” Lacob said. “Right after that, it was the next day, there was a few days before the beginning of free agency, I sent him that video of me bowing to him and it was just my way of saying he meant so much to us and so much to this organization and everything we’ve accomplished as a group and that I still feel that way about him.”

Lacob and Mike Dunleavy Jr. pivoted following Thompson’s departure, securing Buddy Hield’s services. Hield is among the best-volume three-point shooters in the NBA.

Nevertheless, Thompson’s absence will be felt throughout the organization, especially in the locker room. He has been a vital part of the organization for over a decade. Now, he will be competing against his former team as the Mavericks bid to make another NBA Finals.

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