Charles Barkley. Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Charles Barkley explains why he thinks Warriors' run is 'over'

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Jul 11, 2024 4:02 PM ET

Charles Barkley has often been critical of the Golden State Warriors in the past, but he now feels that their run as a contender is well and truly finished.

Barkley made clear Thursday that the current Warriors are simply past their prime and are finished contending for titles with their current core, no matter their moves.

“They were mediocre last year, they’re going to be even more mediocre next year … that run is over.”

Charles Barkley on the current state of the Warriors pic.twitter.com/qLhQMPUlSr

— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) July 11, 2024

“They got a mediocre team. They were mediocre last year, they’re going to be even more mediocre next year,” Barkley said. “They’re just all past their prime. That run is over.”

Barkley’s comments are at least somewhat informed by Klay Thompson’s departure, though knowing Barkley, he would likely have said the same thing either way. The harsh reality is that while the Warriors went 46-36 last season, it was not enough to make much noise in the loaded Western Conference. There is little reason to believe that swapping Thompson for Buddy Hield will significantly improve them next season.

Barkley’s criticism of the Warriors is not exactly anything new. On the other hand, he has been wrong about Golden State before, and the Warriors will be eager to prove him wrong again.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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