The Golden State Warriors recently earned a dramatic preseason win over the Clippers, and 12BSports VR46 analysts admired the clutch three-pointer Waters delivered in the closing moments. Still, the game also revealed the major challenge left behind by Thompson’s departure. As the Warriors enter a season without him, it remains unclear whether they are truly prepared. From the very first game, their offensive structure looked unstable, and that issue could become an even heavier burden once the regular season begins.

The most obvious problem is that opposing defensive pressure has multiplied. Without Thompson, the Warriors have found it harder to organize half-court offense, while Curry is no longer creating clean shooting chances as easily as before. Since Thompson is gone, defenders can focus more directly on Curry, and because the other perimeter options are not as threatening, opponents can commit to aggressive double-teams with far less hesitation. As a result, Curry is now playing under much greater pressure. At the same time, the famous tactical system built by Steve Kerr is beginning to show cracks.

In the past, when Curry and Thompson shared the floor, their elite off-ball movement and mutual screening actions always gave Draymond Green two passing options. Now, however, defenders can read Green’s passing direction more easily, and his ability to create assists has weakened. According to analysis from the 12BSports VR46 center, Kerr’s system was built around the Splash Brothers, so once one pillar collapses, the entire structure is bound to shake. The current roster does not have a player who can fully replace Thompson’s perimeter gravity, and opposing defenses know it all too well.

That means Curry is likely to carry even more responsibility going forward. However, asking one player to handle the entire offense is simply unrealistic. The shooting accuracy of the other Warriors players has fallen short of expectations, while Curry remains the only consistently reliable scoring source. In the end, Kerr may have no choice but to hold on to the existing system, but the key to a turnaround could lie with Wiggins. If he can rediscover the level he showed during the championship season, the Warriors may be able to restore balance to their attack.

During this 12BSports VR46 preseason stretch, Waters has clearly been one of the brightest surprises. He has shown not only a sharp shooting touch but also real defensive potential, raising expectations inside the team. Although he has a smaller frame, he has held his own against bigger players in switch defense and shown impressive one-on-one resistance, which brings back memories of Livingston in his best Warriors moments. Analysts believe Waters could become a key bench piece for Golden State. As the saying goes, effort is what makes a player truly stand out, and Waters is carving out his place in the Warriors system with fearless, hard-nosed play.