Kenny Smith said, “They should go young, through the draft, through trade” in order to improve the roster of the underperforming Warriors.

As the Golden State Warriors continue to grapple with inconsistency and underperformance, one of the NBA’s most respected analysts and former player, Kenny “The Jet” Smith, has weighed in with his thoughts on how the team can improve their roster moving forward. Known for his sharp basketball insight on the popular NBA show Inside the NBA, Smith recently suggested that the Warriors should look to go young, building their team through the draft and trade rather than relying solely on veteran talent.

In a season where the Warriors have underperformed by their standards, the spotlight is on the organization to make strategic moves to reclaim their championship-contending form. With aging players, fluctuating performances, and the looming question of how long their core can stay competitive, Smith’s comments bring a fresh perspective to the debate on how the Warriors should navigate the coming seasons.

In this article, we will explore Kenny Smith’s suggestion of a youth movement for the Warriors, the current state of the roster, the potential benefits and risks of this approach, and what steps the franchise should take to retool for future success. From the importance of building for the future to how trades and the draft could reinvigorate the roster, we’ll break down the possible avenues the Warriors could pursue to get back on track.

1. The Current State of the Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors have been a dominant force in the NBA for over a decade. With a core that includes the likes of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, the Warriors have secured multiple championships, including a dynasty that has defined modern basketball. However, as the years have passed, the Warriors have found themselves facing the challenge of maintaining their high level of play with an aging roster and the absence of key players due to injury.

In recent seasons, the Warriors have struggled with maintaining their championship caliber. While Curry remains one of the top players in the league and Thompson is finding his form after returning from a lengthy injury, the team has yet to find the same dominance that marked their earlier years. Green, while still an excellent defender and playmaker, has also faced criticism for inconsistency on offense and for not being as impactful as in previous seasons. The team has seen flashes of greatness but has also suffered from periods of mediocrity.

The inconsistency has been evident both in their performance against top-tier teams and their inability to close out games in crucial moments. Injuries have also played a significant role in their struggles. Thompson’s return was highly anticipated, but it has been clear that he hasn’t fully regained his pre-injury form. Additionally, the Warriors have been burdened by questions regarding their depth, with younger players like James Wiseman, Moses Moody, and Jonathan Kuminga still working to adjust to the NBA’s high demands.

2. Kenny Smith’s Proposal: Go Young Through the Draft and Trade

Kenny Smith’s comments on the Warriors’ need to go young come at a time when the team is trying to figure out its identity in the post-dynasty era. With Curry aging into his mid-30s and other key players like Thompson and Green not getting any younger, Smith believes that the Warriors must start preparing for the future. The best way to do this, according to Smith, is by focusing on younger talent through the NBA draft and trades.

2.1. Drafting for the Future

The NBA draft is always an exciting event for teams looking to build for the future. For the Warriors, who have been built around their star players for so long, focusing on young talent could provide the necessary foundation for a new generation of players who can eventually take over the mantle when the current core begins to age out.

In recent drafts, the Warriors have shown a willingness to invest in younger players with potential. However, many of these players, such as James Wiseman, Moses Moody, and Jonathan Kuminga, have not yet found consistent roles with the team. Smith’s suggestion to focus on drafting young talent indicates that the Warriors should look to improve their scouting and development systems to identify and cultivate players who can contribute immediately while also developing long-term skills.

By investing in youth through the draft, the Warriors can replenish their roster with fresh, energetic players who bring new strengths to the team. These players could eventually complement the remaining pieces of the old guard (Curry, Thompson, Green) while preparing the team for life after the current core.

2.2. Trading for Youth and Flexibility

While the draft is one avenue to improve, Smith also advocates for a more active approach: trades. The Warriors have a roster with valuable veterans, and trading some of their older pieces for younger, more promising talent could offer a balance between contending in the short term and building for the future. This strategy would require the Warriors to part with key veterans—such as Draymond Green, who may still have significant trade value due to his defensive prowess, leadership, and championship pedigree.

Trading a player like Green, or even other role players, could allow the Warriors to acquire young assets, draft picks, or players who fit better into the evolving system. Such trades could allow the team to lower its payroll while gaining younger players with upside potential, giving the Warriors more room to develop their future stars.

By incorporating younger players into the rotation through trades, the Warriors could get an infusion of talent that would provide the depth needed to navigate the grueling NBA season. In particular, players who are more athletic, versatile, and capable of contributing on both ends of the floor could offer a stark contrast to the older, more veteran-laden roster currently in place.

3. The Benefits of a Youth Movement

3.1. Future-Proofing the Franchise

One of the biggest advantages of adopting a youth movement is that it helps future-proof the franchise. The Warriors have enjoyed a period of unparalleled success, but even dynasties have an expiration date. The team is now entering a stage where aging stars and lack of depth could hinder their competitiveness. Investing in younger players would ensure that the Warriors are still a competitive team in the years to come, allowing them to stay relevant even after the current championship window closes.

By focusing on youth, the Warriors could build a team that is capable of sustaining excellence well into the future. New players would be able to grow into their roles, develop chemistry, and eventually be in positions to lead the team when Curry, Thompson, and Green move into different stages of their careers.

3.2. Player Development

The Warriors have one of the best player development systems in the league. Under coach Steve Kerr and his staff, the franchise has cultivated a reputation for helping players grow and reach their potential. Moving forward with younger players would provide the opportunity for the Warriors to showcase their development acumen. Players like Wiseman, Moody, and Kuminga could see more playing time, which would accelerate their development and better prepare them for bigger roles.

Developing young talent is critical to long-term success, and the Warriors’ investment in developing their younger players could pay dividends when they are ready to take the reins of the team. The infusion of new energy and ideas could rejuvenate the Warriors’ playstyle, while also creating more competition for spots on the roster.

3.3. Flexibility and Financial Freedom

Another significant advantage of a youth movement is the financial flexibility it provides. The Warriors are known for their expensive roster, especially with the contracts of Curry, Thompson, and Green. Transitioning to a younger team, with less expensive contracts, could provide more room to maneuver in the salary cap, potentially allowing the Warriors to sign or trade for the right pieces when needed.

Additionally, trading away veteran players could give the Warriors an influx of future assets, including draft picks and young players, which could be leveraged for future trades or to build around the younger core. This strategy could provide a long-term foundation for the Warriors to retool their roster without the burden of excessive payroll, ensuring they remain competitive both financially and on the court.

4. The Risks and Challenges of a Youth Movement

While focusing on younger players has numerous benefits, it also comes with its fair share of risks. The biggest challenge would be the potential for the team to take a step back in the short term. A roster full of young players typically means more growing pains, inconsistency, and mistakes on the court. For a team that is used to winning, particularly with the high standards set by the Warriors’ dynasty, any regression could be frustrating for both fans and management.

Additionally, the Warriors would need to find the right balance between developing young talent and maintaining competitiveness. It’s possible that focusing too heavily on youth could lead to a lack of cohesion with the veteran players still on the roster, potentially disrupting the team’s chemistry. The Warriors must carefully manage how they blend new talent with the current stars to ensure that the team remains cohesive and capable of winning games.