Curry’s Decline—Why It’s Time for the Warriors to Plan for Life After Him

The Golden State Warriors’ Future After Stephen Curry: A Critical Transition

The Golden State Warriors have been defined by Stephen Curry’s greatness for over a decade. His unprecedented shooting ability and leadership have led the team to four NBA championships and solidified his place as one of the best to ever play the game. However, as the 2024 season unfolds, there are signs that it might be time for the Warriors to start planning for life after Curry. His recent injury woes, combined with the natural aging process, suggest that the Warriors must prepare for a future without their superstar point guard.

Curry’s Injuries: A Wake-Up Call for the Warriors

Stephen Curry has long been the centerpiece of the Warriors’ success, but recent injuries are starting to show signs of wear and tear on his body. The 36-year-old guard is dealing with knee tendinitis and has missed several games throughout the 2024 season due to injury concerns. While there’s no question about his skill, the physical toll of playing at an elite level for over a decade is becoming apparent. Even when Curry is healthy, his minutes are being managed more carefully than ever before, with the Warriors keeping him on a lighter playing schedule.

For the Warriors, this should serve as a clear indication that they can’t continue to rely solely on Curry’s health and production. The risk of further injury increases with age, and the Warriors must consider the future of their team without him at the helm.

The Warriors’ Aging Core

In addition to Curry’s injuries, the Warriors’ supporting cast is also aging. Draymond Green and Klay Thompson, who have been integral to the Warriors’ championship runs, are in their 30s as well. While they still contribute at a high level, the reality is that their careers are nearing the twilight phase. Green’s recent contract extension and Thompson’s injury history make it clear that the Warriors cannot afford to bet on this trio being the long-term foundation of the team.

The Warriors have the foundation of young talent with players like Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody, but these players have yet to prove themselves as consistent contributors. Without a clear plan to build around this new generation of players, the Warriors risk wasting Curry’s remaining prime years.

The Warriors Need to Shift Their Focus

It’s clear that the Warriors need to begin transitioning their roster to sustain success beyond Curry. The team’s championship window, while still open, is narrowing. If they wait too long to address their future, they could find themselves in a rebuilding phase without the assets or roster flexibility to quickly bounce back.

The key to this transition is ensuring that the next wave of Warriors players is ready to take on more responsibility. This means prioritizing player development and exploring potential trades or acquisitions to bring in younger talent. The Warriors also need to build their system around a more balanced offensive strategy, one that doesn’t lean so heavily on Curry’s shooting and playmaking abilities.

Could Curry’s Legacy End in a Different Role?

Despite his physical decline, Curry’s basketball IQ, leadership, and shooting ability will always make him an invaluable asset to the team. However, as his athleticism diminishes, it’s possible that Curry may eventually shift to a more limited role, much like other aging stars in the NBA. This could involve playing fewer minutes, taking on more of a mentor role for younger players, and contributing in a more specialized capacity when necessary.

This transition won’t happen overnight, but it’s important for the Warriors to start preparing for a future where Curry’s minutes are less frequent and his contributions are more strategic. The Warriors must balance honoring Curry’s legacy while acknowledging the need for long-term sustainability.

The Bottom Line: Planning for the Post-Curry Era

While it’s impossible to overstate Curry’s impact on the Golden State Warriors, the time has come for the team to plan for life after him. The combination of Curry’s increasing injuries, the aging of the Warriors’ core, and the evolving landscape of the NBA all point to a future where the Warriors must build a new identity. This doesn’t mean Curry will retire tomorrow, but it’s clear that the Warriors can’t afford to be complacent. They must begin investing in their future, both in terms of player development and roster flexibility, to ensure that the team remains competitive for years to come.

The Warriors’ success over the next few seasons will depend on how well they navigate this delicate transition and prepare for the inevitable changing of the guard. The question now is not whether Curry will eventually slow down, but whether the Warriors will be ready to thrive when he does.