The Golden State Warriors find themselves at a crossroads. The glory days of their dynasty might be behind them, but under Steve Kerr's guidance, they're still playing meaningful basketball.
With a 31-28 record, the Warriors hold the No. 8 seed in the fiercely competitive Western Conference. If the season wrapped up today, they'd be battling in the Play-In Tournament-a familiar territory for them.
However, despite their resilience, few see this team as a genuine championship threat. Steph Curry's absence due to a lower extremity injury has thrust players like Moses Moody, Podz, and Will Richard into the spotlight. And while Draymond Green has been pivotal in the past, questions loom about his current role.
NBA analyst Mark Willard recently weighed in on the Warriors' lineup decisions on the Willard & Dibs program. His take? If Curry sits out, perhaps Green should too.
“Instead of worrying about minutes or whether he starts or comes off the bench, how about if Steph doesn’t play, you’re out. Your back hurts. I’m not kidding at all,” Willard suggested.
He argued that the team might actually perform better without Green when Curry is unavailable, due to the style they need to adopt. Willard likened it to having a personal catcher in baseball, emphasizing that the Warriors might benefit from a different approach.
It's a challenging situation. Green remains a key figure in Warriors history, known for his defensive prowess.
Yet, Willard's point about Green's fit with the current roster resonates. The chemistry he shares with Curry is undeniable, but that synergy doesn't necessarily extend to the younger players.
And with Al Horford, who is a more reliable shooter, the dynamics shift.
Willard highlighted Horford's shooting ability as a reason to reconsider Green's role. “It’s not just about Draymond aging.
When Steph’s out, this team is better without him because of the style they need to play. Not because he’s old, because Al is five years older.
But Al can shoot the three.”
The conversation changes entirely with Curry on the court. The Warriors need to decide if they’re holding onto the past or adapting to the demands of 2026 basketball. This isn't about sidelining Dray out of disrespect; it's about understanding that the system that elevated him works best with Curry's influence.
Without Curry's gravitational pull, the Warriors need to be quicker, more spaced out, and adaptable. It might be time to stagger the eras rather than force them to coexist.
The dynasty core has earned its accolades, but the future of the Warriors will be built on evolution, not nostalgia. If they want to make a postseason impact, they’ll need to chart a new course.