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.“
Podz details the "disconnect" between the Warriors' on-court and off-court chemistry pic.twitter.com/YKWvyEeUrz
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) January 14, 2024
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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.
Gary Payton II said a couple times the Warriors need to "get back to playing for each other."
"I'm pretty sure you can see it on the court, it's just a disconnect that we have, especially on defense. And I think our offense is predicated on our defense, and it should be the…
— Shayna Rubin (@ShaynaRubin) January 2, 2024
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.
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“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.
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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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