Let’s tackle the straightforward question first: How did the season take a turn for the worse when, at the beginning, it seemed like the Warriors were poised for a strong comeback following a disappointing playoff exit the previous year?

Exhibit A: Draymond Green’s suspension. After an incident involving Jusuf Nurkic, Green was suspended for 12 games during a crucial stretch for the Warriors. While the team managed a 7-5 record during his absence, there were games they could have won with his presence, highlighting his importance both defensively and as a leader.

Exhibit B: Roster construction. It was evident early in the season that key players like Andrew Wiggins and Klay Thompson struggled to find their rhythm. The team lacked a reliable secondary shot creator, putting additional pressure on players like Jonathan Kuminga. While Kuminga showed promise, expecting him to shoulder such responsibility without proper development was unfair.

The team also lacked size, especially against dominant big men like Nikola Jokic and Anthony Davis. The absence of a reliable defensive presence in the paint further compounded their issues.

### Where Do They Go From Here?

Looking ahead presents a challenging task, especially considering uncertainties surrounding Klay Thompson’s extension and Chris Paul’s expiring contract.

One option is to retain current players and hope for improvement. However, this approach offers no guarantees and may require significant development from younger players.

Another option is to pursue a trade for a second shot creator. Potential targets include Dejounte Murray or Clint Capela. However, acquiring such players may require parting ways with valuable assets like Wiggins and Kuminga.

Alternatively, a sign-and-trade for a player like Paul George could elevate the team to championship contention but would require sacrificing future assets.

### Conclusion

The Warriors’ decision-makers face a critical juncture. While the team’s past success is undeniable, questions loom regarding the future. Steph Curry’s enduring greatness suggests the window for contention remains open, but bold moves may be necessary to capitalize on this opportunity.

In the end, whether the Warriors continue to contend or embark on a new era remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: decisive action is needed to secure the team’s future success.