Warriors' Title Hopes Wobble: Kuminga & Podziemski

Golden State’s slow start (6-6) has put its championship status in question after losing five of seven, and ESPN’s Anthony Slater points to stalled development from Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski as a key reason. Podziemski’s line (12.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists) mirrors last year’s output, and his boast that he “wants to be better than him” drew “eyerolls” inside the organization. Kuminga’s scoring is also flat, and veteran Draymond Green warned the group doesn’t feel as locked-in as during last season’s 23-8 run, saying, “Right now, it doesn't feel that way.” Merlin sees a team at a crossroads: experience and Curry’s gravity still matter, but Golden State needs genuine growth from its youth or it will be a one-man orbit with cracks around it. This is early season noise that coaching and leadership can calm — watch effort, consistency, and how Green channels frustration.