Warriors face life without their elder core as Curry sits and the preseason rotates through the youth and role players. A 126-116 loss to the Lakers underscored the challenge but also the opportunity for Brandin Podziemski to shine with 23 points as primary facilitator in spots, while Jonathan Kuminga provided multi-faceted scoring and elite transition play. Golden State leaned into a lineup featuring Podziemski, Kuminga, Post and Hield, showing a path for depth and upside as the 2025-26 season looms.

Golden State’s coaching staff emphasized 48 minutes of solid NBA basketball, not just bursts, with Kerr lamenting the need for more consistency. The 21-point comeback fell short, and the Warriors’ turnover bug (20) reappeared, but the performance from the second unit and the continued growth of Young pieces like Podziemski and Kuminga offered tangible fantasy intrigue as Curry and other veterans rest.

Golden State remains Steph-centric, blend­ing a veteran core with a youthful, high-IQ cast as Curry defies age and carries the championship window. The piece frames a two-timeline path—with Kuminga, Podziemski, Moody, Trayce Jackson-Davis, and Wiseman growing around Curry while Kerr shepherds the process toward sustained contention.

Roster alchemy underlines the plan: Wiggins-for-Butler drama, Green’s extended stay, Horford’s deal, and a culture that prizes leadership and durability. Fantasy angles scream: Curry stays elite, Kuminga and Podziemski offer breakout upside, and Moody/Wiseman bring versatile fits as the Warriors chase another title run.

Bottom line for fantasy: Curry’s production remains the constant, while the young core and vets around him provide ceiling-raising possibilities as the two timelines concept plays out.

Warriors sign Seth Curry on an Exhibit 9 deal to bridge training camp and a November 15 re-signing, navigating Kuminga’s contract drama and second-apron constraints with Horford and Melton. Curry’s career 3-point shooting (43.3%) and 45.6% last season should boost Golden State’s spacing once he returns. Melton is ACL-rehabbing and unlikely to play until November, leaving the backcourt to Stephen Curry and Buddy Hield with a capable depth chart behind them.

Depth behind the stars—Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, and Gary Payton II—gives the Warriors cover early. The unfolding cap situation and the timing of re-signings will shape early-season rotations, with Melton’s return and Seth Curry’s role the two biggest wildcards for fantasy and betting angles.