The Golden State Warriors are sitting at 14-15, clinging to the eighth spot in a Western Conference that isn’t showing any signs of letting up. And with that middling record has come a wave of questions - not just about this season, but about the future of a dynasty that once redefined modern basketball.
Charles Barkley didn’t hold back when he joined the Tom Tolbert Show recently. The Hall of Famer and longtime analyst offered a blunt take on Golden State’s current state: “They had one of the greatest runs in NBA history, but it’s over.
They’re just old. Steph is on the Mount Rushmore, but he gonna keep breaking down.
I don’t think Jimmy is the same player, and Draymond definitely not the same player.”
That’s a lot to unpack - but Barkley’s not alone in voicing those concerns. The Warriors’ core of Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green is still capable of flashes of brilliance, but consistency has been elusive. Injuries, age, and a lack of depth in the frontcourt have all played a role in their up-and-down start.
Let’s be clear - when healthy, Steph Curry is still one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the league. In their recent 119-116 win over the Suns, Curry put on a vintage performance, dropping 28 points while adding 10 rebounds and six assists. He looked every bit like the two-time MVP, orchestrating the offense with his usual blend of craft and chaos.
Jimmy Butler, logging 35 minutes, chipped in with 25 points, two assists, and a rebound. While he may not be the same two-way wrecking ball he was during his peak Miami days, Butler remains a high-IQ player who can still take over stretches when needed. The question is whether he can do it night in and night out.
Draymond Green’s situation is a bit murkier. Once the emotional engine and defensive anchor of this team, Green hasn’t looked like the same player this season. Whether it’s wear and tear, age, or something else, the Warriors are missing the disruptive, playmaking version of Draymond that used to swing playoff series.
Still, this team isn’t going down quietly. After dropping a heartbreaker to Phoenix in their previous meeting - a 99-98 loss that stung - the Warriors came out with purpose at Chase Center.
The Suns opened strong, building a 12-point lead early, but Golden State clawed back in the second quarter and never looked back. The comeback was fueled by a balanced effort, including a breakout performance from Will Richard, who added 20 points and five boards off the bench.
That kind of production from the supporting cast is exactly what the Warriors need if they’re going to stay afloat in the West. The front office seems to agree - reports suggest they’re actively working the phones ahead of the trade deadline, with a clear focus on shoring up the frontcourt.
It’s not panic time yet, but the margin for error is razor-thin. Golden State’s next test comes against the Orlando Magic at home - a team that’s young, hungry, and not afraid to push the pace. For the Warriors, every game from here on out feels like a referendum on whether this core has one more run left in them - or if Barkley’s words are ringing truer than Dub Nation would like to admit.