Warriors’ depth showing immense promise four games into 2023-24 NBA season – NBC Sports Bay Area & California

During his 18 NBA seasons, Chris Paul declared the Golden State Warriors as the deepest team he has ever played with. And their performance on Monday night supported his claim. Despite missing key players Klay Thompson and Jonathan Kuminga due to knee injuries, the Warriors dominated the New Orleans Pelicans with a 130-102 victory.

Coach Steve Kerr delved into his bench and played 10 different players, none of whom played fewer than 13 minutes. Rookies Brandin Podziemski and Trayce Jackson-Davis impressed in their first extended NBA action, contributing efficiently to the team’s success.

One of the most promising aspects of the Warriors’ performance was the limited playing time of their experienced players. Even with a grizzled veteran like Stephen Curry scoring a game-high 42 points, no one played more than 30 minutes. Curry expressed his excitement about the team’s chemistry and ability to mix and match lineups, particularly with the contribution of Chris Paul leading the second unit.

The cohesion in the rotation became apparent when Steve Kerr moved Paul to the bench and replaced him with Draymond Green in the starting lineup. This move allowed Paul more time to orchestrate plays with the second unit, which included rookies like Moody and Jackson-Davis.

The rookies showed great potential, impressing Kerr with their anticipation and ability to keep the game simple. Despite their young age, they provided considerable contributions and took direction from Paul.

Although Podziemski and Jackson-Davis are not among the top 10 players in the rotation, they have showcased their talent along with veteran guard Cory Joseph. When all the players are healthy, Paul will usually be joined by Sarić, Payton, Kuminga, and Moody. They have already demonstrated their ability to make a deep playoff run with their recent performances.

With over three months left until the trade deadline and two months until the postseason, the Warriors have ample time to evaluate their roster and determine if they have enough depth to contend for a championship. Kerr acknowledged their good start but recognized that there is still a long way to go.

Despite missing key scorers, the Warriors showcased their depth and cohesion to defeat the Pelicans convincingly. Kerr emphasized the team’s connection and support for each other, highlighting their unity and enjoyment of the game.

It’s clear that the Warriors are off to an encouraging start, and with their deep roster, they have the potential to make a deep playoff run. To stay up-to-date with the Warriors’ journey, download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast.