The Golden State Warriors’ dynasty, built on the shoulders of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and the mind of Steve Kerr, is in its final, golden-hour chapters. But twilight has never looked so competitive. As the 2025-26 NBA season tips off tonight against the Los Angeles Lakers, the Warriors aren’t just playing for a win; they’re playing for one last, glorious run at a championship.
But before the first whistle blows, Coach Steve Kerr faces a critical, franchise-defining puzzle: his starting five. With the high-profile addition of veteran big man Al Horford and the return of the talented but sometimes-disgruntled Jonathan Kuminga, all eyes are on who gets the nod. In a surprising twist, ESPN’s renowned insider Shams Charania has dropped a major revelation about Kerr’s leanings, setting the stage for a season filled with strategic intrigue.
The Starting Five: A Shams Bomb Shakes Things Up
According to Shams Charania on NBA Today, the Warriors are set to roll out a starting lineup that prioritizes youth and athleticism over veteran experience for opening night. Charania reported, “I‘m told Steve Kerr is leaning towards starting Jonathan Kuminga in the starting lineup, which would mean Al Horford coming off the bench… I think that’s something to keep an eye on early in the season.”
This reported lineup would feature:
Stephen Curry
Jimmy Butler
Brandin Podziemski
Jonathan Kuminga
Draymond Green
While the trio of Curry, Butler, and Green are automatic starters when healthy, the decision to start Kuminga over Horford is a significant statement.
Decoding the Decision: Why Kuminga?
This move is multi-layered and speaks volumes about the Warriors’ immediate and long-term thinking:
Investing in Youth and Upside: Kuminga represents the future of the franchise. Despite a contract stalemate and trade rumors swirling around him, this decision signals that the Warriors are committed to maximizing his talent for as long as he’s with the team. Kerr’s recent praises for Kuminga suggest a mended or improving relationship, and a starting role is the ultimate proof of trust.
Managing Horford’s Load: Charania directly linked this decision to Horford’s age and mileage. “Al Horford, his age, how many years he’s been in the league, and monitoring that,” he stated. This is compounded by the news that Horford won’t play in back-to-back games. Bringing him off the bench allows the Warriors to carefully manage his minutes, keeping him fresh for a grueling playoff push.
A Bet on Offense, Not Size: Starting Kuminga alongside Green suggests Kerr isn’t overly concerned with traditional rim protection against this specific Lakers team (especially with LeBron James out). Instead, he’s betting on a faster, more versatile, and switchable defense, with overwhelming scoring options around Curry.
The Ripple Effects: Podziemski, Moody, and the Bench
This decision creates a domino effect:
Brandin Podziemski gets the starting nod, but his hold on the spot isn’t absolute. He’ll likely be in a season-long battle with sharpshooter Buddy Hield for the backcourt spot next to Curry.
Moses Moody, another candidate for minutes, is sidelined with a calf strain. Charania reported a potential debut for him on Friday, but his absence tonight solidifies Podziemski’s role.
The Curry Context: A Surreal 17th Season
Amidst the lineup drama, the night belongs to Stephen Curry. As he embarks on his 17th season with the Warriors—one of the longest tenures with a single team in NBA history—the moment is not lost on him.
“It is surreal,” Curry told The Athletic. “Because life flashes, life just goes so fast. And you think 17 years in and you’re still in your head able to play at a level that you know can still win games at a high level.”
His teammate Draymond Green put it even more bluntly, placing Curry and LeBron James in a tier of their own: “I think we’ll be in constant search [for the next face of the league] because I don’t know anyone that can carry the way those two guys have.”
The decision to start Jonathan Kuminga is more than just a line on a scoresheet. It’s a bold, strategic gamble that defines the Warriors’ identity as they begin their latest quest. It’s a blend of trusting their young core while wisely preserving their veteran assets, all under the enduring, surreal glow of Stephen Curry’s greatness.
While the lineup may shift as the season progresses and Horford’s role will undoubtedly be crucial, tonight’s message is clear: the Warriors are charging into this new era with aggression and adaptability. The dynasty’s sunset is here, but they intend to make it as bright as possible.