# Golden State Warriors roster issues and NBA rule changes

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/golden-state-warriors-preseason-roster-challenges
> Updated: 2026-10-10T18:11:00.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 3.

The Golden State Warriors are navigating roster uncertainty and injury challenges during their NBA preseason. Initially, head coach Steve Kerr confirmed that Stephen Curry and Draymond Green would be permanent fixtures in the starting lineup, though other positions remained subject to rotation. Early preseason lineups included rookie Yaxel Lendeborg, who emerged as a significant development during training camp.

As the preseason progressed, the team faced mounting roster shortages. Ahead of a matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers, the Warriors were expected to be without nine players, including Curry, Green, and Al Horford. Other absences included De’Anthony Melton, Gary Payton II, Georges Niang, and Kristaps Porziņģis, while Jimmy Butler remained sidelined with an ACL injury. Despite these setbacks, the team secured a victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, highlighted by a strong debut from Lendeborg.

Following these challenges, Stephen Curry reflected on the team’s trajectory, acknowledging that while there were opportunities to strengthen the roster after their 2022 championship, “not all moves were successful.” He specifically noted that injuries to key players have significantly impacted recent performance. 

Concurrently, the team is adjusting to new NBA officiating guidelines regarding ‘off-arm push offs.’ While NBA Senior Vice President Monty McCutchen stated that forceful pushing or fully extending the arm will be deemed illegal, Draymond Green expressed skepticism about the new rules, suggesting that strict enforcement “often fades once the regular season begins.”

## Timeline

### 2026-10-10: Golden State Warriors players react to roster issues and NBA rule changes

Stephen Curry discusses the Golden State Warriors' roster challenges and injuries, while Draymond Green reacts to new NBA rules targeting offensive off-arm push offs.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/golden-state-warriors-players-react-to-roster-issues-and-nba-rule-changes

### 2026-10-07: Golden State Warriors face major roster shortages for Portland game

The Golden State Warriors will play their next preseason game against Portland without Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and several other key players despite a recent win over the Lakers.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/golden-state-warriors-face-major-roster-shortages-for-portland-game

### 2026-10-01: Golden State Warriors starting lineup remains uncertain

Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr confirmed Draymond Green and Stephen Curry as starters, while noting that other positions remain open for competition during training camp.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/golden-state-warriors-starting-lineup-remains-uncertain

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Cite as: Golden State Warriors roster issues and NBA rule changes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/golden-state-warriors-preseason-roster-challenges