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Kendrick Perkins accuses Warriors of failing Steph Curry
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Golden State Warriors still do not look like title contenders this season, even though Steph Curry continues to perform at a high level. Kendrick Perkins believes it’s time for the team to look in the mirror.

In an appearance on ESPN’s “NBA Today” Wednesday, Perkins said the Warriors have failed Curry by not being able to “get right” while the star guard continues to excel. He even namechecked coach Steve Kerr and forwards Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler as being to blame.

“Everyone has failed Steph in this organization,” Perkins said. “We’re talking about an all-time great. I’m talking about Steve Kerr, Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler — they can’t get right. This man is averaging 28 points on 47% shooting right now, damn near 40% from the three, and y’all can’t get right. We’re talking about a window where he’s trying to max out minutes and go win a championship.

“You didn’t trade for Jimmy Butler last year just to come in and sign him to an extension and be No. 8 in the Western Conference. What’s up with your player development? Why can’t Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga thrive under Steve Kerr? They are failing Steph Curry to the max right now.”

Perkins does pose some relevant questions here. The Warriors have failed to develop their draft picks, including Kuminga, who appears likely to get traded at this point. Green’s on-court conduct remains an issue, and that has led some to label him a liability at this point in his career. Butler is averaging 19.7 points per game, but a strong third option has yet to emerge in the offense.

Even by Golden State’s standards, tensions appear rather high this season. We have heard that Curry is treating this as something of a last ride, and if so, a 19-18 start to the season is likely not what anyone had in mind.

The Warriors are still all-in, as evidenced by some recent trade rumors. They seem to be more than one player away at this point, though. That is a shame for how well Curry is playing.

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

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