Warriors' Young Pieces Show Why Team is a Real Title Contender

The Golden State Warriors are off to a great start for the 2025–26 NBA season. After a solid win against the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night, they move to 3–1, good for the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference.

The Warriors’ three stars, Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green, have looked great to start the season. There was worry about the age of those three and their ability to continue competing at a high level. The worry mainly stems from the idea that these aging stars aren’t going to be able to shoulder a heavy regular-season load and be healthy and rested for a deep playoff run.

The key for the Warriors’ veterans not flaming out is the play of their young guys. Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, and Brandin Podziemski will be the keys to whether the Warriors are true title contenders or if they will flame out in the playoffs. 

On Monday night, those three showed why the Warriors could be a very dangerous team this season. Kuminga, Moody, and Podziemski were the team’s three highest scorers in the Grizzlies game, and all three looked like they were ready to take on more responsibility this season. 

Kuminga had 25 points and, even more importantly, 10 rebounds in the game. He also had four assists. Kuminga’s improved rebounding and playmaking have instantly raised his and the Warriors' ceiling this season. 

Podziemski had a slow start to the season, but he came alive on Monday. With 23 points, six assists, and four rebounds, Podz showed why the Warriors are so high on him as one of their guards of the future.

Moody started the season hurt, and Monday was only his second game of the year. Moody proved that he is the three-and-D guy the Warriors are counting on him to be. He was 5-for-7 from three and also had two blocks and a steal in the game. 

If these three young guys in Golden State continue to play like this, the sky is the limit for the Warriors.