Former Golden State Warriors All-Star Baron Davis emphasized that the team requires a crucial young talent to enhance their chances of winning another championship this season. Speaking on Paul George’s podcast, Davis highlighted that while the Warriors have established stars like Stephen Curry, they still need an X factor to make a genuine title push.
Baron Davis on Warriors’ Need for a New Impact Player
Davis pointed out the importance of blending veteran leadership with emerging young players. He acknowledged the presence of stars such as Curry and Draymond Green, alongside Jimmy Butler, but stressed that these key contributors are aging.
“You would have wished, you know, Klay was a part of that too. But having Jimmy, I think, gives them a real opportunity to compete for a Western Conference title. Now, it’s just a matter of what young talent or who you can find that can become that X factor.”
—Baron Davis, Former Warriors All-Star
“Because we know who Steph is. We know Steph is gonna Steph, he’s gonna cook. We know who Dray is; he’s going to always finish top tier on the defense. We know Jimmy Butler is just dangerous. But they’re older.”
—Baron Davis, Former Warriors All-Star
Davis underlined the necessity for a younger player to step up confidently in the locker room, one who can assume responsibility and invigorate the team’s dynamics.
“Who’s that young dude that’s coming in the locker room like, ‘Yo, I like got this. Just give me, tell me what y’all need me to do, and pour into me.’ And I don’t think the Warriors have figured that out yet, right? Because it’s still like, you know, you got Kuminga, you got Pod, you got Moody, you know, and so you got a lot of good, solid young players. Now you need that X factor.”
—Baron Davis, Former Warriors All-Star
Why Finding Another Young Star Matters
Davis referenced the Boston Celtics’ acquisition of Derrick White as an example of successfully adding a valuable component to a veteran group. He reflected on how Jordan Poole played a similar role during the Warriors’ recent title run, acting as the team’s spark off the bench.
“Like when Boston went and got Derrick White, it was like, who is this dude? But all along, he has been killing. So, you’ve got to go find somebody who’s like a valuable asset to this team. Like the year you won it with Jordan Poole, he was the X factor. If he gets hot, ah sh**! More people are hot out there.”
—Baron Davis, Former Warriors All-Star
This sentiment indicates that a player with Poole’s ability to provide sudden bursts of scoring and momentum could make a critical difference for the Warriors’ chances of success.
Current Challenges and Roster Changes Facing the Warriors
The Warriors have experienced a slow offseason accompanied by some setbacks, including the departure of three-time NBA champion Kevon Looney to the New Orleans Pelicans. Meanwhile, Jonathan Kuminga’s future with Golden State remains uncertain amid reports of dissatisfaction and ongoing negotiations.
Despite being considered contenders for marquee free agents like Bradley Beal and LeBron James—dependent on contract buyouts and trades—the Warriors seem to prioritize veteran acquisitions over cultivating younger talent. Al Horford, who is poised to replace Looney at center, is reportedly still contemplating retirement as he decides whether to join San Francisco or not.
With veterans such as Curry (37), Butler (35), and Draymond Green (35) advancing in age, the team’s championship window appears to be closing rapidly. Meanwhile, the Warriors have only a few promising young players to build around, notably Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody, while Kuminga’s role remains uncertain.
What the Future Holds for the Warriors
The Warriors may be preparing for a gradual transition that resembles the Los Angeles Lakers’ strategy of restructuring their roster by clearing salary commitments in the mid-2020s. As their core stars approach the twilight of their careers, a rebuild appears increasingly likely within the next two to three years.
The team’s success in the short term depends heavily on identifying the next breakout player who can serve as the essential X factor to complement Stephen Curry and the veteran core. Without this addition, the Warriors’ status as title contenders may face growing doubt.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why does Stephen Curry wear 4?
A. FIBA, which manages Olympic basketball, once limited player numbers to 4-15 for simplicity during matches. This rule was removed in 2014. However, Team USA continues this practice in international competitions, including the Paris Olympics. This is the reason Curry, who selected the No.