The start of a new NBA season often brings with it renewed scrutiny, particularly for aging dynasties. This year, much of the skeptical gaze has been fixed upon the Golden State Warriors and their foundational superstar, Stephen Curry. However, Warriors General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. wasted no time in publicly defending the two-time MVP, delivering a strong statement that dismissed the narrative of Curry’s impending decline as grossly exaggerated and historically inaccurate.
In a recent appearance on local radio, Dunleavy, a former NBA player himself, fiercely protected his franchise player, directly addressing the age-related concerns that have plagued preseason discussions. "What's to say [Stephen Curry] is going to slow down? People have been predicting a fall-off the last three or four seasons and he hasn't done that," Dunleavy stated emphatically. His comments serve as a powerful endorsement, assuring fans and the wider league that the organization remains fully committed to Curry's ability to maintain elite performance levels well into his late thirties.
A History of Outperforming Expectations
The debate surrounding Curry's sustainability is rooted in traditional NBA logic. Guards, especially those who rely heavily on quickness and lateral agility to create space against larger opponents, typically experience a sharp drop-off in production by age 37. Yet, as Dunleavy correctly pointed out, Curry has defied this trend for years.
In the most recent 2024-2025 season, Curry averaged 24.5 points, 6.0 assists, and 3.9 rebounds, while maintaining a nearly 40 percent clip from three-point range. He secured an All-NBA Second Team selection and remained firmly in the top 10 of MVP voting—a remarkable ten times in his career. These statistics are not the output of a player in decline; they are the marks of a generational talent still operating at the apex of his craft.
Dunleavy’s confidence is clearly founded on more than just past success; it’s rooted in Curry’s legendary preparation. “We’re expecting more of the same. We don’t take it for granted, but the way this guy takes care of himself,” the GM explained. Curry's rigorous conditioning and commitment to his physical well-being suggest that his peak, unlike most contemporaries, may be extended by sheer force of will and a relentless focus on fitness.
The Strategic Value of Elite Performance
For the Warriors, Curry’s ongoing dominance is the singular factor that keeps them in championship contention. In high-leverage moments, his gravitational pull on opposing defenses remains unmatched. He forces opponents to guard him immediately upon crossing half-court, effectively warping the spatial dynamics of the game and making life infinitely easier for teammates like Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler, and the developing younger players.
Dunleavy’s public defense also serves a strategic purpose in managing the expectations around the rest of the roster. By affirming Curry’s sustained excellence, the GM indirectly signals that the team does not need the other veterans or young players to become stars overnight. Instead, their role is to complement Curry’s brilliance. This mindset reduces pressure on newer additions and focuses the team's energy on playing cohesive, veteran-led basketball.
In essence, Mike Dunleavy Jr. is telling the league—and the doubters—that until Stephen Curry provides undeniable evidence of slowing down, the Golden State Warriors operate under the assumption that they still possess a perennial MVP candidate who can single-handedly anchor a title run. The message is clear: the demise of the Warriors dynasty has been prematurely declared many times, and anyone betting against Stephen Curry’s longevity is likely to be proven wrong once again.
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