Stephen Curry took a moment to reflect on an era that saw the Golden State Warriors dominate the NBA landscape, alongside his long-time teammates Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. Speaking candidly, Curry shared his thoughts on the possibility—or lack thereof—of another dynasty matching what the Warriors achieved during their peak years.
A Legacy Carved in History
"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."
The Warriors' core, consisting of Curry, Thompson, and Green, was instrumental in establishing a nearly 12-year period of dominance. This remarkable journey, which many presumed ended in 2019, saw a triumphant resurgence with the 2022 championship. However, Klay Thompson's departure to the Dallas Mavericks marks the end of an era, adding a touch of sadness to the nostalgia.
The End of an Era
"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."
The Warriors have faced setbacks recently, missing the playoffs in 2023 and falling short in the play-in tournament in 2024. Despite these challenges, the team is determined to forge ahead, bolstering their roster with new additions such as Kyle Anderson, De'Anthony Melton, and Buddy Hield. Additionally, they are nurturing young talents like Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and Trayce Jackson-Davis in hopes of future success.
Changes on the Horizon
The departure of Klay Thompson has undoubtedly left a void, not just on the court but within the team's tight-knit family. Steve Kerr, reflecting on the change, noted, "This has become a family over the years and people have watched us grow and stay together and succeed and fail. 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."
Despite the bittersweet nature of Thompson's exit, Curry remains focused on the future and his commitment to the Warriors and the Bay Area. "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," Curry humorously noted.
The Future Ahead
As the Warriors pivot to a new chapter in their storied history, the bond between the remaining core members and the city they call home remains unshaken. "This has become a family over the years and people have watched us grow and stay together and succeed and fail," Curry reflected, emphasizing the deep connection between the team and its fans.
For Curry, the Bay Area is more than just a place to play basketball; it's home. "I love the Bay and the Bay is home and I never want that to change," he expressed, underscoring his intent to finish his career with the Warriors.
While uncertainties loom over the future, one thing is clear—Curry's commitment and the indelible mark left by the Warriors' dynasty will continue to resonate through the annals of NBA history.