The Golden State Warriors have long been defined by their “Big Three” of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, a trio that led them to four NBA championships and redefined modern basketball. However, as rumors swirl about a potential departure of Klay Thompson in the near future, the Warriors remain confident in their ability to stay relevant, thanks in large part to Stephen Curry’s leadership and their deep-rooted championship culture.
At the heart of the Warriors’ belief in their continued “relevancy” is Curry himself. Widely regarded as the greatest shooter in NBA history, Curry is still performing at an elite level as he enters his mid-30s. Despite the inevitable questions about age and durability, Curry has shown little sign of slowing down, as evidenced by his MVP-caliber play in recent seasons. His unique skill set — from his deep shooting range to his ability to control the pace of the game — continues to make him one of the most dangerous offensive players in the league.
Curry has often emphasized that as long as he’s on the court, the Warriors have a chance to compete at the highest level. His leadership both on and off the floor has become the cornerstone of the team’s belief system, especially during periods of adversity, like Thompson’s injuries over the past few seasons. Thompson, while invaluable to the Warriors’ past success, has already missed two entire seasons (2019-2021) due to injury, and the Warriors managed to rebuild and win another title in 2022.
The potential loss of Klay Thompson, whether through injury or free agency, is undoubtedly significant, as his shooting, defense, and chemistry with Curry have been vital to the Warriors’ dynasty. However, the team has evolved in recent years to stay competitive, bringing in young talent like Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody, and surrounding Curry with versatile players like Andrew Wiggins. Warriors’ General Manager Bob Myers has also been adept at finding pieces that fit well within the team’s system, ensuring that the roster can compete even as changes occur.
Furthermore, the Warriors have developed a culture of winning that goes beyond individual players. The team’s “strength in numbers” philosophy has been a key factor in their success, emphasizing depth, ball movement, and unselfish play. Draymond Green, a vocal leader and defensive anchor, remains a pivotal part of that identity, while head coach Steve Kerr’s system has continued to get the best out of whoever steps on the floor.
Even with the potential of losing Thompson, Curry and the Warriors believe they can maintain their relevance in a rapidly evolving NBA. Their past success was built on more than just the talent of one player — it was about culture, leadership, and resilience. As long as Curry continues to perform at an elite level and the team remains committed to its values, the Warriors have every reason to believe that their window of championship contention is far from closed.
In short, while Klay Thompson’s potential absence would be a major loss, the Warriors are confident that the foundation they’ve built — centered around Stephen Curry’s transcendent talent and their team-first mentality — will keep them relevant in the NBA landscape for years to come.