Stephen Curry’s comments about Golden State Warriors veterans might validate Charles Barkley‘s doubt
The Golden State Warriors feature experienced players who understand championship basketball, evidenced by their strong 4-1 start against Western Conference competition.
However, their age represents an undeniable concern. The core consists of players at least 35 years old, raising sustainability questions about a full season grind.
Former player and current analyst Charles Barkley recently expressed skepticism about Stephen Curry and the Warriors’ championship viability.
Stephen Curry explains Warriors‘ veterans struggled physically, validates Charles Barkley‘s doubt
Barkley‘s doubts center on whether Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green can maintain freshness and health throughout the season and playoffs.
The Warriors’ consecutive losses following their matchup with Indiana might validate Barkley’s concerns.
After the Pacers game, Curry acknowledged that after just seven games in the span of two weeks, the veterans aren’t at full physical capacity.
“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 that you’re no 10 out of 10. That you’re able to control a game on both ends with your brain,” he added.
Golden State Warriors struggle against young, fast-paced teams exposing age limitations
Curry emphasized the need for better preparation and opponent understanding moving forward.
The last two games revealed Golden State’s vulnerabilities against young, fast-paced teams that can exploit their physical limitations.
“Answer the call, watching film, understanding how the league is going with different lineups out there, and how fast pace teams are trying to play and make the necessary adjustment,” Curry explained.
The two-time MVP himself was outshined by non-star guards capable of playing with pace in consecutive games.
Ryan Rollins dominated for Milwaukee, followed by Quenton Jackson’s strong performance for Indiana. These performances suggest age may be catching up with Curry and his veteran teammates.
Tyrus Wheat offers Lions an intriguing developmental prospect at defensive end
The Detroit Lions came into the week with a chance to make a few additions along the defensive line given their roster situation, and didn't hesitate to strike with one intriguing move.
After cuts, the franchise moved to sign defensive tackle Tyler Lacy of the Jackasonville Jaguars and defensive end Tyrus Wheat, formally of the Dallas Cowboys. Wheat had made the Cowboys in 2023 as an undrafted free agent, and looked on track to crack the roster again. Instead, he heads to Detroit after he failed to make the Cowboys in 2025.
With him, Wheat will bring some interesting potential given his abiities as a pass rusher. This preseason, Wheat has been impressive getting after the quarterback. He racked up seven pressures during that span, which was tied for fourth amongst all defenders according to PFF.
In addition to that, Wheat just looks the part. During this preseason, Marcus Mosher of Fansided noted that Wheat has a knack of making things happen on the field whenever he's playing.
Tyrus Wheat just does stuff.
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) August 17, 2025
Bad analysis, but it's true.
In Detroit, Wheat will join a defensive line where he gets to play alongside the likes of Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport. It's likely that Wheat will merely be a complementary piece for the Lions, but he could certainly push for some snaps if he shows up as much as he has during training camp and the preseason.
At the very least, the Lions liked him enough to give him a shot on the roster out of the league cut period. It will be fascinating to see if he can parlay that opportunity into something tangible in the long-term with Detroit.
Wheat fits Lions' mindset with special teams focus and toughness
Not only could Wheat eventually play some kind of role for Detroit's defense, he figures to be an immediate special teams contributor. After making the Cowboys in 2023, Wheat saw plenty of snaps on that side of the ball and was most regularly a contributor on special teams in Dallas.
Despite that, Wheat does offer a relentless motor. The Lions are a franchise that has been built recently by players who have never relented, and it's clear they are getting another fit in Wheat. As Dan Rogers showed in a clip, Wheat hustles to the whistle, as when he chased a running back down field for a tackle.
You might want to look away because this is terrible run defense, but pay attention to defensive end Tyrus Wheat as he hustles 20 yards down the field to make the tackle. pic.twitter.com/uU0apOS0pX
— Dan Rogers (@DannyPhantom24) August 10, 2025
The hustle of Wheat on that paricular lost play is notable, and just the kind of thing that could endear him to special teams coordinator Dave Fipp and Dan Campbell. Even if he doesn't see the field much on defense, Wheat is likely to play a big role for a special teams group that recently took a hit with the loss of linebacker Ezekiel Turner. Speed and physicality play a big role there, which is what Wheat will bring.
It's easy to see why the Lions were intrigued by Wheat, and his addition proves the Lions want to bring a young player with some NFL experience along at the position. Now, Wheat only has to seize the major opportunity he's been given.
