The Warriors might have lost the war, but they certainly won the battle. At least partly. While the Bucks got the better of a short-handed Dubs, the Warriors’ loyalists are offering their support for the team’s effort. Particularly, Brandin Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga. Yet, even Podziemski knows that it’s a small relief amidst the ongoing struggles. A very small relief.

Talking to reporters post-game, he revealed a valid issue that they must address if they have any hopes of getting better. He said that in an off-court setting, they are probably the most close-knit group ever. But when it comes to on-court chemistry, there is a “disconnect.“

While team leaders Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Chris Paul take time to talk about issues or struggles during locker-room talks, there is only so much one can say. At the end of the day, it depends on each and every one in a team to step up and take their roles seriously.

As Podziemski summarized, the “want, energy, and desire” are necessary traits. Without them, the entire team “will suffer”. It’s not a probability. That part is a confirmation. But Podziemski wasn’t the first to note this.

The Warriors’ lack of connectivity seems to be a major problem

Gary Payton II, the 31-year-old veteran guard for the Warriors, had a foreboding sense that his team was missing a key feature. With the 2023-24 season being an injury-riddled one for GP, he hasn’t gotten enough time on the floor. But even he knew the moment he stepped foot after recovering from a calf injury that “disconnect” was a serious issue with the team.

Just two days prior to Payton’s comments, Kerr had echoed somewhat of a similar sentiment after their loss to the Mavericks. He mentioned how the squad no longer wants to just play for the group.

“Until this team really connects in a way that is solely dedicated to winning each and every game, we’re going to be stuck in this place,” he had said.

Read More: Trade Talks: Should Warriors Give Up Brandin Podziemski or Jonathan Kuminga for Pascal Siakam?

Veteran off-season acquisition, Chris Paul, also had the same opinion. He said that the solution is as simple as staying “connected”. Unfortunately, the Warriors are yet to find that connectivity.

And that is the scariest part. Will the Dubs find it before it’s too late? Or are the Warriors due for a rebuild? Let us know your thoughts below!

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