As the NBA landscape continues to evolve, the Golden State Warriors remain one of the most fascinating stories in basketball. After a decade of dominance that included four championships, the Warriors have faced questions about whether their dynasty is truly over. With younger teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Boston Celtics rising to prominence, and established contenders like the Denver Nuggets and Milwaukee Bucks still in the mix, the Warriors are no longer the automatic favorites they once were. But as the 2025-26 season approaches, is the basketball world underestimating Golden State’s chances to reclaim the throne?
The case for the Warriors being overlooked begins with their core. Stephen Curry, even at 37, remains one of the most lethal offensive players in NBA history. His shooting, playmaking, and leadership are irreplaceable, and he has shown no signs of a steep decline. In the 2024-25 season, Curry averaged 26.4 points per game while shooting over 40% from three-point range—numbers that would be career years for most players. If he maintains this level of production, the Warriors will always have a chance in any playoff series.
Alongside Curry, Draymond Green continues to be the heart of Golden State’s defense and playmaking. While his offensive contributions have waned, his ability to defend multiple positions, orchestrate the offense, and elevate his teammates’ play remains invaluable. The Warriors’ system thrives on Green’s basketball IQ, and as long as he’s healthy, they have a defensive anchor who can disrupt opposing offenses.
Klay Thompson’s future with the team is less certain, but if he returns, his shooting and experience in big moments cannot be dismissed. Even if he’s no longer the All-Star he once was, Thompson’s ability to stretch defenses and hit clutch shots adds a dimension to Golden State’s offense that few teams can match. If he departs, the Warriors will need to find a suitable replacement, but the front office has shown a willingness to make bold moves to stay competitive.
Beyond the core, the Warriors have intriguing young talent. Jonathan Kuminga took significant strides in the 2024-25 season, showing flashes of becoming a two-way star. His athleticism, improving jump shot, and defensive versatility make him a potential breakout candidate. If he takes another leap, he could become the second-best player on the team, easing the burden on Curry. Similarly, Moses Moody has developed into a reliable rotation player, and Brandin Podziemski’s energy and playmaking provide valuable depth.
The biggest X-factor for the Warriors, however, could be Andrew Wiggins. After a down year in 2023-24, Wiggins rebounded with a strong season, reminding everyone why he was such a crucial piece in their 2022 championship run. His ability to defend elite wings and score efficiently makes him an essential part of Golden State’s ceiling. If he plays at an All-Star level, the Warriors become a much more dangerous team.
Another reason the Warriors may be underrated is their coaching. Steve Kerr is one of the best coaches in NBA history, with a deep understanding of how to maximize his roster’s strengths. His ability to adjust in playoff series, manage egos, and implement a system that emphasizes ball movement and spacing gives Golden State an edge over many teams. While younger squads like the Thunder and Magic are loaded with talent, they lack the postseason experience and tactical mastery that Kerr brings.
The Western Conference is as stacked as ever, but the Warriors have proven they can navigate tough competition. The Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokic, are the reigning standard, but they’ve shown vulnerabilities in depth. The Suns rely heavily on aging stars Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, and injuries remain a concern. The Thunder and Timberwolves are ascending, but their youth could work against them in high-pressure moments. The Lakers and Clippers are always threats, but both have their own roster uncertainties. In this context, the Warriors—with their mix of championship experience and emerging talent—could easily be a top-three team in the West.
Financially, the Warriors have the resources to improve. Owner Joe Lacob has never shied away from spending to win, and Golden State’s front office, led by Mike Dunleavy Jr., has shown creativity in roster construction. Whether through trades, free agency, or internal development, the Warriors have pathways to upgrade their roster. A move for another star—such as a versatile forward or a defensive-minded center—could elevate them back into true title contention.
Critics will point to the Warriors’ age and mileage as reasons for skepticism. Curry, Green, and Thompson have played deep into the playoffs nearly every year for a decade, and the wear-and-tear is undeniable. The team’s defense has slipped in recent years, and they’ve struggled against bigger, more physical teams. However, the addition of a rim-protecting big man or another athletic wing could address some of these issues.
Another factor working in Golden State’s favor is the parity in the NBA. Unlike past seasons where one or two superteams dominated, the league is now wide open. There is no unbeatable juggernaut, and any team with a top-10 player and a solid supporting cast has a realistic chance. The Celtics, Bucks, and 76ers are strong in the East, but none are invincible. In a seven-game series, the Warriors’ championship DNA could give them an edge over less experienced squads.
The narrative surrounding the Warriors also plays a role in them being overlooked. After missing the playoffs in 2020 and 2021, many declared the dynasty dead—only for them to win the title in 2022. The NBA world has a short memory, and the tendency to focus on the next big thing often leads to underestimating proven winners. The Warriors thrive as underdogs, and if they enter the 2025-26 season with lower expectations, that could work to their advantage.
Of course, there are legitimate concerns. Curry’s health is paramount—if he misses significant time, the Warriors’ ceiling plummets. Green’s volatility and age-related decline could become issues, and the lack of a true dominant big man hurts them against teams with elite centers. But if everything breaks right—if Curry stays healthy, the young players take another step, and the front office makes savvy moves—the Warriors could absolutely be title contenders.
In conclusion, while the Warriors may not be the favorites heading into the 2025-26 season, writing them off would be a mistake. With a legendary core, emerging young talent, elite coaching, and a front office willing to spend, they have all the ingredients to make another deep playoff run. The NBA is in an era of transition, and in such an environment, experience and championship pedigree matter more than ever. The Warriors have been counted out before—only to remind the league why they were once the most feared team in basketball. If they stay healthy and make the right adjustments, they could very well silence the doubters once again.
