Charles Barkley stayed true to form by criticizing Stephen Curry and the other members of the Golden State Warriors for their unimpressive start to the 2025-26 NBA season. After all, the Warriors are viewed by many as one of the greatest championship dynasties in league history, a standard few teams across the NBA can match.
Although Barkley concluded his playing career several years before any member of the Warriors’ championship core entered the league, he has remained closely tied to the NBA and continues to share his often controversial opinions on the current generation of players.
Charles Barkley Highlights Biggest Weakness of Golden State Warriors
While some Warriors fans believe the team simply needs momentum to regain control of its season, Barkley disagreed and explained why he believes Golden State cannot reverse its current situation.
The Warriors are one of the few teams that have fundamentally changed the style of play across the league. Led by Stephen Curry, they established dominance through a jump-shot-heavy, long-range offensive approach.
Fans may recall Barkley predicting the Warriors were “done” after losing the 2016 NBA Finals to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Golden State quickly disproved that claim, winning two more championships in the following seasons.
The Warriors’ 2022 title run once again raised hopes that the team could capture one last championship with Curry still playing at an elite level. In response, the organization attempted to bolster the roster by adding experienced stars, including Jimmy Butler last season.
In an appearance on the “Tom Tolbert Show,” Barkley said the Warriors’ championship window may have already closed.
“They had one of the greatest runs in NBA history but it’s over,” he said. “They’re just old. Steph is on the Mount Rushmore but he gonna keep breaking down. I don’t think Jimmy is the same player and Draymond definitely not the same player.”
Charles Barkley says it’s OVER for the Warriors
“They had one of the greatest runs in NBA history but it’s over. They’re just old. Steph is on the Mount Rushmore but he gonna keep breaking down. I don’t think Jimmy is the same player and Draymond definitely not the same player”… pic.twitter.com/ZDCyio28ZY
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) December 21, 2025
To Barkley’s point, the Warriors’ advancing age and persistent injury issues have contributed significantly to their struggles. Despite Curry continuing to play at a high level, Golden State has been unable to sustain consistent success and sits at 14-15 entering its next game against the Orlando Magic.
Recent losses to teams such as the Portland Trail Blazers and Phoenix Suns, neither of which are considered title contenders, have further emphasized how far the Warriors are from championship form. If the team fails to find momentum, even a playoff berth could be in jeopardy.
While it would be understandable for a player of Curry’s stature to lean on his legacy, the Warriors’ franchise cornerstone remains driven to chase another NBA title.
