Stephen Curry recently opened up about the memorable era of dominance that he, alongside Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, brought to the Golden State Warriors. Curry reflected on their remarkable achievements and expressed doubt about whether another team could replicate such prolonged success in today’s ever-changing NBA landscape.
Golden State's reign, which many presumed ended in 2019, surprisingly persisted with another championship victory in 2022. "I mean obviously defining a dynasty can take a lot of different looks. People thought this was over in 2019 ... but 2022 was an amazing championship because we defied the odds," Curry remarked. "That's 11 years of almost 12 years of championship relevancy built around a certain core. I don't think [it will be replicated] just because it's very hard to keep things together in this league. A lot more player movement. Me, Klay, and Draymond, we complemented each other so well for so long. We all brought something different to the table, so we'll see."
The Warriors' era of dominance was driven primarily by the trio of Curry, Thompson, and Green, forming a core that lasted nearly 12 years. Despite their success, maintaining such a group in the modern NBA proved challenging. Klay Thompson’s departure to the Dallas Mavericks signified the end of an era.
The End of an Era
Reflecting on the breakup of the core trio, Curry shared his disappointment. "It sucks," he confessed. "We would've loved to maintain the core and finish out together. ... So you have to be able to celebrate what we accomplished and be able to move." The sentiment was echoed by Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, who acknowledged the difficulty of seeing a long-time team member leave. "This has become a family over the years and people have watched us grow and stay together and succeed and fail," Kerr observed. "So Klay leaves, it's like, yeah, it's bizarre for us, it's bizarre for everybody. [But] everybody is given a ton of freedom here and they have to do what's in their heart. The best thing for Klay, he needed a change."
Transitioning to a New Chapter
The Warriors’ recent seasons have been a mix of accolades and shortfalls. After their 2022 championship, the team missed the playoffs in the second round in 2023 and fell short in the play-in tournament the following year. In response, the Warriors have strategically bolstered their roster by adding players like Kyle Anderson, De'Anthony Melton, and Buddy Hield. They are also focusing on nurturing young talents such as Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and Trayce Jackson-Davis, aiming to build a new foundation for future success.
Despite the change in dynamics, Curry remains optimistic. "Being in one place for my own career ... I know it's really hard to do that. I want to be greedy and say we can be relevant and be in the mix and give ourselves a realistic chance to win while I'm still growing these gray hairs," he humorously noted. His dedication to the Bay Area is unwavering. "I love the Bay and the Bay is home and I never want that to change," Curry emphasized.
As the Warriors transition into a new chapter, the memories of their past successes will continue to inspire. The bond formed over years of triumph and tribulation remains intact, even as the team evolves. "This has become a family over the years and people have watched us grow and stay together and succeed and fail," Curry reiterated. The end of one era marks the beginning of another, with new challenges and opportunities on the horizon for Golden State.