Why Davis believes Warriors will ‘surprise’ people this season originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Baron Davis helped the Warriors author one of the NBA’s most incredible campaigns, and the former All-Star point guard believes Golden State will shock the basketball world again during the 2024-2025 NBA season.
The beloved Warriors franchise icon explained why Golden State is strongly positioned to improve on its disappointing 2023-2024 season.
“I expect the Warriors to surprise a lot of people,” Davis said in an exclusive interview with DJ Siddiqi of ClutchPoints. “If you look at last year, I think it was a play-in team. But if you look at the up and down rollercoaster of where they were – where they could have been – it was a matter of three or four games.
“When I put on my player and coach lens, we were four games out of fifth place. This team can be four games better than last year’s team. I think they have more talent, or just as much talent, fresh and good energy for the Warriors and then the young guys will have a bigger responsibility.”
One young player the Warriors are expected to rely heavily on is guard Brandin Podziemski, who will look to build on a strong rookie season during his second season.
Davis expressed tremendous confidence in Podziemski, while also applauding the moves that general manager Mike Dunleavy and Golden State’s front office made during the offseason.
“I expect a lot from Brandin Podziemski,” Davis told Siddiqi. “I think they did a good job with the additions of Kyle Anderson and Buddy Hield. They have experienced guys who can help them win games.
“When you think about Buddy Hield, one of the best 3-point shooters in the league, along with Steph [Curry]Steph needs the other guys – and Draymond [Green] also – they need the other guys to evolve into who they want to be,” Davis continued. “And that makes Draymond and Steph even more dangerous. I love the Warriors.”
After finishing as the No. 10 seed in the Western Conference last season, Davis is confident the Warriors will improve on their 46-36 record, which resulted in an NBA play-in tournament loss to the Sacramento Kings.
“I definitely think they will be better than last year,” Davis told Siddiqi.
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