The fire within the Golden State Warriors is far from extinguished. Yes, they lost one of their core legends, Klay Thompson, in the offseason and never made breathtaking additions to their roster. So why stay motivated? The plan now extends to three years, holding Stephen Curry and Draymond Green at the helm. No one in the organization believes their time is up just yet.

“I know I ain’t done. I know he ain’t done,” Green said, looking at Stephen Curry. Despite a relatively new roster, some enthusiasm looms over the Bay. They have a great team that complements their keystones. The excitement is about finding their renewed identity and bringing about a change from their traditional ways that uphold a dynasty.

The former Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) has a strong emotional connection to the organization. To him, their success over a decade will still be built through him and his former teammates. He calls the Warriors ‘home’ and remains committed to bringing about a transformation. However, he also understands that nothing can change overnight. The priority is to build gradually and lead a charge once again.

“We can do that s— again. I know we can do it again. I’m not a part of the consortium that don’t think we can get it done,” he bluntly, told The Athletic. “I’d struggle if we were just cashing it in,” he continued. 

Likewise, the entire group seems motivated. The Warriors have added enhancing pieces such as Buddy Hield and Kyle Anderson to revitalize the franchise. As per Draymond Green, none of his teammates are content with ‘cashing in’ just yet. History is still to be made for the Bay. And on this last stretch, they hope to rise, yet again, as underdogs as they did in 2015.

The Warriors remains strong with Draymond Green and Chef Curry

At times, it’s better to start with a blank canvas. That’s exactly where the Warriors stand. So far, they aren’t sure how their starting lineup will look. Kerr has flirted with the idea of Draymond Green starting as the center. However, calculations are still being made. However, in reinventing themselves, there is also the opportunity to establish a new culture.

Kerr details how he wants the team to be “scrappy”. They have the players to work in hounding opposition. Green, Kuminga, Andrew Wiggins, and Podziemski are all adept at smothering attackers. Furthermore, both Kevon Looney and second-year center Trayce Jackson-Davis impressed the veteran coach in their Bahamas training camp.

Looney has looked lean in his workouts and has the potential to be a lot more nimble, compared to his previous years. With Jackson Davis, the Warriors had their most positive stretch toward the end of the season. He and Green in particular played well together. The alternative approach is to construct a “defensive-minded team”. In that regard, the Warriors have some dashing pieces.

Even Curry, the most influential player on the Warriors, has opted into that mentality. It could be alluded to the effectiveness of defense he witnessed in Paris. It can positively set the tempo for the Warriors to be a team that will exhaust opponents. In terms of players, a particular emphasis is on Andrew Wiggins, who has entered the season with a refreshed mentality following a few challenging months.

He is among the tone-setters with the style Kerr wishes to run. The player showed the full extent of his abilities in the 2022 Finals, another run by the Bay no one saw coming. In terms of potential, the Warriors have it all. To match others, they have inspiring leaders to go along with it. At times, the motivation to beat the odds can do wonders.

It’s still a learning phase, though. The franchise understands that they still have to build. However, they can draw several inferences through this season, especially if their product flourishes. In the coming years, even one relevant move could place them as contenders again. Curry and Green are both charged up and so is Steve Kerr.

Do you think the Warriors have what it takes?