Think the Golden State Warriors are still championship contenders? Stephen Curry certainly does, but a former NBA champ isn’t so sure! Age, injuries, and a cutthroat Western Conference could make their path to a title tougher than ever. What’s your take – can the aging core defy expectations, or is their window closing?
The competitive landscape of the NBA’s Western Conference has never been more intense, with the 2025-26 season poised to be its most challenging yet. As powerhouses like the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, and Houston Rockets solidify their championship aspirations, the Golden State Warriors, led by the indomitable Stephen Curry, find themselves at the epicenter of both hope and skepticism.
Despite Curry’s unwavering confidence in the Warriors’ potential, not everyone shares his optimism regarding their ability to reach the NBA mountaintop. Former NBA champion Jeff Teague, for instance, has publicly voiced concerns, pointing to a crucial inherent characteristic he believes will ultimately hinder the seasoned Golden State roster.
The previous season offered a glimpse of the Warriors’ renewed potency. Following a strategic acquisition at the trade deadline, the team experienced a significant surge, concluding the season with an impressive 23-7 record. The addition of another star player alongside Stephen Curry, such as a hypothetical new acquisition, demonstrably elevated their performance and cohesion.
However, the most significant hurdle facing this veteran Warriors squad is the persistent specter of injuries, exacerbated by their advanced age. Stephen Curry, a pivotal figure, is now 37, while stalwarts like Draymond Green and another key player are both 35. This aging core raises legitimate questions about their endurance through a grueling season and the playoffs, especially in the competitive Western Conference.
Despite these age-related concerns, Curry’s confidence remains unshaken. He emphasizes the importance of health and consistent high-level performance throughout the regular season. His belief is rooted in the strong team identity they forged and the foundation of collaborative play established towards the end of the previous campaign, which he hopes will translate seamlessly into the upcoming year.
Curry’s statements are not born of blind optimism but rather a pragmatic understanding of his team’s capabilities. The Golden State Warriors have consistently demonstrated that when healthy and operating at their peak, they possess the talent and experience to contend with any elite team in the league. Teague acknowledges the individual brilliance of Curry and the team’s core, but uncertainty looms beyond their established stars.
Adding to the team’s complexities is the ongoing saga surrounding Jonathan Kuminga, a restricted free agent whose future with the Warriors remains uncertain. The Sacramento Kings have emerged as a serious sign-and-trade suitor, relentlessly pursuing Jonathan Kuminga and reportedly resisting other deals in their quest to acquire him. Should Kuminga prove unattainable, the Kings might pivot their attention to veteran guard Russell Westbrook.
This intricate offseason maneuvering highlights the delicate balance the Golden State Warriors must strike between maintaining their veteran core and integrating or trading younger assets. The contract standoff with Jonathan Kuminga, where the Warriors’ offer clashes with Kuminga’s desire for a larger, longer deal, underscores the strategic decisions that will shape the team’s NBA championship window in a fiercely competitive Western Conference.
