Stephen Curry reflects on a remarkable era of dominance with the Golden State Warriors alongside teammates Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. Born from a core group that lasted nearly 12 years, the Warriors' success is a testament to the synergy and skill of these three players. “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 shares. “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.”
The Warriors' 2022 championship was a particularly sweet victory, coming after many believed their dominance had ended with a Finals loss in 2019. “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,” Curry added. His reflections highlight the uniqueness of the Warriors' run, acknowledging that the cohesion they maintained is difficult to replicate in today's NBA landscape, characterized by frequent player movement.
The Changing Roster
While Curry remains a steadfast pillar in Golden State, the team has not been immune to change. In a surprising move, Klay Thompson joined the Dallas Mavericks, marking the end of an era for the original core. “It sucks,” Curry 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.” Curry’s sentiments are shared by head coach Steve Kerr, who expressed his own feelings about Thompson’s departure. “This has become a family over the years and people have watched us grow and stay together and succeed and fail,” Kerr noted. “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.”
The departure of Thompson signifies a crucial shift for the Warriors, who have since missed the playoffs in the second round in 2023 and came short in the play-in tournament in 2024. Adjusting to these changes, the team has bolstered its roster by acquiring Kyle Anderson, De'Anthony Melton, and Buddy Hield. These new additions bring fresh energy and skills as the Warriors aim to remain competitive in the league.
Developing Future Stars
In addition to seasoned players, the Warriors are also focusing on nurturing young talents like Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and Trayce Jackson-Davis. This investment in youth reflects a strategic move to ensure future success. “Being in one place for my own career ... I know it's really hard to do that,” Curry mused. “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. Curry’s commitment to the Warriors and the Bay Area remains unwavering, highlighting his intent to finish his career with the team. “I love the Bay and the Bay is home and I never want that to change,” he affirmed.
Family and Legacy
The bond that Curry, Thompson, and Green forged over the years transcends the sport. Their journey has been a public spectacle, with fans witnessing both their triumphs and pitfalls. “This has become a family over the years and people have watched us grow and stay together and succeed and fail,” reflected Curry. This sense of family has been crucial in maintaining team spirit and resilience, even when faced with significant changes.
As the Warriors transition into a new chapter, the legacy of Curry, Thompson, and Green's era will undoubtedly remain a golden period in the franchise's history. Their combined efforts brought a renaissance of excellence to the Warriors, an achievement that continues to inspire the organization and its supporters. With Curry steering the ship, the future still holds promise for the Golden State Warriors as they adapt and evolve in the ever-changing landscape of the NBA.