Father Time might be undefeated, but that is not going to stop the Golden State Warriors from going down swinging.

The Warriors will enter the season led by 37-year-old Stephen Curry, 36-year-old Jimmy Butler, and 35-year-old Draymond Green. Though advanced in age, this team is still considered a dark horse contender in the Western Conference. Their 22-5 record last season when both Curry and Butler are in the line-up is a testament to this team’s potential.

Like any team that relies heavily on older players, the health of these three stars will ultimately decide how far they can go this season.

WHAT’S NEW?

Just when everyone thought that Golden State could not be any older, they went out and signed 39-year-old center Al Horford to a two-year, $12 million deal. He won a championship with the Boston Celtics in 2024 and remains a strong two-way contributor in limited minutes. 

Horford’s versatility on offense will come in handy for these Warriors, although his biggest contribution is expected to be on the defensive end. Following the departure of Kevon Looney in the offseason, Golden State will rely on Horford as their primary interior defender. This is particularly important for their championship aspirations given that they play in the same conference as the best center in recent NBA history, three-time Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic.

BIGGEST QUESTIONS

After a drawn out negotiation process, Jonathan Kuminga and the Warriors finally agreed on a two-year, $48.5 million extension. The 23-year-old forward was a restricted free agent, but was angling for a trade to another team. Ultimately, he returned to Golden State and will play a key role for this team regardless of whether or not he is still a Warrior by the end of the season.

Kuminga’s talent is undeniable and if he can learn how to better complement Golden State’s stars, then this team’s ceiling will be significantly higher. He was brilliant in the Warriors’ second round defeat against the Minnesota Timberwolves, averaging 24.3 points per game in their last four games where Curry was sidelined. 

Golden State needs him to pick up from where he left off as he not only has value to them as an on-court producer, but is also their most tradeable asset as well.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Brandin Podziemski thrived after the All-Star break last season as the Warriors’ starting shooting guard. In 22 games after the break, he averaged 15.5 points, 2.7 three-pointers, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists as his adaptability on offense made him a strong complementary piece next to Curry and Butler.

The 22-year-old guard will be relied upon heavily once again this season and Golden State needs him to be as consistent as possible for this team to work.

REASON FOR OPTIMISM/CONCERN

For as long as Curry is around, the Warriors must be respected as contenders. He remains the best shooter in the NBA until further notice and his ability to tilt the floor on offense continues to be one of this team’s biggest strengths. This team will only go as far as Curry takes them and Golden State’s loyal fanbase is hoping for one last magical season from this all-time great.