The Golden State Warriors are facing mounting criticism across social media as fans express alarm over the franchise’s projected roster for the upcoming 2025/26 NBA season, believing it falls far shy of standards at the Chase Center.
Once regarded as a perennial championship contender, the Warriors are now being described by many fans as resembling a rebuilding or “lottery” team rather than a legitimate playoff threat.
The backlash began after a viral image circulated online, originating from a parody account on X.com, formerly known as Twitter until 2023, which featured an unofficial roster photo.
Including names such as Quinten Post, Yuri Collins, Gui Santos, and Taran Armstrong, fans bemoaned the lack of recognition or experience and it sparked fears that Steph Curry could be handed a team unable to challenge.
Whilst the image was inaccurate, it triggered a wave of reactions highlighting the perceived erosion of talent on the team’s depth chart as they head into the offseason.
One fan wrote, “Whos that 2nd row on the left lmao.”
A second said, “Half the roster 10 day contract players.”
And a third commented, “is this the worst roster in NBA history??”
Although the photo was not an official release, its viral traction underscored broader concerns about the Warriors’ direction following an underwhelming postseason that saw them finish seventh in the Western Conference.
The side ended up with a 48-34 record and managed to defeat the Houston Rockets in the First Round of the NBA Playoffs. However, the Warriors were quickly eliminated in the conference semifinals by the Minnesota Timberwolves in just five games.
Could Jonathan Kuminga stay with the Golden State Warriors?
Whilst Golden State’s midseason acquisition of Jimmy Butler initially reinvigorated the squad, but the disappointing playoff exit left front office executives under pressure to retool the roster.
The online discourse around the fake roster image only amplified calls from fans for meaningful offseason moves, and complicating matters is the contract situation of forward Jonathan Kuminga.
One of the team’s most promising young players. Kuminga, who averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists last season, is reportedly seeking a new deal worth over $30 million annually.
Yet according to an NBA insider named Brett Siegel, the Warriors plan to retain Kuminga during the offseason. However, there is a significant caveat to the proposal.
“In Kuminga’s case, a return to the Warriors continues to be likely,” Siegel reports. “Various high-ranking members of the organization would like Kuminga back, including owner Joe Lacob, sources said.
“Ultimately, the expectation from rival teams around the NBA is that Kuminga will go back to the Warriors with the mutual understanding that he will be moved before the trade deadline in February.”
This approach would enable Golden State to preserve roster flexibility while using Kuminga’s early-season performance to boost his trade value. However, their efforts to find a viable trade partner have reportedly stalled.
Though teams like the Miami Heat, Sacramento Kings, Utah Jazz, Brooklyn Nets, and Charlotte Hornets have been linked to Kuminga, none have shown serious or sustained interest in acquiring him.
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