Celtics Legends Sympathize with Stephen Curry

It was a long summer for the Golden State Warriors. Despite winning a championship in 2022, the sting of losing doesn't lessen. Missing the postseason in 2024 and losing Klay Thompson bodes for a vastly different vibe in Golden State. For the third consecutive season, Stephen Curry lacks a star-level player required for a championship run.

"They don't have a championship team right now," Paul Pierce told Kevin Garnett about the Warriors.

Perhaps Pierce used a conservative description for the Warriors, as they are technically not a playoff team after losing to the Sacramento Kings in the Play-In Tournament. Curry averaged 26 points on all above-average shooting splits. Regardless of Curry's MVP-level performances, the four-time NBA champion's support couldn't keep up with the elite production.

"He need help, in the West!" Garnett said of Curry.

However, help doesn't seem like it's coming anytime soon. The trade market is dry after the Warriors failed to trade for Utah Jazz All-Star Lauri Markkanen. Unless a player from left field becomes available in the next few months, it's difficult to picture the Warriors playing better than a six-seed in the Western Conference.

The Warriors playoff picture depended on Draymond Green's availability. Green turns 35 in March, and Curry hits 37 in the same month. Respectfully, both stars are in their twilight years, although, in fairness, to Curry, his twilight is most players' primes.

Related: Team USA Legend Crowns Stephen Curry

Unless the Warriors make drastic roster changes, expect a first-round playoff exit from the Warriors in 2025.