Golden State Warriors

Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski and center Kevon Looney will move into the starting five ahead of Wednesday's preseason matchup against the Sacramento Kings. Head coach Steve Kerr is experimenting with his lineups which is never a bad idea during the preseason. He'll replace De'Anthony Melton and Trayce Jackson-Davis with Podziemski and Looney on Wednesday. It doesn't seem that Kerr has decided on a starting unit yet. However, Stephen Curry and Draymond Green are locks and Jonathan Kuminga seems to have earned his spot as well. Podziemski posted promising numbers last season and figures to have a significant role whether it's starting or off the bench. The 21-year-old averaged 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists last season.

Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (illness) practiced on Monday. While he didn't log a full session, he's moving in the right direction. The veteran is coming off the worst season of his career, averaging 13.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 2023-24. With Klay Thompson now in Dallas, expectations are high for Wiggins, so there is bounce-back potential. At any rate, he won't suit up for Wednesday's preseason matchup with the Kings, meaning Moses Moody, Jonathan Kuminga, Kyle Anderson, and Lindy Waters III could see more action. However, Wiggins should be ready to begin the 2024-25 campaign.

Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga said on Monday that he was hopeful an extension with the Warriors could get completed prior to the October 21st deadline. He went on to state, "I'm not really concerned about it. If I get it, if I don't, it's cool." Kuminga excelled in his 46 games as a starter last season, posting up 17.2 PPG and 5.2 RPG in starts. With Klay Thompson headed off to Dallas, Kuminga's role will be less threatened and his production levels should increase. The 21-year-old won't be the recipient of the additional threes Thompson provided Golden State, but he'll continue to be a solid rebounder and a great contributor at the rim. With a big season on board, Warriors fans and fantasy managers alike will be eager to see what he does in an elevated role throughout a full season. Those looking to draft Kuminga should be able to find him around the #100 pick in their upcoming draft.

Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins opened the team's Media Day with a candid interview about his scoring role. When asked if he needs to score more this season, Wiggins replied, "More than I did last year for sure." He averaged a career-low 13.2 points per game last season and emphasized the need for better efficiency and aggression. As Wiggins embarks on his sixth season with the Warriors, he understands the importance of stepping up his game. If Golden State hopes to return to the playoffs, the veteran forward will need to play a key role in both scoring and defense. Last season, he averaged 27 minutes per game, 13.2 PPG, and 4.5 RPG while shooting 45.3% from the field, appearing in 71 games.

Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II expressed optimism about his health during Warriors Media Day. Before taking any questions, the 31-year-old stated, "Yes. I plan on being available this year. I feel good, healthy. Body's feeling great." Payton II appeared in 44 games last season and just 22 contests during the 2022-2023 season. Staying healthy has been a challenge for the defensive specialist, but when on the court, Golden State values his toughness and defensive prowess. He will provide depth at guard, coming off the bench for the team.