Golden State Warriors 2026/27: Stephen Curry has no margin for error in an aging roster

The Golden State Warriors face the 2026/27 NBA season with the obligation to make the most of Stephen Curry's final years at the highest level, but without making significant moves to transform a roster that needs rejuvenation. The San Francisco franchise finished last season with a record of 37 wins and 45 losses, tenth in the Western Conference, and fell to the Phoenix Suns in the play-in tournament, missing out on the playoffs.

The new season begins with a mix of continuity, future bets, and concern over the physical condition of several key players. Curry, at 38 years old, remains the project's main reference, while Draymond Green, at 36, and Al Horford, at 40, represent an important part of the team's experience that cannot afford too many setbacks.

In the preseason expectations ranking, Golden State occupies the 22nd position. This ranking reflects doubts about their ability to compete regularly in an increasingly demanding West and the uncertainty surrounding a roster whose ceiling will largely depend on the availability of its main stars.

Stephen Curry, the leader of a pressured project

The Warriors' main argument continues to be Stephen Curry. The point guard has shown that he can still perform at an All-NBA level, but the question is how long he can maintain that level and how much support he will receive from his teammates throughout the season.

Golden State needs Curry to maintain his offensive influence without having to take on an excessive load night after night. To achieve this, it will be essential for young players to step up and for veterans to stay available for as many games as possible.

Draymond Green will remain another essential piece. His defensive ability and his connection with Curry continue to provide a recognizable base for the team, although the passage of time forces the management of his efforts and the search for new solutions to maintain competitiveness throughout the regular season.

The situation of Kristaps Porzingis will also be crucial. The big man has extended his contract for two seasons and 40 million dollars, but concerns about his physical condition prevent considering him a guarantee. If he can stay healthy, his capacity to stretch the floor and provide interior presence could offer the Warriors a different offensive dimension.

Yaxel Lendeborg, the great hope of the new season

The main newcomer for Golden State is Yaxel Lendeborg, selected with the 11th pick in the draft. The power forward left a good impression during the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, where his performance allowed him to become one of the most prominent names on the team.

His profile fits well with several of Steve Kerr's offensive principles. Lendeborg can score from various spots on the floor, create plays, attack the rim, and find spaces without the ball. This versatility could be particularly interesting when sharing the court with Curry, whose ability to attract defenders opens up opportunities for his teammates.

The Warriors' new player has also shown confidence in shooting from the perimeter, both after receiving a pass and after dribbling, in addition to a competitive attitude in plays that don't always appear in the statistics. His willingness to fight for loose balls and extend possessions is another aspect that has drawn attention during training.

The challenge will be to translate those good impressions into the regular season and achieve greater defensive consistency. If he quickly adapts to the demands of the NBA, Lendeborg could become an important piece from his first year and bring the energy the roster needs.

Golden State also selected Lajae Jones with the 54th pick in the draft, although much of the attention will be on determining what role their young players can play in a team that needs immediate contributions.

Brandin Podziemski, facing the opportunity to leap forward

Another name to watch is Brandin Podziemski. His offensive prominence during the preseason has increased, and his usage rate reached 28% in his first two games, a sign that he could have more opportunities to take on responsibilities.

The Warriors have not significantly bolstered their outside game, beyond the addition of Brandon Williams, so Podziemski has an important opportunity to establish himself. His development will be crucial to alleviating the pressure on Curry and providing alternatives when the primary offensive reference rests.

There will also be a need to follow the progression of Gui Santos and Lendeborg's role within the rotation. Both can find opportunities in a roster that needs depth and where young players will need to respond if the team wants to remain in the play-in hunt.

The ability of these secondary players to contribute points, defend consistently, and maintain offensive rhythm can make the difference between a competitive season and one where the Warriors lose ground from the early months.

A market focused on continuity and too many physical questions

Golden State's activity during the summer market has been marked by continuity. The franchise renewed Draymond Green for one season and 27.7 million dollars, Al Horford for two years and 14 million, De'Anthony Melton for two seasons and 11 million, and Gary Payton II for one year and 3.9 million.

Additionally, Georges Niang joined with a one-season contract worth 3.9 million dollars. Porzingis' extension completes a group that retains much of its experience, although it does not resolve all doubts about the balance of the roster.

On the departures side, Pat Spencer signed with the Suns, Trayce Jackson-Davis was traded to the Toronto Raptors, and Quinten Post joined the Memphis Grizzlies.

However, the greatest concern is related to injuries. Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody could miss the entire season, and there is no certainty that they can immediately regain their best form if they do return to the court. This is compounded by Porzingis' physical doubts and the age of several of the team's main figures.

This scenario leaves Golden State with limited maneuvering room. The continuity of their core can facilitate adaptation, but it also increases the risk that the team will again suffer availability issues at decisive moments.

The play-in, the most realistic objective for the Warriors

The best scenario for Golden State involves staying healthy and receiving enough contributions from their young players to compete during the regular season. Curry has shown he can still lead a high-level team, while Green retains important defensive resources.

If the Warriors reach the crucial stretch with their main players available and Butler and Porzingis can integrate under suitable conditions, their potential could exceed what a low ranking in the West suggests. In that context, the play-in appears as the most realistic goal, with the possibility of aiming for more if circumstances favor them.

The worst scenario would be to repeat a season marked by injuries and the physical wear of their veterans. A small decline in performance, combined with new absences, could leave Golden State out of the postseason hunt sooner than expected.

The schedule also does not offer much time to settle in. The Warriors will debut on October 21 against the Los Angeles Lakers, host the Memphis Grizzlies on the 23rd, and visit the Phoenix Suns on the 24th. Three initial commitments that will test a roster that needs to find its identity from the start.

Golden State still has Curry and retains a competitive core, but that does not guarantee a return to the playoffs. The 2026/27 season will be a test to see if the experience and talent of their veterans can compensate for physical limitations and the lack of impactful reinforcements. If the young players respond, the Warriors will have options to fight for the play-in; if injuries again affect the project, the margin for error will be virtually nonexistent.