The Golden State Warriors are facing questions about their closing championship window as Stephen Curry enters the later stages of his career, but former NBA head coach PJ Carlesimo believes the franchise remains closer to contention than some might think.
Carlesimo addressed Golden State's outlook in a recent interview with Kyle Odegard of NEXTPredict, pushing back on the idea that the Warriors have reached their final opportunity to compete for another championship with Curry.
“I hate to say this is the last big push, because you can make some deals and change some people. Had they gotten LeBron everyone would have been talking completely differently. When Jimmy gets healthy, when their guys are healthy including Steph and Draymond, it’s still a very good team. A lot of people keep saying, well, the time’s running out. What are they going to do?
“Steph hasn’t lost anything. I don’t want to say Draymond’s lost anything, but OK, you’ve got a couple guys that are veterans. Jimmy, when he’s healthy, is still one of the best players in the league. Steph is one of the best players ever. I don’t think they are as far away (as people think).”
Golden State's championship timeline remains closely connected to Curry, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler III. While all three are established veterans, Carlesimo believes a healthy version of the Warriors still has enough talent to remain competitive.
The uncertainty surrounding Curry's long-term future, however, adds another layer to Golden State's situation.
Stephen Curry faces major Warriors contract decision
Curry, 38, is eligible for a two-year, $136.7 million extension with the Warriors. According to ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel, Golden State has presented Curry with multiple possibilities regarding his next contract.
Curry could sign the full extension, agree to a smaller figure that provides Golden State with additional financial flexibility or wait before making a decision.
Article Continues BelowThe four-time NBA champion recently made it clear that he does not want his contract situation becoming a distraction as the Warriors attempt to compete.
“I don't want there to be no drama,” Curry said, via ESPN's Anthony Slater. “No talking points. This team should be competitive and go win.”
Curry also said there is no urgency to finalize an agreement until he has everything necessary to make his decision.
“It's going to happen at the right time, once I have all the information I need to make the decision that is right,” Curry said. “The team's been great having that conversation back and forth. If I don't sign, it won't affect me in terms of my play or carrying that weight. But I'll make the decision when I'm ready.”
Curry acknowledged that Golden State's circumstances make the decision more complicated than a typical contract negotiation.
“It's just a very unique situation all the way around based on where we've been the last four years, where I'm at in my career, what our team looks like this year and the absolute desperation to win. Trying to balance all that,” Curry said.
That desperation underscores the reality facing the Warriors. Their championship window may be narrowing as their veteran core ages, but Carlesimo does not believe it has closed.
As long as Curry continues playing at an elite level and Golden State can keep its core healthy, Carlesimo believes the Warriors remain within striking distance of another run.