Stephen Curry, the face of the Golden State Warriors and one of the most iconic players in NBA history, has recently opened up about the illustrious era of dominance that the Warriors experienced. Alongside teammates Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, Curry helped forge a dynasty that many believed was finished after 2019. But, against all odds, the Warriors clinched another championship in 2022.
Reflecting on the Warriors' extraordinary run, Curry shared his thoughts on how unique their dynasty was. "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," he remarked. Curry emphasized the difficulty of sustaining such a level of success in today's NBA where player movement is more rampant than ever. "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. Me, Klay and Draymond, we complemented each other so well for so long. We all brought something different to the table, so we'll see."
A Changing Core
However, the Warriors' core has seen a significant shift with the departure of Klay Thompson to the Dallas Mavericks. The departure not only marked the end of an era but left a gap in the once-unyielding trifecta that defined the team. Curry admitted that it was tough to see his long-time teammate and friend move on. "It sucks," he 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."
Head coach Steve Kerr, who has been instrumental in steering the team through its highs and lows, echoed Curry's sentiments. "This has become a family over the years and people have watched us grow and stay together and succeed and fail," Kerr observed. "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."
New Additions and Emerging Talents
The Warriors' management has not been idle in the wake of these changes. They have strengthened their roster with the additions of Kyle Anderson, De'Anthony Melton, and Buddy Hield. Moreover, the team is nurturing young talents like Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and Trayce Jackson-Davis. These new faces bring fresh energy and promise to a squad looking to write the next chapter in its storied history.
Curry’s Commitment to the Warriors
Despite the challenges and transitions, Curry remains unwavering in his commitment to the Warriors and the Bay Area. "I love the Bay and the Bay is home and I never want that to change," Curry affirmed. He envisions continuing to be part of an evolving team while still competing at the highest levels. "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," he humorously noted.
The Warriors' era of dominance, built around a core that lasted almost 12 years, may have entered a new phase, but the legacy of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green remains indelible. As the team transitions and new players rise, the hope of more glory days continues to fuel the aspirations of fans and players alike. If history has shown anything, it's that with Curry at the helm, the Warriors are never to be counted out.