Warriors' Four-Game Skid Raises Questions About Rotations and Depth
The Golden State Warriors' strong start to the season has hit a snag with a four-game losing streak, marked by bottom-10 rankings in both offense and defense during this stretch. While Stephen Curry, Andrew Wiggins, and Buddy Hield have continued to perform well, the rest of the 12-man rotation relied upon by coach Steve Kerr has struggled. Key players like Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and Lindy Waters have collectively shot poorly from beyond the arc in recent games, raising concerns about the impact of inconsistent rotations and minutes on team performance.
"Do we need to shorten it?" Curry said. "We probably need to be more predictable on a night-to-night basis so guys can get a little bit of a rhythm. Is that shortening it one or two guys? Maybe.”
With challenging matchups against Denver and Houston ahead, the Warriors face crucial decisions about their approach. Although the game against Denver is part of the NBA Cup, the Warriors have already clinched their group, while the Nuggets are virtually out of contention. It remains to be seen whether Kerr will adjust by tightening his rotations or continue experimenting with depth to regain momentum.
Can Buddy Hield Really Replace Klay Thompson
Now that Buddy Hield is with the Golden State Warriors as Klay Thompson's sort-of replacement, his ability to elevate the team will hinge on how effectively he can adapt to their system and fill the significant void left by Thompson. Hield’s primary strength—his elite three-point shooting—fits perfectly into Golden State’s motion-heavy offense.
To truly make an impact, he must quickly adapt to their intricate off-ball movement, constant screening, and high IQ decision-making. His ability to find open spots on the perimeter and shoot at a high clip under pressure will help maintain the floor spacing that has been a hallmark of the Warriors’ success.
To elevate the Warriors, Hield must also expand his game beyond shooting. While he has proven himself as a deadly scorer, he needs to work on his defense to align with Golden State’s team-first philosophy. Klay Thompson was a cornerstone of the Warriors’ defensive identity, often guarding the opposition’s best perimeter player (before he got injured). Hield will need to step up on that end, improving his lateral quickness and defensive awareness to hold his own in high-stakes matchups. The Warriors’ system relies heavily on switching and communication, so Hield’s ability to buy into those schemes will be critical.
Additionally, Hield can elevate the Warriors by embracing the leadership expectations that come with replacing an icon like Thompson. Though he isn’t expected to replicate Thompson’s entire skill set, he can make a strong impact by maintaining confidence and composure in big moments. Demonstrating poise in critical late-game situations—whether by hitting clutch shots or making smart decisions—will endear him to both teammates and fans. His ability to shoulder some of the scoring load alongside Stephen Curry will also ease the pressure on the team’s aging stars.
Veterans in the Warriors’ system, like Draymond Green, have long mentored rising talents. Hield can step into a similar role, guiding players like Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga while setting an example with his work ethic and professionalism.
