In early 2022, Stephen Curry voiced strong optimism about the long-term future of the Golden State Warriors, especially highlighting young talents Jordan Poole, Jonathan Kuminga, and James Wiseman as the upcoming core after the veteran stars eventually retired. This hopeful outlook came during the Warriors’ 2021-2022 season, which later culminated in a championship win. Curry envisioned a future where these players would become foundational to maintaining the team’s success.
Curry, for his part, dreams of a future five years from now where Poole is an all-star, Kuminga is an all-defensive player, and Wiseman is an MVP candidate.
— Stephen Curry, Warriors Point Guard
The Reality of Poole, Kuminga, and Wiseman’s Careers
Contrary to Curry’s projections, the trajectories of the three players diverged sharply from expectations. Jordan Poole contributed significantly during the Warriors’ 2022 championship run but his relationship with the team soured after an incident with teammate Draymond Green in training camp later that year. Poole was traded to the Washington Wizards in 2023, where he was unable to replicate his previous production, before moving to the New Orleans Pelicans in mid-2025, where he has struggled to establish himself.
Jonathan Kuminga showed potential in his early seasons but never secured a stable role within Steve Kerr’s rotation. Dissatisfied, Kuminga requested a trade and was dealt to the Atlanta Hawks in February 2025 as part of a transaction that brought Kristaps Porzingis to Golden State.
James Wiseman’s career was the most unfortunate among the trio. Despite being the number two overall pick and a member of the championship roster, Wiseman failed to find a consistent role. After short stints with the Detroit Pistons and Indiana Pacers, a series of waivers followed, ending with a brief 10-day contract that expired on December 26, 2025. He is currently no longer active in the NBA.
The contrast between Curry’s earlier hopes and the actual developments highlights the unpredictability of player development and roster construction in the NBA, especially for a franchise as competitive as the Warriors.
Implications for the Warriors’ Future Without the Young Core
The departures of Poole, Kuminga, and Wiseman leave Golden State facing a challenging rebuild without the youthful foundation Curry once believed in. With these players moving on, whether through trades or free agency, the Warriors must again seek new talent or rely on remaining veterans to sustain contention. The expected continued presence of the promising young core no longer appears viable, which complicates the team’s planning around maintaining its championship window.
Jonathan Kuminga’s move to Atlanta and Poole’s struggles point to larger questions about the team’s scouting and development strategies, while Wiseman’s early exit underscores how even highly touted prospects can falter against the league’s demands. For Warriors fans and management, these unexpected outcomes serve as a reminder that projections can quickly become obsolete, requiring adaptability and fresh approaches to team building.
