The Golden State Warriors, once a dominant force in the NBA, are now facing the reality of being a middle-of-the-pack team. The deterioration of their Big 3 pillars, Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, has led to their downfall, and there’s no renovating or fixing the crumbling support beams around them.
Klay Thompson, who has been less productive and more ornery than usual, is facing the harsh truth that his career may be coming to an end. Thompson, who suffered serious injuries five years ago and a devastating Achilles tear four years ago, is unlikely to bounce back at 33 years old. In a conversation with coach Steve Kerr, Thompson expressed a newfound perspective on his career, realizing the importance of enjoying his last chapter and being grateful for the success he’s had.
Draymond Green, on the other hand, has been struggling to find that enlightenment. His recent actions, including stomping on an opponent and putting another player in a headlock, have raised concerns about his behavior. While Green has said the right things since his suspension, his actions in the coming weeks will determine his future with the team.
Despite their declining effectiveness, the Warriors have left their mark in NBA history. Their title-winning team shifted the game from an inside-out approach to a perimeter-focused style. They revolutionized the game and inspired other teams to perfect the framework they had designed. However, as the league caught up and adapted, the Warriors’ dominance began to fade.
The team’s record-breaking 3-point shooting numbers have now been surpassed by several other teams. The Boston Celtics, for example, are currently making more triples than any team in the league. The Warriors’ historic mark of 13.1 3-pointers made per game in their record-setting season would now only rank 13th in the league. While Golden State still holds some records, their impact on the game has diminished over time.
The Warriors must now decide whether to scale back and enjoy their remaining years as a team or make one last push with a new cast. With Green’s recent absence and the team’s middling performance, their chances of reaching another championship are dwindling. Time is running out, and the franchise needs to make some tough decisions before the trade deadline.
In conclusion, the Golden State Warriors, once a dominant force in the NBA, are now facing the reality of being a middle-of-the-pack team. The deterioration of their Big 3 pillars and the changing landscape of the league have contributed to their decline. While they have left their mark in NBA history, their reign as a top team is coming to an end. The Warriors must now decide how they want to navigate their twilight years and potentially rebuild for the future.
