The Golden State Warriors' postseason run came to an end a bit sooner than fans would've liked.
However, even making the playoffs was far from a guarantee at one point in the season when they were the No. 12 seed in the Western Conference.
The trade for Jimmy Butler proved to make all the difference, as the Warriors went 23-7 with him in the lineup.
Warriors have "constrained" themselves
After defeating the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA Play-In Tournament, the Warriors went on to face the Houston Rockets. While they took the series in seven games, some of Golden State's weaknesses were laid bare.
While the Warriors have been credited with running small-ball lineups, the Rockets zagged and often had two big men on the court.
Losing Stephen Curry in Game 1 proved detrimental. Now, the Warriors will have to devise a game plan for the offseason to make another run at an NBA Championship, likely.
However, Matt Steinmetz isn't fond of the position the Warriors have put themselves in: having to rely on so many older players.
"They've set themselves up where they have to be constrained...I hate that," Steinmetz said on the Steiny & Guru show.
Outside of Jonathan Kuminga, the Warriors don't have many youthful assets. Kuminga is set to become a restricted free agent and could command a hefty offer sheet after his resurgence in the playoffs.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr isn't fond of playing Kuminga with Butler, as Kuminga was benched down the stretch of the regular season.
It's likely the Warriors will look to do a sign-and-trade with Kuminga and could look to use that as a way to bolster the center position.