Warriors Player Grades Reflect Recent Struggles
It’s been three weeks since the last assessment of the Golden State Warriors players, a time marked by dramatic fluctuations. The team managed to rebound from a mini-crisis with a three-game winning streak, only to follow that up with a disappointing three-game losing streak. Overall, they hold a record of 5-6 since the previous update. With that in mind, it’s time to dive into the latest grades, which take into account the players’ performances over this stretch as well as the first seven games of the season.
As we evaluate these grades, it’s essential to remember that they are shaped not just by individual performance but also by the expectations set for each player. Spoiler alert: the overall trend leans downward, as many Warriors have faced significant challenges during this turbulent stretch.
Moses Moody’s Rise
Moses Moody stands out as the only player to see his grade rise more than a full letter, earning an A- after a previous C+. While his offensive consistency has been a concern, his flashes of brilliance have been noteworthy. He’s tallied five games with five or more three-pointers, including a remarkable outing with eight. On the defensive end, Moody has been a steady presence, boasting the fourth-best net rating on the team according to Cleaning the Glass. His ability to disrupt plays is evident, leading the team in deflections, while opponents shoot roughly 2% worse than expected when he’s on the defensive end. As the season progresses, Moody is emerging as Golden State’s most effective role player—a true three-and-D asset deserving of significant playing time.
Jimmy Butler’s Steady Impact
Jimmy Butler has maintained his A- grade from the last evaluation, proving to be a crucial acquisition for the Warriors. His presence is felt especially during the non-Curry minutes, where the team has struggled offensively. Remarkably, the Warriors hold a slight advantage of plus-1.0 with Butler on the court without Curry, a positive sign amid the chaos. Butler is averaging 20.1 points per game with impressive efficiency, shooting 51.9% from the field, and facilitating smoothly with a 4.8 assists to 1.6 turnovers ratio. His overall impact on the game is reflected in his impressive plus-14.0 net rating.
Stephen Curry’s Heavy Load
Stephen Curry’s recent performances have earned him a B+, an improvement from a previous C+. He continues to shoulder the offensive burden, evidenced by having the third-best offensive EPM in the league. However, his net rating ranks sixth on the team, and he made critical defensive errors in a recent loss against Portland, highlighting the need for him to be more consistent on both ends of the floor for the Warriors to find a sustainable winning rhythm.
Draymond Green’s Leadership
Draymond Green retains his B+ grade, bolstered by his status as the team leader in net rating at plus-21.3. His defensive prowess is well-documented, evident in various metrics that consistently rank him as the Warriors’ top defender. Despite a recent dip in shooting, he still manages to net 35.7% of his three-point attempts. The one area of concern remains his turnover rate, which has hit a career-high of 4.0 per 36 minutes. With the team struggling with turnovers overall, Green’s ability to set the tone in this area is crucial.
Quinten Post’s Surprising Defense
Quinten Post receives a B+, down from an A+. His three-point shooting has dipped to 34.4%, which could warrant a larger decline in grading. However, he still ranks second on the team with a plus-14.7 net rating, largely thanks to his surprising defensive contributions. With Al Horford sidelined, Post’s role is set to expand, and it will be interesting to see how he manages increased minutes.
Will Richard’s Rookie Challenges
Will Richard, graded at B, has shown promise as the 56th pick in the draft, especially with his shooting percentage of 55.4%. However, his net rating of -17.7 reflects some of the struggles typical of a rookie. Despite his early success, inconsistencies on defense have hampered the Warriors, especially given his starting role in many games.
Brandin Podziemski’s Stagnation
Brandin Podziemski earns a B, a slight drop from B+. His positive net rating and steady contributions on both ends are commendable, yet the expectation for a leap in his third year has not been met.
Jonathan Kuminga’s Injury Setback
Jonathan Kuminga’s grade has fallen to a B- from an A+. An unfortunate six-game stretch saw him shoot just 2-of-14 from beyond the arc, alongside troubling turnover numbers. His absence due to knee tendonitis has been felt, as the Warriors struggle with athleticism and scoring in the paint without him.
Emerging Contributors: Pat Spencer and Gary Payton II
Pat Spencer receives a B-, having exceeded early expectations significantly in a recent performance against the Miami Heat with 11 points, 13 assists, and eight rebounds. Meanwhile, Gary Payton II holds steady at C-, showing signs of life in his last two games after a lackluster season thus far.
Struggles for Gui Santos and Trayce Jackson-Davis
Gui Santos falls to a C-, down from a B, with a concerning -18.1 net rating in limited minutes. His role is likely to expand with injuries around him. Trayce Jackson-Davis also finds himself at C-, ungraded previously due to lack of minutes, but with a team-worst -23.4 net rating, he must find a way to contribute as the team’s frontcourt depth is tested.
Disappointments: Buddy Hield and Al Horford
Buddy Hield’s struggles continue, earning him a D, as he posts career lows in scoring and shooting percentage. Al Horford similarly faces disappointment, graded at D for his lackluster performance and recent injury, which leaves the Warriors vulnerable in the frontcourt.
As the Warriors navigate this challenging stretch, the need for consistency and improvement across the roster is more critical than ever. Each player’s contribution will be vital in determining the team’s trajectory as they seek to right the ship.
