Former Golden State Warriors guard Baron Davis believes the team must uncover an “X factor” player to return to championship contention. Speaking on Podcast P with Paul George, presented by Wave Original, Davis pointed to the need for an under-the-radar contributor, similar to what Jordan Poole provided during the team’s 2022 title run.
“You wish Klay [Thompson] was part of that, but having Jimmy [Butler] gives them a shot at the Western Conference title,” Davis said. “Now it’s just a matter of what young talent… can become that X factor.”
Davis compared the search to Boston acquiring Derrick White, who became a critical piece of the Celtics’ rotation. He emphasized the importance of finding a player who, though overlooked, can make significant impact in big moments.
The Warriors enter the 2025–26 season without longtime shooting guard Klay Thompson, who joined the Dallas Mavericks last offseason. However, they added Jimmy Butler at the trade deadline in February, giving the roster a much-needed veteran presence.
Despite Butler’s arrival, Davis expressed that Golden State must develop its young core to complement veterans like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. He highlighted players such as Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, and Brandin Podziemski as potential candidates to fill that role.
On the same podcast, Paul George endorsed Kuminga as the most likely breakout player, calling him a versatile and physically gifted option who can contribute in both big and small lineups.
The Warriors endured a turbulent 2024–25 campaign but still secured a playoff spot through the play-in tournament. They edged past the Houston Rockets in a seven-game first-round series before falling to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the conference semifinals.
Curry’s injury during that series exposed Golden State’s depth concerns. With Butler now in the fold and the team’s core healthy, the Warriors will look to their younger players to provide that spark.
