Stephen Curry remains capable of driving a contender, but Golden State’s championship hopes depend on health, defensive improvement and a more balanced offense.
The Golden State Warriors no longer possess the margin for error that accompanied their championship teams.
Stephen Curry is 38, Draymond Green is 36 and Jimmy Butler will turn 37 before the upcoming season. Golden State also finished 37-45 last season and missed the playoffs after injuries dismantled a roster already reliant on older players.
That does not mean Curry’s championship window has completely closed.
Apr 17, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Golden State Warriors guardStephenCurry(30) celebrates with Brandin Podziemski (2) against the Phoenix Suns during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesCurry averaged 26.6 points last season while shooting 39.3% from 3-point range, despite appearing in only 43 games because of a lingering knee problem. When healthy, he remains one of the NBA’s most disruptive offensive players because of his Hall of Fame shooting, off-ball movement and late-game shotmaking.
The Warriors can still compete, but their path requires more than simply relying on Curry to carry an aging roster.
Health Must Come Before Seeding
Golden State’s most important goal should be getting Curry and Butler to the postseason healthy.
Butler suffered a torn right ACL in January and missed the remainder of last season. Curry later sat out 27 consecutive games with a knee injury. Their absences left the Warriors without enough shot creation to survive in an unforgiving Western Conference.
Head coach Steve Kerr must manage Curry’s workload and avoid chasing a few additional regular-season victories at the expense of April.
De’Anthony Melton and Gary Payton II can absorb difficult backcourt assignments, while Brandin Podziemski must become a steadier playmaker when Curry rests.
Butler’s recovery could determine the team’s ceiling. If he returns close to his previous form, Golden State will regain a physical downhill scorer who can draw fouls and create offense late in games.
Porziņģis Provides a New Dimension
The addition of Kristaps Porziņģis gives the Warriors an element their championship teams rarely possessed: a 7-foot-2 floor spacer who can protect the rim and punish switches.
Apr 17, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Golden State Warriors guardStephenCurry(30) with forward Draymond Green and head coach Steve Kerr against the Phoenix Suns during the closing seconds of the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesGolden State acquired Porziņģis from the Atlanta Hawks in a midseason trade involving Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield. The Warriors later signed the veteran big man to a two-year, $40 million extension.
A Curry-Porziņģis pick-and-pop could stretch defenses beyond their comfort zone. Opponents cannot comfortably switch smaller guards onto Porziņģis, but dropping the center would provide Curry with open space behind the arc.
Green remains essential as the defensive organizer and offensive connector. However, Golden State must surround him with sufficient shooting to prevent opponents from loading up against Curry.
Apr 15, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guardStephenCurry(30), forward DraymondGreen(23) and guard Gary Payton II (0) smile in the second half during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn ImagesThe Warriors are not the favorites they once were. Oklahoma City and other younger contenders possess more depth, athleticism and durability.
Golden State still has a plausible path. A healthy Curry remains capable of winning a playoff series, Butler offers postseason experience and Porziņģis creates a different offensive dimension. If the Warriors stay available and secure a top-six seed, one final championship run is not impossible.
