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As the NBA trade deadline approaches, Golden State Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy is in evaluation mode. After a 134-133 loss to the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night, the Bay Area team is looking for solutions to bolster its roster and get back into playoff contention.
With a 19-23 record, eight games below expectations, Dunleavy expressed his challenge in assessing the team's current situation. "Evaluating the team and the roster has been a challenge," Dunleavy told NBC Sports Bay Area.
The Warriors' defensive performance has been a concern, ranking 24th in defensive rating this season. The loss to the Kings, where 134 points were allowed, highlights the need for improvements in this crucial aspect of the game.
"It's certainly something we want to shore up," Dunleavy said. "Our defense has had a lot of problems. Getting Draymond back will help, but a lot of times, it's hard at the trade deadline to bring in a player or players that are just going to dramatically improve our defense."
Dunleavy acknowledges that defense must come from within as well as through potential acquisitions. "I think it has to come from within. And that comes from everybody. That's coaches, that's players, that's the whole thing that we've got to tighten this thing up and find a way to be better defensively," he stressed.
The focus on strengthening the defense is evident, but Dunleavy also praised the growth of young forward Jonathan Kuminga. Despite rumors of changes to the team, the Warriors have reiterated their desire to retain Kuminga, who has shown impressive offensive and defensive performances.
"I've seen a tremendous amount of growth in him, not only on the court with his basketball skills and play, but as a person," Dunleavy said of Kuminga. "It's a good relationship we have right now. He's a really good, young, important player for us."
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