Advertise on podcast: Let's Go Warriors

Gary Payton II sounds genuinely delighted that Frank Vogel wants the Warriors to be more physical on defense. When told the new philosophy involves creating collisions, Gary's reaction is priceless: "We get to cause a collision. Cool. We're good." 😂Brandon Williams (B-Dub) takes that philosophy a step further, explaining why the Warriors need to challenge opponents at the rim, even when it means occasionally getting dunked on. Having Draymond Green, De'Anthony Melton and Gary behind him gives B-Dub confidence in Golden State's defensive identity.But this isn't just about defense. Gary discusses breaking old habits as the Warriors adjust to a new offense, while B-Dub explains how Steve Kerr actually encourages his creative plays and speed — provided he learns to manage the turnovers that come with them... 👇 SYNOPSIS CONTINUED BELOW 👇 📌 Join on our knowledge-based Discord server for real-time NBA news feeds on all things Warriors, plus SEARCHABLE VIDEO by topics, coaches, players. 🗞 Free Discord with categorized Warriors + NBA updates: https://whop.com/letsgowarriors (choose FREE version) 💎 VIP Discord with real-time news feeds, exclusive clips + insights: https://whop.com/letsgowarriors (choose VIP version) 📰 Substack: https://letsgowarriors.com YOUTUBE VERSION OF THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/_xlzTudO7uQ (Entire transcript/timestamps found there in its Comments) THIS ORIGINALLY APPEARED LIVE HERE: [n/a] 👇 We also get two especially entertaining stories: B-Dub recalling how his former high school teammate De'Anthony Melton guarded positions 1 through 5, including a 6-foot-8 center, and revealing how Chris Paul and Kyrie Irving influenced his "yo-yo" dribble.Featuring edited practice interviews and original Let's Go Warriors commentary ahead of the 2026-27 season opener against the Lakers. CHAPTERS & TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Gary + B-Dub — Collision mentality and Kyrie/CP3 teaser(00:11) LGW introduction — What the Warriors are changing(01:49) CAUSE A COLLISION! — Gary embraces Frank Vogel's physical defense(02:34) B-Dub — Why collisions at the rim matter(03:21) Gary — NBA arm-bar rule emphasis and defensive physicality(03:55) BREAK THE OLD HABITS — Gary on the new Warriors offense(04:54) B-Dub — Organizing the second unit and protecting possessions(05:26) B-Dub — Kerr encourages creativity, but turnovers must improve(06:21) GUARDING 1–5 — Melton defending even 6-foot-8 centers in high school(07:22) B-Dub — The yo-yo dribble inspired by Chris Paul and Kyrie Irving(07:45) LGW closing thoughts — Physicality, creativity and new habits🫶💙💛 Let's Go WarriorsMore Warriors analysis, interviews and behind-the-scenes coverage at LetsGoWarriors.com.Join our community for thoughtful basketball conversations and coverage throughout the season.

Welcome to Warriors University! 🏀🎓 What does Steve Kerr mean by "collision mentality"? And why is Golden State deliberately scaling back Steph Curry's workload heading into the regular season? In this first Warriors University experiment, I revisit my days as a credentialed Warriors reporter, when Kerr's press conferences often felt like sitting around a campfire with the wise elder of the tribe. You could learn something new at almost every session. Today's lesson connects Frank Vogel's "smashmouth basketball" philosophy from his Indiana Pacers days — including the 2013 NBA Global Games in Taiwan that I covered — to the Warriors' current defensive approach. 👇 SYNOPSIS CONTINUED BELOW 👇 📌 Join on our knowledge-based Discord server for real-time NBA news feeds on all things Warriors, plus SEARCHABLE VIDEO by topics, coaches, players. 🗞 Free Discord with categorized Warriors + NBA updates: https://whop.com/letsgowarriors (choose FREE version) 💎 VIP Discord with real-time news feeds, exclusive clips + insights: https://whop.com/letsgowarriors (choose VIP version) 📰 Substack: https://letsgowarriors.com YOUTUBE VERSION OF THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/kiBteHPQjP0 (Entire transcript/timestamps found there in its Comments) THIS ORIGINALLY APPEARED LIVE HERE: [n/a] 👇 Vogel has even described Brandin Podziemski taking charges as a form of rim protection! Can the Warriors develop that physical mindset without an Andrew Bogut-type presence inside? After my opening commentary, Kerr's complete practice Q&A is reorganized by topic, making it easier to explore the different storylines. EPISODE TIMESTAMPS (00:00) Warriors University: Collision Mentality(03:54) Kerr on Vogel, Bogut & rim protection(05:54) Can five guys protect the rim?(07:08) Steph Curry's deliberate workload reduction(09:10) Kerr warns fans about back-to-backs(10:40) Why the new five-out offense isn't clicking yet(12:22) Draymond Green's buy-in and old habits(13:24) Kerr to Gui Santos: Don't force it(14:40) Kristaps Porziņģis: The person comes first(17:08) Opening Night: Niang, Brandon Williams & Bassey(18:42) Yaxel Lendeborg's ankle update Also discussed: defensive communication, the five-man shell, Al Horford's limitations, and the challenge of balancing veteran health with winning. If you enjoy thoughtful, detailed Warriors coverage that goes beyond highlights, rankings and hot takes, you're in the right place. Let's Go Warriors! 🫶💙💛 Keywords: Steve Kerr, Frank Vogel, Steph Curry, Draymond Green, Warriors University, Golden State Warriors, collision mentality, load management, Brandin Podziemski, Kristaps Porzingis, NBA defense, Warriors podcast, Andrew Bogut, Gui Santos, Yaxel Lendeborg, DubNation, Dub Nation.

“What the f**k?!” 😂 That's how Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg reacted when assistant coach Frank Vogel casually told him he'd be guarding Luka Dončić against the Lakers! In this collection of THREE interviews from Las Vegas, Yaxel first provides an update on his rolled ankle, explains how he tested it in the tunnel and opens up about his struggles adjusting to NBA defense. He describes why his college defensive habits won't necessarily work against crafty scorers like Austin Reaves — and why he's learning to trust his teammates on the help side. 👇 SYNOPSIS CONTINUED BELOW 👇 📌 Join on our knowledge-based Discord server for real-time NBA news feeds on all things Warriors, plus SEARCHABLE VIDEO by topics, coaches, players. 🗞 Free Discord with categorized Warriors + NBA updates: https://whop.com/letsgowarriors (choose FREE version) 💎 VIP Discord with real-time news feeds, exclusive clips + insights: https://whop.com/letsgowarriors (choose VIP version) 📰 Substack: https://letsgowarriors.com YOUTUBE VERSION OF THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/991QUOTK8C0 (Entire transcript/timestamps found there in its Comments) THIS ORIGINALLY APPEARED LIVE HERE: [n/a] 👇 Luka ultimately didn't play, leaving Yaxel with an entirely different challenge: battling Walker Kessler at the 5. PLUS: Steve Kerr's complete postgame and pregame Q&As! Kerr discusses Yaxel's likely Opening Night starting role, the Warriors' new offensive structure, Steph Curry's physical ramp-up, Draymond Green's “experienced” night off, Brandin Podziemski's point-of-attack defense, Kristaps Porzingis' status and the challenges of winning with Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody sidelined. Kerr also opens up about questioning his coaching future, why he decided to return, NBA expansion in Las Vegas and his admiration for the Golden State Valkyries' remarkable run to the Finals. TIMESTAMPS (00:03) Yaxel postgame: ankle update and testing it in the tunnel (00:42) Yaxel on defensive mistakes and playing the 5 (01:16) Why Austin Reaves exposes the NBA learning curve (01:46) Frank Vogel's “WTF” Luka assignment! 😂 (02:28) Yaxel compares Walker Kessler and Aday Mara (02:52) Steve Kerr postgame: Yaxel's ankle (03:05) Turnovers, execution and winning in the margins (04:20) Kerr explains the Warriors' new offensive structure (05:12) Graham Ike, Charles Bassey and Yaxel at the 5 (06:21) Defending Austin Reaves and pick-and-roll struggles (07:04) Kerr evaluates Brandin Podziemski's defense (07:32) Steph Curry's physical conditioning (07:53) Kerr pregame: Kristaps Porzingis update (08:31) Why Draymond gets an “experienced” night off (09:02) Kerr on NBA expansion in Las Vegas and Seattle (10:28) The 11-man rotation and Warriors' two-way players (11:23) How to attack Walker Kessler (11:53) Charles Bassey's development and pairing with Yaxel (12:32) Kerr: Yaxel looking like an Opening Night starter! (13:41) Why Kerr returned and the challenge of missing stars (15:56) Kerr on organizational alignment and his coaching future (17:32) David Stern, Robert Sarver and the Vegas expansion story (18:52) Kerr calls the Valkyries' expansion process world-class Join the conversation with our Warriors community at LetsGoWarriors.com!

Steve Kerr has an update on Kristaps Porzingis, calls Brandon Williams the Warriors' backup point guard and addresses what he estimated were "90 turnovers" through four preseason games. (The official total was actually 84, but who's counting? Well, we are! 😅) In this October 12 practice Q&A, Kerr says Porzingis is expected back at the Warriors' facility on October 13 to meet with Rick Celebrini and the performance staff, while declining to speculate about his regular-season availability.But there's plenty more to unpack... 👇 SYNOPSIS CONTINUED BELOW 👇 📌 Join on our knowledge-based Discord server for real-time NBA news feeds on all things Warriors, plus SEARCHABLE VIDEO by topics, coaches, players. 🗞 Free Discord with categorized Warriors + NBA updates: https://whop.com/letsgowarriors (choose FREE version) 💎 VIP Discord with real-time news feeds, exclusive clips + insights: https://whop.com/letsgowarriors (choose VIP version) 📰 Substack: https://letsgowarriors.com YOUTUBE VERSION OF THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/afticoo6voE (Entire transcript/timestamps found there in its Comments) THIS ORIGINALLY APPEARED LIVE HERE: [n/a] 👇 Kerr explains why he's finally emphasizing turnovers after spending training camp installing new offensive concepts — and why the chaotic, high-risk basketball that worked with Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant isn't necessarily sustainable with today's Warriors.He also offers perhaps his strongest endorsement yet of Brandon Williams as the backup point guard, provided Williams learns to balance his remarkable speed and explosiveness with better decisions and ball security.In my opening commentary, I discuss why we should give Porzingis some grace, how I view Kerr's risk-versus-reward teaching approach from my own coaching experience and why LJ Cryer could have an opportunity if Williams struggles with turnovers.There's also plenty on the projected starting lineup featuring Yaxel Lendeborg, Al Horford's minutes, Malevy Leons, NBA expansion, Natalie Nakase and Kerr's fascinating five-part checklist for succeeding in today's NBA.TOPICS & TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) LGW cold open and analysis — KP, 90 turnovers and Brandon Williams(01:14) Kerr: 90 turnovers and the practice film session(02:01) Steph, Draymond and the new offensive concepts(03:11) Porzingis expected back at the Warriors' facility(03:34) Starting five: Steph, Podz, Gui, Yaxel and Draymond?(04:15) Kerr protects Porzingis' privacy(04:26) Brandon Williams as backup PG — speed vs. ball security(05:36) Williams' contract, NBA future and Leandro Barbosa comparison(07:02) Why the old Warriors could survive turnovers — and today's team can't(08:52) Al Horford's maintenance and Steph Curry's minutes(10:08) Malevy Leons' development and two-way role(11:04) NBA expansion: Seattle, Las Vegas and late tipoffs(13:01) Natalie Nakase and the emotional toll of playoff coaching(14:04) Kerr's modern NBA checklist: dribble, pass, shoot, process — and defend(15:37) Mike Ditka and Kerr's Chicago memoriesRecorded October 12, 2026, at the Warriors' practice facility.More Warriors interviews, behind-the-scenes coverage and analysis at LetsGoWarriors.com.#Warriors #SteveKerr #KristapsPorzingis #BrandonWilliams #NBA Keywords: Steve Kerr, Golden State Warriors, Kristaps Porzingis, Brandon Williams, Warriors turnovers, Warriors preseason 2026, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Yaxel Lendeborg, Brandin Podziemski, Al Horford, LJ Cryer, Malevy Leons, Leandro Barbosa, Jimmy Butler, Warriors starting lineup, Warriors practice interview, Let's Go Warriors, NBA

🗣️ “People may or may not like the deal. It is what it is. But I think I've earned everything I got.” Brandin Podziemski isn't apologizing for his new five-year, $110 million Warriors extension. But is the contract really an overpay? We open with Podz's own words, followed by my perspective on his market value, comparable NBA contracts and why the Warriors' salary-cap outlook matters just as much as the headline number. Then we hear directly from Podz about the journey to his second NBA contract, what it means for his family and the confidence that has carried him this far. Steve Kerr follows with TWO media sessions, covering: 👇 SYNOPSIS CONTINUED BELOW 👇 📌 Join on our knowledge-based Discord server for real-time NBA news feeds on all things Warriors, plus SEARCHABLE VIDEO by topics, coaches, players. 🗞 Free Discord with categorized Warriors + NBA updates: https://whop.com/letsgowarriors (choose FREE version) 💎 VIP Discord with real-time news feeds, exclusive clips + insights: https://whop.com/letsgowarriors (choose VIP version) 📰 Substack: https://letsgowarriors.com YOUTUBE VERSION OF THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/t3dcJJ7lDGw (Entire transcript/timestamps can be found there) THIS ORIGINALLY APPEARED LIVE HERE: [n/a] 👇 🏀 Why the Warriors plan to play through Yaxel Lendeborg — and why they need him to score, not just pass. 🏀 Why Kerr believes Podz makes any lineup better and what his extension means for the franchise's future. 🏀 How the Warriors plan to manage Steph Curry's workload, including fewer practices. 🏀 Kristaps Porzingis' availability, small-ball lineups featuring Yaxel and Draymond Green, and Brandon Williams' expanding opportunities. 🎙️ TIMESTAMPS (00:00) Podz's “I earned it” cold open + LGW contract analysis (03:58) Brandin Podziemski — full postgame Q&A (05:38) Podz on securing his family's future (07:44) Podz reflects on his journey and belief in himself (08:37) “I've earned everything I got” — Podz on criticism (09:00) Steve Kerr — postgame Q&A (09:14) Kerr on 23 turnovers and winning in the margins (10:12) Kerr: “We're gonna play through [Yaxel] a lot this year” (12:28) Kerr on the Draymond–Gui–Yaxel small-ball lineup (13:45) Kerr on Porzingis' availability (14:55) Steve Kerr — pregame Q&A (15:08) Kerr celebrates Podz's extension (17:31) Kerr explains why Podz makes winning lineups better (19:25) Kerr: Contracts reward future contributions (20:04) Kerr on Podz playing alongside Steph (22:16) Kerr explains Steph's reduced practice workload (23:28) Kerr: “We're gonna need [Yaxel] to score” (24:31) Kerr on Brandon Williams and life without Steph 📖 MORE ON THE PODZ CONTRACT Before the deal was signed, we modeled a five-year, $100 million extension and explored how the Warriors could preserve Summer 2027 flexibility using Bird Rights. Read the full cap-sheet analysis:https://www.letsgowarriors.com/p/warriors-cap-sheet-brandin-podziemski-extension-20-million-per-year-or-five-100-bird-rights-while-preserving-2027-optionality Thanks for being part of our Warriors community! 🫶💙💛

Yaxel Lendeborg keeps hearing the same message from Steve Kerr, Draymond Green and Steph Curry: Be aggressive!Following the Golden State Warriors' preseason game against the LA Clippers in Hawaii, all three spoke about the rookie's development, his impressive versatility, and the adjustments he'll need to make as he transitions to the NBA.We begin with my own breakdown of two Yaxel possessions from the game that illustrate exactly what Kerr is teaching him. 👇 SYNOPSIS CONTINUED BELOW 👇 📌 Join on our knowledge-based Discord server for real-time NBA news feeds on all things Warriors, plus SEARCHABLE VIDEO by topics, coaches, players. 🗞 Free Discord with categorized Warriors + NBA updates: https://whop.com/letsgowarriors (choose FREE version) 💎 VIP Discord with real-time news feeds, exclusive clips + insights: https://whop.com/letsgowarriors (choose VIP version) 📰 Substack: https://letsgowarriors.com YOUTUBE VERSION OF THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/PO2SRFIVWj0 (Entire Kerr transcript/timestamps can be found there) THIS ORIGINALLY APPEARED LIVE HERE: [n/a] 👇 On offense, Kerr wants Yaxel to recognize opportunities to attack rather than pass up scoring chances. On defense, it's about understanding personnel and making the right reads — including a possession against Rui Hachimura where Kerr wanted Yaxel to take away the comfortable jumper. Perhaps most intriguing, Kerr believes Yaxel has the potential to become a lead offensive threat when Steph is off the floor.Draymond and Steph reinforce the importance of playing aggressively, learning through mistakes and building confidence.It's a fascinating early look at how three of Golden State's most influential basketball minds are helping develop a promising young rookie. EPISODE TIMESTAMPS (00:00) LGW intro: Two Yaxel possessions and Kerr's teaching points( 02:17) Steve Kerr postgame Q&A begins (04:07) Kerr on Yaxel's aggression, defensive reads and scoring potential (06:42) Draymond Green postgame Q&A begins (09:20) Draymond on Yaxel's development and playing aggressively (11:15) Steph Curry postgame Q&A begins (13:10) Steph on Yaxel's growth and learning from mistakes Watch the original video, including the two Yaxel possessions discussed in the introduction: https://youtu.be/PO2SRFIVWj0 Follow Let's Go Warriors for interviews, behind-the-scenes reporting and independent analysis of Golden State's pursuit of another championship. Keywords: Golden State Warriors, Yaxel Lendeborg, Stephen Curry, Steph Curry, Draymond Green, Steve Kerr, Warriors preseason, Warriors podcast, NBA, Dub Nation, basketball analysis

Steve Kerr says Steph Curry and Draymond Green used to have an allowance of five or six turnovers between them. This year, that allowance is gone. Kerr even called that his “main punishment” — but he never really explained what happens if Steph and Draymond cross the line. Does it mean a quicker hook after a careless turnover? More accountability in practice and film? Or is it mainly part of Kerr’s larger effort to change the Warriors’ habits and win more consistently “in the margins”? I open with that question, then we hear Steve Kerr’s complete Warriors Media Day Q&A. 👇 SYNOPSIS CONTINUED BELOW 👇 📌 Join on our knowledge-based Discord server for real-time NBA news feeds on all things Warriors, plus SEARCHABLE VIDEO by topics, coaches, players. 🗞 Free Discord with categorized Warriors + NBA updates: https://whop.com/letsgowarriors (choose FREE version) 💎 VIP Discord with real-time news feeds, exclusive clips + insights: https://whop.com/letsgowarriors (choose VIP version) 📰 Substack: https://letsgowarriors.com YOUTUBE VERSION OF THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/mHz2J0krJXM (Entire Kerr transcript/timestamps can be found there) THIS ORIGINALLY APPEARED LIVE HERE: [n/a] 👇 Kerr also discusses Kristaps Porzingis being out indefinitely, Yaxel Lendeborg’s role, reimagining Draymond’s offense, Steph’s knee and workload, why Kerr decided to return, Golden State’s five-out approach, Brandin Podziemski’s future, Frank Vogel joining the staff and much more. TIMESTAMPS (00:00) What is Kerr’s “punishment” for turnovers? (01:15) Steve Kerr’s full Media Day Q&A begins (02:18) Kristaps Porzingis out indefinitely (03:07) Starting lineup & rotation (03:52) Depth, back-to-backs & two-way players (05:14) Yaxel Lendeborg will “play a ton” (06:18) Reimagining Draymond + cutting turnovers (08:24) Porzingis, Horford & five-out spacing (08:52) Low expectations & flying under the radar (10:20) How Kerr’s coaching has changed + Frank Vogel (12:12) Yaxel’s personality, journey & work ethic (13:50) Managing Steph Curry’s knee and workload (15:12) Why Kerr decided to return (16:48) Winning in the margins: changing practice & teaching (17:53) Kerr’s surprise at the Porzingis news (18:45) Warriors’ vision for the next few years (20:21) Steph Curry’s extension & pay cut (21:01) Seth Cooper, Kris Weems & the modern offense (22:12) Kerr: cutting turnovers is a “staff-wide quest” (23:28) How Kerr defines success this season (24:48) What Yaxel still needs to improve (26:03) Steph + Draymond lose their turnover allowance (27:13) Brandin Podziemski’s importance to the future (28:17) Podziemski + Gui Santos growth (29:30) Final remarks Keywords: Golden State Warriors, Warriors, Steve Kerr, Steph Curry, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Kristaps Porzingis, Yaxel Lendeborg, Brandin Podziemski, Gui Santos, Frank Vogel, NBA, Warriors Media Day, Dub Nation.

Season 4 of the Let’s Go Warriors podcast begins with gratitude—and a new chapter for Stephen Curry. (Wow, we did 88 episodes last season!) With Warriors training camp less than two weeks away, Rich explains why this feels like the right moment to turn the page on last season. He also revisits his previous skepticism about Curry Brand partnering exclusively with Li-Ning—and why Steph’s experience in China convinced him that Curry made the right decision... 👇 SYNOPSIS CONTINUED BELOW 👇 📌 Join on our knowledge-based Discord server for real-time NBA news feeds on all things Warriors, plus SEARCHABLE VIDEO by topics, coaches, players. 🗞 Free Discord with categorized Warriors + NBA updates: https://whop.com/letsgowarriors (choose FREE version) 💎 VIP Discord with real-time news feeds, exclusive clips + insights: https://whop.com/letsgowarriors (choose VIP version) 📰 Substack: https://letsgowarriors.com YOUTUBE VERSION OF THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/eF_JGeKd0KM (Entire Curry transcript/timestamps can be found there) THIS ORIGINALLY APPEARED LIVE HERE: [n/a] 👇 During his visit to Li-Ning headquarters in Beijing, Steph underwent detailed movement testing, physical measurements and a foot scan as the company began developing his future products. The level of care left Curry “crying tears of joy”—and, if you watch the final moments closely, he may genuinely have become emotional. That behind-the-scenes experience provides important context for Curry’s subsequent interview with MC Edcon Gabriel Yau in Shenzhen. Steph explains why the Way of Wade 12 was the best-performing basketball shoe he tried, discusses Jimmy Butler’s JB line, teases his future signature products and calls Li-Ning “the greatest team that I’ve been able to work with.” For an athlete sitting atop the basketball and sneaker worlds, Steph’s capacity to remain genuinely moved by the care of others says something deeper: gratitude is not merely something he talks about. It is something he has learned to embody. The interview includes English and Chinese portions. TIMESTAMPS (00:00) Welcome to Season 4 of the LGW podcast (00:51) Why begin the new season with gratitude? (01:44) Did Steph genuinely shed a tear? (03:11) Why Rich changed his mind about Li-Ning (05:06) “Tears of joy” inside Li-Ning headquarters (06:16) Steph reflects on his new Li-Ning partnership (07:54) China’s basketball atmosphere inspires Steph (09:24) Curry Camp and youth basketball development (11:17) Steph reacts to the viral “Curry Song” (12:50) Why Steph chose the Way of Wade 12 (13:39) “The greatest team I’ve been able to work with” (16:16) Jimmy Butler and the JB3, JB4 and JB5 (18:42) Steph teases his upcoming Li-Ning products (20:54) Li-Ning reveals how Steph’s signature shoe is developing (23:46) Steph’s message to Li-Ning and Curry fans (24:19) A new chapter begins KEYWORDS: Stephen Curry, Steph Curry, Li-Ning, Curry Brand, Curry Tour 2026, Steph Curry China, Steph Curry Shenzhen, Steph Curry Beijing, Way of Wade 12, WOW 12, Jimmy Butler, JB3, JB4, JB5, Steph Curry signature shoe, Steph Curry shoes, Golden State Warriors, Warriors, Dub Nation, DubNation, gratitude, tears of joy, Let’s Go Warriors, LGW podcast.

Mike Dunleavy Jr. said something during his latest Warriors press conference that caught my attention: Golden State had to choose between “talent and availability” when constructing this roster — and leaned toward talent. So I wondered: Who exactly was he talking about? Not Steph Curry. Draymond Green worked with the Warriors to create financial flexibility. Moses Moody makes about $12.5 million and is injured himself. And moving an injured Jimmy Butler at nearly $57 million for healthier pieces becomes extremely difficult. Which brought me back to Kristaps Porzingis... 👇 SYNOPSIS CONTINUED BELOW 👇 📌 Join on our knowledge-based Discord server for real-time NBA news feeds on all things Warriors, plus SEARCHABLE VIDEO by topics, coaches, players. 🗞 Free Discord with categorized Warriors + NBA updates: https://whop.com/letsgowarriors (choose FREE version) 💎 VIP Discord with real-time news feeds, exclusive clips + insights: https://whop.com/letsgowarriors (choose VIP version) 📰 Substack: https://letsgowarriors.com YOUTUBE VERSION OF THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/U9X5-HAi1Vg (Entire Dunleavy transcript/timestamps can be found here) THIS ORIGINALLY APPEARED LIVE HERE: https://youtube.com/live/qdQn6Q1PCYI 👇 To be clear: I am NOT reporting that the Warriors tried to trade Porzingis. This is a thought experiment — reverse-engineering Dunleavy’s comments and asking what Golden State’s alternative might have looked like. Porzingis is essentially a $20 million-per-year player, so I searched NBA salaries for combinations of healthier players around that number. Possibilities included Payton Pritchard + Sam Hauser, Day’Ron Sharpe + Keon Ellis, Isaac Okoro + Jalen Smith, Max Strus + Thomas Bryant, and Kevin Porter Jr. + Caris LeVert. Once you name the players, match salaries, preserve draft picks and find another team willing to say yes, “talent over availability” starts making more sense. A healthy Kristaps Porzingis gives Golden State a 7'3" floor-spacer who can alter the offense and give Steph Curry a unique weapon. But the first two words matter: a healthy Kristaps. If KP isn't available when Golden State needs him, Dunleavy's gamble may fail. But if he's healthy in April and May? The Warriors may be glad they didn't turn one high-upside $20 million player into two lesser players just to “do something.” Then there’s optionality. If Golden State must take back longer contracts or attach valuable picks, the return needs to improve its championship odds. Otherwise, preserving flexibility for another pivot around Steph next summer may be more valuable. BONUS: After the 11-minute essay, hear Mike Dunleavy Jr.’s COMPLETE ~30-minute Warriors press conference, covering Steph Curry, Porzingis, Al Horford, Brandin Podziemski, Yaxel Lendeborg, trades, injuries, draft picks and more. Chapters (00:00) Dunleavy: Warriors chose “talent over availability” (02:23) Who was he actually talking about? (03:15) Why Kristaps Porzingis becomes the obvious thought experiment (03:54) Why trading Jimmy Butler is so difficult (04:40) The $20 million KP experiment (05:22) Boston: Pritchard + Hauser? (05:41) Brooklyn: Sharpe + Ellis? (06:36) Chicago and Cleveland alternatives (07:15) Why Indiana doesn’t make sense (07:43) Milwaukee: Kuzma, LeVert and other possibilities (08:31) Why “talent over availability” starts making sense (09:36) The gamble: “a healthy Kristaps” (10:21) Why optionality matters (11:00) COMPLETE Mike Dunleavy Jr. Warriors press conference Keywords: Kristaps Porzingis, Mike Dunleavy Jr., Golden State Warriors, Warriors trade, Warriors salary cap, Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, Al Horford, Brandin Podziemski, Yaxel Lendeborg, Porzingis trade, Dub Nation, Let’s Go Warriors

Should Steph Curry sign another Warriors extension as soon as he becomes eligible on August 29th? I think he should wait — because waiting could benefit both Steph AND the franchise. Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. says he’s confident Steph wants to finish his career in Golden State. But he also described managing Curry’s knee, injuries and age as “delicate.” That becomes especially important after my recent conversation with UCSF orthopedic surgeon Dr. Nirav Pandya, who explained why Steph’s “runner’s knee” may be about much more than cutting his minutes. Pandya says the bigger question could be LOAD, not minutes: What does Curry have to do during those 28, 30 or 32 minutes? Is the knee primarily dealing with muscle and tendon irritation that can be managed? Or could there be a structural component, such as cartilage, where shaving a few minutes might not solve the problem? That uncertainty is exactly why I believe Steph should wait on an extension. 👇 SYNOPSIS CONTINUED BELOW 👇 📌 Join on our knowledge-based Discord server for real-time NBA news feeds on all things Warriors, plus SEARCHABLE VIDEO by topics, coaches, players. 🗞 Free Discord with categorized Warriors + NBA updates: https://whop.com/letsgowarriors (choose FREE version) 💎 VIP Discord with real-time news feeds, exclusive clips + insights: https://whop.com/letsgowarriors (choose VIP version) 📰 Substack: https://letsgowarriors.com YOUTUBE VERSION OF THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/3JKzemlGWwM THIS ORIGINALLY APPEARED LIVE HERE: https://youtube.com/live/PX0wgp-XYQ0 👇 This isn’t about Curry simply sacrificing money for the Warriors. It’s about giving Steph and Golden State another season of information before deciding what his next salary should be — and maximizing his chances of chasing a fifth championship. If the knee remains a significant issue and Curry is again limited to something close to last season’s 43 games, perhaps the better path next summer is a “soft reset”: Steph adjusts his salary accordingly and Golden State gains flexibility to rebuild the supporting cast around him. But if the knee responds beautifully, Steph remains healthy and he’s still capable of carrying a championship-level workload? The equation changes. Curry and the Warriors can choose a larger number accordingly — while still considering whether a discount could create additional avenues for complementary talent. Either way: Why decide before you have the data? If the trust between Curry and the Warriors is as strong as it appears, waiting could give them something more valuable than contractual certainty today: OPTIONALITY tomorrow. Not simply to save the franchise money — but to give Steph Curry the best possible chance to chase Ring No. 5. (00:00) Why Steph Curry should NOT sign an extension yet(01:03) Dunleavy: Steph wants to finish his career as a Warrior(03:13) August 29th: When extension talks can begin(05:13) The big unknown: Steph’s knee(05:41) Dunleavy calls Curry’s situation “delicate”(06:43) Can the Warriors afford a “gap year” with Steph?(07:27) Dr. Pandya on Steph’s workload and runner’s knee(09:32) Load management isn’t just about minutes(09:52) Could there be a structural issue with the knee?(11:14) Why wait? Another season means more information(12:21) What if preserving Steph means changing Steph?(12:31) Could Curry’s runner’s knee change the Warriors’ offense?(14:32) Why Steph might sign the extension anyway(14:49) The case for preserving flexibility(15:29) Why I think Steph should wait(16:23) Final thoughts + LGW Discord Keywords: Steph Curry, Stephen Curry, Warriors, Golden State Warriors, Steph Curry extension, Steph Curry contract, Steph Curry knee, runner’s knee, Nirav Pandya, Mike Dunleavy Jr., Warriors salary cap, Warriors cap space, NBA free agency, Warriors offseason, Steve Kerr, Brandin Podziemski, Jimmy Butler, Yaxel Lendeborg, Dub Nation, Let’s Go Warriors

Klay Thompson saw Kevin Durant bring up his name while debating whether the new-look Sixers compare to KD's championship Warriors and responded on Instagram: “Aye man, u good? KD what u using my full government for?” But the viral Klay-KD exchange isn't really the story. In this episode, Rich of Let's Go Warriors goes back to the original Kevin Durant comments and finds an important piece of context that got lost in aggregation: KD wasn't saying the Sixers were clearly better than the 2017-18 Warriors. He was arguing that the comparison was closer than a fan suggested. 👇 SYNOPSIS CONTINUED BELOW 👇 📌 Join on our knowledge-based Discord server for real-time NBA news feeds on all things Warriors, plus SEARCHABLE VIDEO by topics, coaches, players. 🗞 Free Discord with categorized Warriors + NBA updates: https://whop.com/letsgowarriors (choose FREE version) 💎 VIP Discord with real-time news feeds, exclusive clips + insights: https://whop.com/letsgowarriors (choose VIP version) 📰 Substack: https://letsgowarriors.com YOUTUBE VERSION OF THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/8rvF7Fg1wek THIS ORIGINALLY APPEARED LIVE HERE: https://youtube.com/live/sx7Vjo2faB8 👇 We also look at why Klay's response makes sense given the arc of his Warriors career, how KD's constant engagement with fans on social media can work against him, and why Draymond Green may have provided the best explanation of Durant's perspective: KD fundamentally views basketball through the lens of bucket-getters. Plus: could KD ever return to Golden State? Could Klay eventually become available to the Warriors again? And why going back to the original source matters before drawing conclusions from the latest viral NBA story. Timestamps (00:00) Klay vs. KD? The real story is context (01:36) Why Klay's Warriors history matters (03:10) Klay calls out KD — and the aggregation problem (03:47) What Kevin Durant actually said about the Sixers (06:47) What Bleacher Report got wrong (07:06) Going back to the original KD exchange (08:08) “Ain't close?” — the key context that got lost (09:11) Why KD keeps getting pulled into social media battles (10:59) Klay: “Aye man, u good?” (11:52) Draymond jumps into the conversation (12:37) Why social media is a no-win game for KD (13:40) Draymond explains KD's basketball philosophy (14:26) “This game will always be about buckets” (15:40) Could KD ever return to the Warriors? (16:43) Could Klay ever come back to Golden State? (17:35) The real lesson: context before conclusions (18:38) Why we work through breaking Warriors news live Keywords: Golden State Warriors, Warriors, GSW, Dub Nation, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant, KD, Draymond Green, Stephen Curry, Steph Curry, Klay KD, Klay Thompson Kevin Durant, Kevin Durant social media, Klay Thompson Instagram, NBA aggregators, NBA aggregation, NBA media, NBA social media, Bleacher Report, Warriors news, Warriors podcast, NBA news, Warriors rumors, Kevin Durant Warriors, Klay Thompson Warriors, Draymond Green Kevin Durant, KD Warriors reunion, Klay Warriors reunion, Philadelphia 76ers, Sixers, NBA commentary, Let’s Go Warriors

LeBron James chose Philadelphia. Draymond Green returned at essentially his original salary. Those two decisions closed one of the biggest branches of the Warriors Decision Tree. Before that happened, though, I rebuilt Golden State's salary cap sheet from scratch to answer one question: If the Warriors still had access to the Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception, should they have pursued DeMar DeRozan? 👇 SYNOPSIS CONTINUED BELOW 👇 📌 Join on our knowledge-based Discord server for real-time NBA news feeds on all things Warriors, plus SEARCHABLE VIDEO by topics, coaches, players. 🗞 Free Discord with categorized Warriors + NBA updates: https://whop.com/letsgowarriors (choose FREE version) 💎 VIP Discord with real-time news feeds, exclusive clips + insights: https://whop.com/letsgowarriors (choose VIP version) 📰 Substack: https://letsgowarriors.com YOUTUBE VERSION OF THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/YTj2Ipm2ki4 THIS ORIGINALLY APPEARED LIVE HERE: https://youtube.com/live/Ta5KJFdLdMs 👇 The surprising answer wasn't really about DeMar. It was about preserving maximum flexibility for Summer 2027. In this episode we walk through the cap sheets, Miami's financial advantage, Moses Moody's value, Draymond's extension scenarios and why roughly 85% of the Warriors' salary cap is effectively locked into players who either can't or shouldn't be moved. That realization changed how I viewed the entire offseason. Chapters (00:00) Why this Decision Tree changed after LeBron and Draymond (01:01) Updating the Warriors cap sheet (02:31) Is DeMar DeRozan still an option? (03:34) The Miami comparison begins (05:24) Warriors vs. Heat: Which team would DeMar choose? (07:00) Why Draymond's contract isn't the problem (07:24) Moses Moody vs. DeMar DeRozan (08:29) Why Summer 2027 became the priority (10:05) The Warriors' "85%" revelation (12:19) Final takeaway: Why passing on DeMar may have been the right move (13:12) What's next in the Warriors Decision Tree Keywords: Golden State Warriors, Steph Curry, Draymond Green, DeMar DeRozan, Moses Moody, Brandon Williams, De'Anthony Melton, LeBron James, Warriors salary cap, NBA salary cap, Warriors Decision Tree, Summer 2027, Mike Dunleavy, Joe Lacob, Yossi Gozlan, NBA free agency, Warriors roster, cap sheet analysis, NBA podcast, Let's Go Warriors, DubNation, Dub Nation.

If LeBron James really is trying to find a way to the Golden State Warriors, the story doesn't end there—it actually begins there. In this episode, Rich walks through one possible roster construction based on the NBA salary cap, explaining why Moses Moody could become the key salary casualty, why Brandon Williams may quietly emerge as a veteran-minimum target due to his relationship with De'Anthony Melton, whether Jake LaRavia could be part of a Moody trade, and why Mike Dunleavy may still be prioritizing cap flexibility for the summer of 2027... 👇 SYNOPSIS CONTINUED BELOW 👇 📌 Join on our knowledge-based Discord server for real-time NBA news feeds on all things Warriors, plus SEARCHABLE VIDEO by topics, coaches, players. 🗞 Free Discord with categorized Warriors + NBA updates: https://whop.com/letsgowarriors (choose FREE version) 💎 VIP Discord with real-time news feeds, exclusive clips + insights: https://whop.com/letsgowarriors (choose VIP version) 📰 Substack: https://letsgowarriors.com YOUTUBE VERSION OF THIS EPISODE (has entire transcript): https://youtu.be/dE6l_xnM3cM THIS ORIGINALLY APPEARED LIVE HERE: https://youtube.com/live/7UIEnmYCXxs 👇 Rather than focusing on rumors, this episode examines whether the numbers actually work—and what the Warriors' long-term strategy may be if LeBron ultimately chooses Golden State. Timestamps (0:00) "He's trying to find a spot in SF" — the source text(0:41) Why Moses Moody may have to be traded(2:06) Brandon Williams and the Melton connection(5:40) Could Jake LaRavia be part of a Moody deal?(7:06) Projecting the Warriors' rotation with LeBron(7:55) Why preserving the 2027 cap sheet matters(10:17) Why the Warriors may avoid blockbuster trades(14:15) Final thoughts and roster-building philosophy Golden State Warriors, LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Steph Curry, Mike Dunleavy, Moses Moody, Brandon Williams, Jake LaRavia, De'Anthony Melton, NBA Free Agency, NBA Salary Cap, First Apron, Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception, Warriors roster, Warriors rumors, Warriors offseason, Warriors podcast, Dub Nation, DubNation, NBA podcast, Rich, Let's Go Warriors.

Steph Curry entered the 2026 American Century Championship looking every bit like one of the tournament favorites, finishing Round 1 in third place with 25 Stableford points. But what stood out most after the round wasn't his score—it was his perspective... 👇 SYNOPSIS CONTINUED BELOW 👇 📸 Photos from ACC: https://instagram.com/letsgowarriors 📰 Field Reports on Substack: https://letsgowarriors.com 📌 Join on our knowledge-based Discord server for real-time NBA news feeds on all things Warriors, plus SEARCHABLE VIDEO by topics, coaches, players. 🗞 Free Discord with categorized Warriors + NBA updates: https://whop.com/letsgowarriors (choose FREE version) 💎 VIP Discord with real-time news feeds, exclusive clips + insights: https://whop.com/letsgowarriors (choose VIP version) YOUTUBE VERSION OF THIS EPISODE (has entire transcript): https://youtu.be/0m3syMp7SB4 THIS ORIGINALLY APPEARED LIVE HERE: [n/a] 👇 Steph reflects on the emotional roller coaster of tournament golf, bouncing back from a costly four-putt, why saving par on the famous 17th hole became his favorite moment of the day, and how the mental challenge of golf differs from basketball. He also discusses: Grinding through mistakes instead of chasing perfectionJoe Pavelski and Mardy Fish continuing to raise the standardThe Curry family championship belt rivalry with Dell and SethWhy the American Century Championship keeps getting more competitiveThe unique atmosphere created by Lake Tahoe fans Recorded on-site at Edgewood Tahoe during the 2026 American Century Championship. (00:00) Intro & Round 2 update (03:03) Opening thoughts on a 25-point Round 1 (04:24) Three straight birdies & the emotional roller coaster (05:20) Why the tournament keeps getting tougher (06:07) Joe Pavelski's consistency (06:51) The Curry family championship belt (07:36) Learning from Round 1 (08:55) The growing depth of the ACC field (09:57) "Emotional discipline" and why golf is different from basketball (11:02) Competing hard while still having fun (11:46) Why the Lake Tahoe galleries make this event special (13:01) The mindset entering Round 2 Keywords: Stephen Curry, Steph Curry, American Century Championship, Lake Tahoe, South Lake Tahoe, Edgewood Tahoe, golf, Warriors, Golden State Warriors, Joe Pavelski, Mardy Fish, Annika Sorenstam, Tony Romo, Stableford, emotional discipline, sports psychology, competition, PGA, celebrity golf, Curry family, Dell Curry, Seth Curry, DubNation, Dub Nation.

Before Yaxel Lendeborg took the podium following his first Warriors Summer League practice, three of his new teammates—Malevy Leons, Will Richard and LJ Cryer—were all asked about the Warriors' first-round pick. Interestingly, they all came away with similar impressions: Yaxel is even bigger, more versatile and more NBA-ready than they expected. Afterward, Yaxel discusses his Summer League goals, learning from Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, showcasing his passing ability, handling the attention that comes with being a first-round pick, free agency speculation surrounding the Warriors, and why he already expects there to be growing pains in his NBA debut... 👇 SYNOPSIS CONTINUED BELOW 👇 📌 Join on our knowledge-based Discord server for real-time NBA news feeds on all things Warriors, plus SEARCHABLE VIDEO by topics, coaches, players. 🗞 Free Discord with categorized Warriors + NBA updates: https://whop.com/letsgowarriors (choose FREE version) 💎 VIP Discord with real-time news feeds, exclusive clips + insights: https://whop.com/letsgowarriors (choose VIP version) 📰 Substack: https://letsgowarriors.com YOUTUBE VERSION OF THIS EPISODE (has entire transcript): https://youtu.be/0m3syMp7SB4 THIS ORIGINALLY APPEARED LIVE HERE: [n/a] 👇 Also in this episode, I share a brief introduction explaining why I believe Yaxel's honesty about his adjustment period may ultimately be one of the biggest reasons he'll succeed in Golden State. If you enjoy these interviews, be sure to follow the podcast and also check out the Let's Go Warriors YouTube channel, where we're covering Warriors Summer League, NBA Draft analysis, free agency, livestreams and behind-the-scenes content throughout the offseason. Timestamps (0:00) Intro: Why this interview stood out (2:05) Malevy Leons on practicing with Yaxel (2:44) Will Richard's first impressions (2:57) LJ Cryer on Yaxel's size and maturity (4:24) Yaxel Lendeborg media availability begins (4:37) Summer League goals (5:09) Leadership and embracing expectations (5:30) Why his size creates advantages (5:57) Playing in the Warriors' system (6:26) Showcasing his passing (6:57) California Classic and Las Vegas plans (7:06) Learning from Steph Curry (7:52) Biggest goals over the next few weeks (8:12) Free agency rumors and where he fits (8:52) Lessons from Andy Kennedy (9:35) First impressions of the Bay Area (9:59) Friends asking about LeBron and the Warriors (10:32) How he'd fit alongside veteran stars (10:49) Defensive development and coaching (11:32) Expecting an adjustment period (12:43) Michigan practices prepared him for the NBA (14:17) Dusty May jokes and Michigan rivalry Keywords: Golden State Warriors, Warriors podcast, Yaxel Lendeborg, Stephen Curry, Steph Curry, Draymond Green, Warriors Summer League, NBA Summer League, California Classic, Warriors rookie, Warriors draft pick, NBA Draft, Michigan basketball, Michigan Wolverines, LJ Cryer, Will Richard, Malevy Leons, NBA rookie interview, Warriors media availability, Golden State podcast, Dub Nation, Let's Go Warriors, Steve Kerr, NBA free agency, Warriors offseason, DubNation, Dub Nation.