The Golden State Warriors, once the dominant force of the NBA, are facing harsh criticism as their golden era seems to be fading. An anonymous NBA coach recently took a shot at the franchise, likening the Warriors to a once-great rock band that’s still touring but past its prime.
“They’re like one of those rock and roll bands that’s still touring. They’ve still got their lead singer, and he can still crank it out at a high level,” the coach said, via Steve Bulpett of *Heavy*. “But it’s not the same band as before — and they haven’t had a hit record in a few years. That championship they won against Boston … that’s looking like a lifetime achievement award now.”
This harsh assessment underscores a growing sentiment that the Warriors’ window of dominance may have closed. From 2015 to 2019, Golden State redefined modern basketball with its three-point revolution, winning three championships and making five consecutive NBA Finals appearances. During that stretch, Stephen Curry was the engine of their success, averaging 26.5 points, 6.5 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game, while claiming back-to-back MVP awards.
Even after Kevin Durant’s departure, Curry proved his greatness by leading the Warriors to a 2022 championship victory over the Boston Celtics, cementing his legacy with his first Finals MVP. But as the coach suggests, that triumph may have been the last gasp of an era that’s rapidly fading.
The Warriors’ Decline Since 2022
Since that 2022 championship, the Warriors have been on a steady decline. Many of the key players who contributed to their success, such as Shaun Livingston and Andre Iguodala, have retired. Fan-favorite Klay Thompson also left the franchise this past offseason after struggling through injuries and an underwhelming performance last season.
Stephen Curry is now entering his first season without his longtime backcourt partner, and while players like Andrew Wiggins and Jonathan Kuminga show promise, they have yet to prove they can consistently carry the load. The Warriors lack a second reliable star to complement Curry and generate easy offense, leaving the team heavily reliant on the 36-year-old guard to stay competitive.
Despite Curry’s brilliance last season—where he averaged 26.4 points, 5.1 assists, and 4.5 rebounds—the Warriors couldn’t finish higher than 10th in the standings. Their season ended in disappointment after a loss to the Sacramento Kings in the play-in tournament, a stark contrast to their championship glory just two years prior.
Looking Ahead: The Warriors’ Uncertain Future
As the Warriors head into the 2024-25 season, expectations are low. Curry’s ability to keep the team competitive is unquestioned, but without major roster upgrades or another star to lean on, it seems unlikely that they will contend with the elite teams in the Western Conference. In fact, if not for Curry’s presence, some analysts believe the Warriors could be in line for a bottom-five finish.
That being said, the franchise still has hope. The Warriors will be looking for their next franchise superstar, either through the draft, trades, or free agency. If they can strike gold and find a player capable of leading the team in the post-Curry era, there may still be a chance for one final championship push before the iconic guard retires. But if that doesn’t happen soon, the Warriors may continue their downward trajectory, and their glory days will truly be a thing of the past.
The next few seasons will be pivotal, as the Warriors attempt to navigate the delicate balance between honoring their past and securing their future. What they do in the coming years could determine whether they experience a resurgence or fade away, much like the anonymous coach’s comparison to a rock band whose best days are behind them.
