Stephen Curry’s admission on veteran fatigue seems to support Charles Barkley’s concern
On paper, the Golden State Warriors look like a team with genuine championship potential.
With a roster built around experienced players who know how to win, the Warriors have started the season well against Western Conference opponents, currently sitting at 4-1.
But there are still questions about their longevity. Their core is made up of players aged 35 and above, which raises doubts about how well they can hold up over an entire season.
Charles Barkley recently added his voice to those concerns, questioning whether Stephen Curry and the rest of the Warriors have what it takes to seriously compete for another title this year.
Stephen Curry admits Warriors‘ veterans struggled physically, backs up Charles Barkley‘s doubt
Barkley’s main concern is whether Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green can stay healthy and maintain their performance levels over the course of the season and into the playoffs.
The Warriors’ back-to-back losses after their game against Indiana could be seen as evidence supporting Barkley’s point.
Following the Pacers game, Curry admitted that even after just seven games in two weeks, the veterans are already feeling the physical toll.
“Understand what you need to do to get your body, your mind ready to bring your best self,” Curry stated.
“Again, that’s where us as vets – and I look at myself – got to be able to demonstrate that. Execute it. Even if you don’t have it physically, you’re no 10 out of 10. That you’re able to control a game on both ends with your brain.”
Golden State’s age showing against quicker, younger teams
Curry has acknowledged the need for better preparation and understanding of opponents going forward.
The last two games have shown that Golden State struggles against younger, quicker teams that can take advantage of their physical limitations.
“Answer the call, watching film, understanding how the league is going with different lineups out there, and how fast-paced teams are trying to play and make the necessary adjustment,” Curry explained.
The two-time MVP was outplayed by non-star guards in back-to-back games, both capable of pushing the pace.
Rollins had a big game for Milwaukee before Jackson followed up with a strong outing for Indiana. Those results hint at a bigger issue: age might finally be catching up to Curry and his veteran teammates.
49ers trade deadline plans are now obvious after latest injury update
The San Francisco 49ers notched another win on Sunday, moving to 6-3 after defeating the New York Giants 34-24. While winning has been a theme for the Niners this season, so have significant injuries. Unfortunately, San Francisco experienced both in Week 9.
The major injury in this game happened to Mykel Williams, who is feared to have suffered a torn ACL.
The rookie edge defender will be the latest key player the 49ers lose for the season, and also the latest edge in San Francisco to go down with an injury. The Niners were already thin at that position and were expected to acquire an edge defender ahead of the trade deadline, but now they may be forced to make a trade if Williams is out for the remainder of the year.
Early in the season, San Francisco lost perennial Pro Bowler and 2022 Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa to an ACL injury. Bosa’s absence put a strain on the group, and that strain was intensified when Bryce Huff went down with a hamstring injury in Week 7. Huff is expected to return this year, but he has missed the last two games, leaving the 49ers without much of a pass rush.
Now, Williams has joined his veterans on the injury report, and San Francisco has no choice but to add a veteran edge defender. Fortunately for the Niners, there are options. The most likely options both play for the Miami Dolphins, who have officially opened up for business after falling to 2-7 and firing their general manager. Outside linebackers Bradley Chubb and Matthew Judon are both trade candidates, and San Francisco could actually use both of them.
With the trade deadline on Tuesday, Nov. 4, the 49ers will surely be active up until that point.
San Francisco clearly has a competitive team, so it needs to try and fill the gaps while it can.
