Chuck thinks the Dubs are done.
To say that Hall of Fame forward Charles Barkley isn’t a fan of the Golden State Warriors would be an understatement. “Sir Charles” hasn’t been shy about his disdain for the Dubs since they began their incredible run in 2015 when they won an NBA championship using a tactic once frowned upon by old-school players.
A decade and a few more titles later, Chuck remains a “hater” and has become even more bold with his proclamations, especially after the recent departure of five-time All-Star Klay Thompson from Golden State for the Dallas Mavericks.
A mediocre team
Only one player has departed the Warriors this summer, but the size of the hole he leaves behind is immeasurable. Such was the impact of Thompson, who, along with Steph Curry and Draymond Green, helped elevate the once moribund franchise into a globally recognized one.
However, contract issues and a desire to start fresh made the “Splash Brother” step away from the place he called home for 13 seasons and forge a new partnership with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving in Dallas.
Although the Warriors’ front office pivoted quickly and signed several role players to bolster the roster, the 1993 MVP doesn’t think the team has enough to make a dent in the loaded Western Conference.
“They were mediocre last year. They’re going to be even more mediocre next year,” Barkley said.
Golden State finished with a 46-36 record last season, good for tenth in the West, earning them a spot in the Play-in Tournament. They were eventually booted out by the Sacramento Kings in the first round of games in the play-ins.
“That run is over,” Barkley emphasized.
Past their prime
Experience is precious for any team trying to reach elite status in the league. The Warriors only have a few players who have gone through the gauntlet and survived to tell the tale of championship glory. The rest of the roster, though, looks green and inexperienced.
However, Chuck stressed his belief that Golden State no longer has what it takes to climb to the top of the NBA mountain despite Curry’s average of 26.4 points on 40 percent shooting from long range and 5.1 assists per game.
“They just all past their prime,” Barkley argued.
After losing Klay, the Warriors scooped up solid players like Buddy Hield, De’Anthony Melton, and Buddy Hield, all of whom have proven themselves to be valuable role players on their previous teams. For the Warriors, this reality has started to set in. While Curry remains a top player in the league, his supporting cast just isn’t what it used to be, and the results will continue to decline.