The Golden State Warriors are facing a crossroads of sorts as they try to balance being competitive with giving their young players more of an opportunity. 

The Warriors are one of the oldest teams in the league, and they didn't get much younger in the offseason as they re-signed Draymond Green, 36, Al Horford, 40, Gary Payton II, 34, and Kristaps Porzingis, 31. 

They did sign Gui Santos, 24, and De'Anthony Melton, 28, to new deals, and they drafted Yaxel Lendeborg with the 12th overall pick, but even he was one of the older prospects in the draft and will be 24 by the time the season starts. 

The Warriors do have Brandin Podziemski, 23, and Will Richard, 24, under contract, both of whom have shown promise in recent seasons. 

The biggest question regarding the Warriors' young core is which player will step up and be that option next to Steph Curry.

The loss of Moses Moody, who just turned 24 and has already played five seasons in the league, is a big one for the Warriors, as he has shown promise but suffered a torn patellar tendon in March and will miss at least the start of the season. 

Moody may have been the most promising young player on the team given his role and reps. 

Podziemski is going to be the guy that many point to as the one who needs to step up. He's 23 and has already played a big role on the team in his three seasons. He's shown improvement throughout his first three seasons, but is set to become a restricted free agent after this season, and he will be looking for a sizeable raise. 

Warriors' fans are already salivating over the rookie out of Michigan after his play in Summer League. 

While his age gives him less time to figure it all out and put it together, he's an all-around player who can contribute on both ends of the floor and does some of the dirty work that plays well alongside Curry and Draymond. 

It might be high expectations to put on a rookie, but Yaxel proved last season at Michigan that he is ready for the spotlight and the expectations put on him. The fact that he might in the starting lineup would be a high endorsement for him and give him the opportunity to immediately contribute. 

If there is any young player on the Warriors to back on, Yaxel would be the guy.