"That run is over" - Charles Barkley offers blunt assessment of Warriors, labeling Dubs' squad as 'mediocre'
NBA legend Charles Barkley has expressed his opinion on the current state of the Golden State Warriors. The 1993 NBA MVP has had a complex relationship with Warriors fans due to his remarks. Barkley now says that he feels the Dubs won't be able to make another championship run with their current core.
On Thursday, the former player-turned-analyst made a strong statement about the Warriors, labeling them as a 'mediocre' team. He predicted that they'll be even worse this season regardless of any moves they made.
"They got a mediocre team. They were mediocre last year, they’re going to be even more mediocre next year," Barkley said.
"They're past their prime so that run is over," he added when asked what type of players they should pursue this offseason.
After going to six NBA Finals from 2015 through 2022 and winning four titles, the Warriors have struggled to keep pace with the rest of the league. This offseason, the Dubs lost Klay Thompson and Chris Paul to the Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs, respectively.
After missing the playoffs last campaign, it doesn't seem like they're a lock to compete for a berth in the postseason. Golden State still has Steph Curry and Draymond Green, but the past couple of years demonstrated that they're not enough to move the needle anymore.
What move did the Warriors make this offseason?
So far this offseason, the Warriors have added De'Anthony Melton, Kyle Anderson and Buddy Hield to their roster. They also added rookies Quinten Post, Lindy Waters III and Reece Beekman, but they aren't expected to impact the team.
A sector expected the departures of Klay Thompson and Chris Paul of the fanbase. Thompson finished his 13-year stint with the franchise and joined the Dallas Mavericks. Meanwhile, Paul only played one season at Chase Center before heading to Texas.
As the offseason continues, Steve Kerr admits that his team has negotiated trades for everybody on the roster but one player.
"There's very few players in the league who are not talked about in trade discussions. Steph Curry is not being talked about in trade talks. Everybody else is," Kerr said.
Curry is playing for Kerr on Team USA. They'll have the chance to compete again together next season, but the job won't be easy in a dangerous Western Conference.