Warriors Staying Afloat Behind an Energized Young Core

Through 12 outings, the 22-year-old rookie has been impressive, posting averages of 10 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per contest and effectively establishing himself within the Warriors’ nightly rotation. The analytics back up Richard’s strong offensive contributions, as the former Florida Gator boasts a true shooting percentage (TS%) of 73.4% — ranking him among the league’s most efficient guards this season.

In addition to his scoring, Richard’s impact has also been felt on the defensive end. Whether it’s taking on offensive players driving to the cup individually or wreaking havoc in the passing lanes, the rookie wing has displayed his versatility as a defender during his limited run time early on in 2025.

Perhaps Richard’s best all-around performance came on Nov. 5, when the rookie earned the first official start of his career. In this contest, Richard would finish with 30 points and seven rebounds, becoming one of just three rookies to reach that scoring mark this season.

Not bad for a late second-round pick.

Quinten Post

Last season, Quinten Post established himself as a legitimate “stretch big” for the Warriors, knocking down nearly 41% of his 4.3 attempts per game. However, the storyline surrounding Post so far this season hasn’t been his offense — it’s been his impact on the defensive end.

Through 11 contests, Post boasts an average block percentage of 3.8%, ranking him among the league’s best rotational centers in the category. Post’s 3.8% block percentage in 2025 is roughly 1.3% higher than his rookie season averages, showcasing his growth as a shot-blocker year-to-year.

The second-year center has also been quite productive on the defensive glass, hauling in a career-high 3.2 defensive rebounds per game. Post’s defensive rebound rating (DRB%) currently sits around 18.1%, a mark better than 81% of qualified players in the association.

Overall, while Post remains a formidable scoring threat from long range, his marked defensive growth has elevated his game to another level in 2025.

Jonathan Kuminga

After an offseason filled with tense contract negotiations, fifth-year wing Jonathan Kuminga has been all business since taking the hardwood in 2025.

Finally locked into a consistent role within the Dubs’ rotation, Kuminga has taken advantage, capitalizing on his increased minutes and responsibilities. Through 12 contests, Kuminga has posted averages of 14.9 points and 3.1 assists per game on 57.3% true shooting. While his numbers may not jump off the page, Kuminga’s overall fit within the Warriors’ system and alongside the team’s veteran stars has looked much-improved to start the year.

On the opposite end, Kuminga has showcased his versatility as defender, utilizing his length and athleticism to both guard perimeter threats and help protect the rim.

However, where the former first-round pick has stood out in particular has been on the glass. So far this season, Kuminga is hauling in a career-high 6.8 rebounds per game, a significant improvement from last season’s 4.6. The 23-year-old’s defensive rebound percentage (DRB%) of 18.26% also ranks him above 82% of qualified players in the association.

Plain and simple: While things haven’t been perfect, for the most part, Jonathan Kuminga has been crashing the boards relentlessly and providing the Warriors with quality play on both ends of the court.

Now, the question becomes: Does Kuminga’s early-season performance signal a long-term role for him in Golden State moving forward? Or does it simply improve his value as an asset ahead of the NBA’s annual trade deadline?

Brandin Podziemski

Though his play has been somewhat inconsistent at times, third-year guard Brandin Podziemski has been an important figure within the Warriors’ rotation so far this season.

Through 12 contests, Podziemski is averaging a career-high 12.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game on 56.9% true shooting. Overall, Podziemski’s shooting splits have have been solid to start the year, converting on 45.2% of his shot attempts from the field and 36.4% from beyond the arc — both steady marks for an NBA guard.

However, what’s really set Podziemski apart this season isn’t his just his scoring — it’s his ability to glue the Dubs’ offense together. His play-making abilities and relentless on-court hustle have made him a natural connector for Golden State’s second unit, while also giving Head Coach Steve Kerr another reliable ball-handler to deploy in the non-Steph minutes.

On the defensive end, Podziemski has also been effective. So far this season, while on the court, the talented guard has posted a defensive rating of 113.9 per 100 possessions, a respectable mark for the former Santa Clara standout. Additionally, though it’s a small sample size, Podziemski currently averages roughly 1.4 steals per game, a career high in that category.

Overall, while there’s still room for Podziemski to scale his game upwards, there’s no denying he’s played a role in keeping the Dubs afloat to start a pivotal 2025-26 season.

Moses Moody

Though a nagging calf injury has mildly hampered his season, fifth-year wing Moses Moody has quietly been playing some of the best basketball of his career in 2025.

Through 12 games, Moody is averaging career highs in points, rebounds, and assists, while also playing the most minutes per night of his career at 22.6 per game. Moody’s shooting splits back up his strong box scoring averages, with the former Arkansas Razorback shooting roughly 42% from the field and 43% from beyond the arc.

Moody also boasts the highest true shooting percentage of this career at 62%.

Moody’s impact on the defensive end has been equally impressive, with the athletic wing posting career-highs in both steals and blocks and emerging as one of Golden State’s most reliable point-of-attack defenders.

Whether it’s knocking down big shots or matching up with the opposing team’s best scoring threat, Moody’s balanced two-way play early on in 2025 has made him a critical part of the Dubs’ rotation night-in and night-out — whether he’s in the starting lineup or coming off the bench.

The Bottom Line

For years, the identity of the Golden State Warriors has centered around their championship-tested veteran core. However, so far this season, it’s been the contributions from the younger players that have kept the Dubs afloat in 2025.

While the “Big-3” will always steer the ship, strong play early from Golden State’s young core has seemingly transformed the Dubs from a top-heavy unit into a more dynamic, multi-dimensional force in the NBA’s cutthroat Western Conference.