Porziņģis and the Warriors eye a second ring after a quiet offseason
The Golden State Warriors' offseason began with big rumors about landing a superstar but ended with the team largely running it back with its existing roster plus a few role-player additions. Experts remain cautious about the team's chances, pointing to Kristaps Porziņģis' health as a key factor.
The Golden State Warriors' offseason opened with ambitious talk of pursuing LeBron James and trading for Anthony Davis. Neither materialized: James signed with Philadelphia to build a new superteam, while Davis remained in Washington.
In the end, the summer turned into a retention effort. Kristaps Porziņģis, acquired midway through last season, signed a new two-year, $40 million contract. Draymond Green also re-signed on the same terms he had earlier declined, while veterans Al Horford, Gary Payton II, De'Anthony Melton and Charles Bassey all returned on new one- or two-year deals.
Newcomers included guard Brandin Williams, signed away from the Dallas Mavericks, and forward Georges Niang, plus 11th overall draft pick Yaxel Lendeborg, who was named Summer League MVP and helped the team win the Summer League championship.
Projected rotation
The expected starting lineup features Stephen Curry, either Brandin Podziemski or Melton, Gui Santos, Green and Porziņģis. Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody are not expected back from injury until later in the season. Porziņģis' health is seen as pivotal — he has not played more than 70 games in any NBA season since his debut.
Expert outlook
ESPN projects the Warriors to finish 35-47, placing ninth in the Western Conference and landing in the play-in tournament. Bleacher Report ranks the team 21st overall in its power rankings. Some analysts suggest Golden State could be a rebuilding candidate this season, while others expect a boost if Butler returns healthy and if Podziemski and Lendeborg continue to develop. The team retains flexibility to pursue trades during the season.
