Golden State

Warriors

Not only will Wiggins not play in the Warriors’ preseason opener, but he has yet to participate in a training camp practice due to illness. Warriors coach Steve Kerr is unconcerned, stating during his media availability that Wiggins looked good in the weeks leading up to training camp. His absence opens up a spot in the starting lineup for Saturday’s opener, resulting in more opportunities for Jonathan Kuminga or Buddy Hield to show what they could do in that role.

No one had any questions regarding whether or not Green would be a starter; he will be in the Warriors’ starting lineup. The question is, where will he play: power forward or center? While he refused to reveal his complete starting five, Kerr said that Green would be part of that group, but no decision was made regarding which position. The answer impacts multiple players, including Trayce Jackson-Davis, Kyle Anderson, and Kevon Looney. Of the three, TJD offers the highest fantasy upside, and Golden State’s defense improved when he started alongside Green last season. Anderson can also provide solid value, although he’s spent most of his career coming off the bench. If fantasy managers are to roll the dice on any of those options in drafts, it should be Jackson-Davis.

Knox spent this summer with Golden State, and now he’ll compete for a roster spot during training camp. The former lottery pick hasn’t ever made a consistent impact in fantasy basketball, and if he makes the final roster, that won’t change.

Selected 52nd overall in this summer’s NBA Draft, Post’s contract status was not finalized until Tuesday. He will be on a two-way deal, with the Warriors waiving Daequon Plowden to make room for Post. The former Boston College standout was one of the best big men in the ACC last season, earning all-conference and All-Defensive Team honors. Don’t look for Post to impact fantasy basketball this season.

Waived by the Lakers on Sunday, Hinson will reportedly head north for training camp. According to multiple reports, the Warriors don’t intend to fill their 15th roster spot, so Hinson is likely headed to Santa Cruz to play for the team’s G League affiliate.

This will be Collins’ second run with the Warriors. Signed by Golden State on October 16, the former Saint Louis point guard was waived two days later. Collins spent last season with the Warriors’ G League affiliate, and a similar fate may await him this time. He isn’t a player fantasy managers should concern themselves with during their draft preparations.

The one-year deal essentially confirms Curry - who will turn 39 at the end of the 2026-27 campaign - will finish his career in the bay. He’s still one of the best players in the Association, and his tremendous play at the Paris Olympics was a great reminder of his excellence. Curry should be a first-round fantasy option for the 2024-25 season, and he’s got plenty more left in the tank.

To the surprise of many, Podziemski emerged as a critical member of the Warriors rotation during his rookie season. In 74 games, he averaged 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 0.8 steals, and 1.2 3-pointers in 26.6 minutes. That production was good enough to land Podziemski on an All-Rookie team at season’s end, and Klay Thompson’s departure will open up additional opportunities. During his exit interview in April, Podziemski was told by GM Mike Dunleavy and head coach Steve Kerr that they want to see him shoot more 3-pointers (3.2 attempts per game last season). “They want me to take anywhere (from) eight to 10 per game. That’s what they told me,” Podziemski said. “All different types: off dribble handoffs, off ball screens, catch-and-shoot.” How high Podziemski rises in the fantasy rankings remains to be seen, but it’s clear that the Warriors believe in his ability. The second-year guard is undoubtedly capable of being a factor in 2024-25.

Kerr has only been the coach for Team USA since 2021, when he took over following Gregg Popovich stepping down. Now, one of his assistants may take over, with Erik Spoelstra mentioned as the “strong internal favorite” to lead the squad during the 2028 Olympics. If Spo is given the job, Team USA will be in good hands and should be able to add another gold medal.

Any early struggles that Curry had during the Olympics are long behind him. He scored 60 points and hit 17 triples over his final two Olympic games to help Team USA add another gold medal. This was also a nice resume builder for the greatest shooter of all time. He hit four 3-pointers over the final three minutes of the game to seal the victory in dramatic fashion. This will likely be his only Olympic appearance, but he will hopefully be able to turn this run into an elite start to next season.