Warriors Guard Gary Payton II Offers Hope for Team’s Mix of Veterans and Youth

The Golden State Warriors have been relatively quiet this offseason, but there's an internal belief that this team could surprise the rest of the NBA in 2026-2027. The Warriors started the summer by re-signing centers Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis to the roster, and since then have not made many moves. 

Golden State had the 11th overall pick in this year's NBA Draft, and they selected forward Yaxel Lendeborg out of Michigan. With wings Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody out to start the season, Lendeborg could see an increased role sooner than he thinks, and the coaching staff will rely on multiple players to step up in their absence.  

This roster is made up of a mix of veterans and young pieces, and guard Gary Payton II believes this is a good thing for the Warriors.

"We got 30 [Stephen Curry], we got [Draymond Green]. When we get Jimmy [Butler] and we get Moses [Moody] back, you never know. We just got to play the right ball until the right time and see what happens," Payton said. 

What Gary Payton said holds some truth. Steph Curry may have some durability issues, but when he's healthy, he is still among the top point guards in the NBA today. When looking at the rest of the roster without Butler and Moody, some of the younger players on this roster will be called upon for increased roles. 

Brandin Podziemski will slide into that starting shooting guard spot come the regular-season opener, and as he's coming off a career year scoring-wise, he could have a true breakout season with the increased opportunities he'll get. 

Another young player who will get increased minutes because of the injuries is Gui Santos. Santos has been coming off the bench for the Warriors in recent seasons, but now he has a chance to start in October and solidify his place on this team. 

The hope for the Warriors' coaching staff is that the experience these players gain as the season gets underway will better prepare them for more competitive games late in the season.

If Golden State can hold on and win the games they're supposed to, as long as Steph Curry is healthy, this is a team that could make a run in April and compete in the postseason once all their pieces return. 

Golden State has a lot of unproven talent on this roster, but if they can continue to improve as the season continues, they could be a competitive team in a tough Western Conference.