In 2010, new Golden State Warriors co-owner Joe Lacob delivered a speech to the home crowd at then Oracle Arena in Oakland, where the team played for 48 years. He pointed to the lone championship banner from 1975 hanging in the rafters — the franchise’s only title since moving west from Philadelphia. That moment symbolized a desire for more.
Since that speech, the Warriors have reached six NBA Finals and won four championships. They also set an NBA record with a 73-9 regular-season mark in 2015-16, though they ultimately lost the Finals to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Several Warriors from that era achieved personal milestones that defined a dynasty.
Star point guard Stephen Curry, now in his 17th season, has done nearly everything possible in a basketball career. He’s won two MVP awards, four championships, a Finals MVP, a conference finals MVP, and an Olympic gold medal. Curry and his teammates have created countless unforgettable moments for Bay Area fans.
The 2020s, however, have not been as kind. Aside from an unexpected championship run in the 2021-22 season, and a few brief playoff appearances, Golden State has faced its share of adversity, both on and off the court.
Injuries have been a recurring setback. Guard Moses Moody underwent offseason surgery to repair a thumb ligament, and De’Anthony Melton — who spent time with the Warriors before being traded early last season — is still recovering from a leg injury that ended this year.
Team chemistry has also been tested. About three years ago, star forward Draymond Green and then-teammate Jordan Poole were involved in a physical altercation during practice ahead of the 2022-23 season. A leaked video of the incident went viral, creating a media storm and an awkward atmosphere that lingered throughout the season.
Now, the Warriors find themselves on the tail end of their superstar era. Curry and Green each have two years left on their contracts, and the roster includes veterans such as Jimmy Butler lll, Al Horford and Buddy Hield.
The concern, however, is age. Curry is 37, Green is 35, Horford is 39, and Butler III is 36. In contrast, many of today’s top contenders have much younger cores — the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, for example, are the league’s sixth-youngest team, while the Warriors are the second-oldest.
The 2025-26 season promises plenty of storylines for Golden State. On paper, the roster leans heavily on experience, but the team still has depth and championship pedigree. Only time will tell if there’s enough left in the tank for one more run — and another banner in the Bay.
