Golden State Warriors: Is Steve Kerr Losing His Touch as the Dynasty Faces Uncertainty?

The Golden State Warriors have been one of the most dominant teams in NBA history, with their iconic trio of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson forming the backbone of a dynasty that has delivered four championships. Under the leadership of head coach Steve Kerr, the Warriors revolutionized basketball with their emphasis on three-point shooting, ball movement, and suffocating defense. However, as the 2025-26 season unfolds, cracks are beginning to show in the foundation of this once-unstoppable team.

Recent quotes from Steve Kerr and a series of questionable coaching decisions have raised concerns about his ability to adapt to the changing dynamics of his team. With the Warriors struggling to find consistency, Kerr’s handling of young players like Jonathan Kuminga and rookie Will Richard has come under scrutiny. Meanwhile, the integration of Jimmy Butler into the lineup has created new challenges, particularly in balancing his role with Draymond Green’s influence on the team’s offense.

As the Warriors navigate these turbulent times, questions about Kerr’s future and the long-term viability of the Curry-Green-Kerr trio loom large. Let’s dive into the current state of the Warriors, the controversies surrounding Steve Kerr, and what the future might hold for this storied franchise.

The Warriors’ Struggles in 2025-26

The Warriors entered the 2025-26 season with high hopes, bolstered by the addition of Jimmy Butler in a blockbuster trade. The move was intended to extend the team’s championship window and provide another playmaker to complement Curry and Green. However, the results have been underwhelming. The Warriors have struggled to find consistency, and their once-dominant system now seems outdated in a league that has evolved rapidly over the past few years.

At the center of the Warriors’ struggles is their inability to adapt. The team’s offensive system, built around Curry’s shooting and Green’s playmaking, has remained largely unchanged for years. While this approach was revolutionary during the Warriors’ peak years, it has become predictable and easier for opposing teams to counter. The lack of evolution in the Warriors’ system has left them vulnerable, and their recent struggles highlight the need for change.

The Jonathan Kuminga Conundrum

One of the most perplexing storylines of the Warriors’ season has been the handling of Jonathan Kuminga. The 21-year-old forward, drafted seventh overall in the 2021 NBA Draft, was expected to play a significant role this season. Early in the year, Kerr praised Kuminga’s development, even suggesting that he could become a starter. However, after a few subpar games and a brief injury absence, Kuminga found himself out of the rotation entirely.

Kerr’s recent comments about Kuminga have only added to the confusion. “JK has been great this last week, and he’s been out of the rotation,” Kerr said. “He’s working really hard, and I’m going to reward that. He needs to be back out there.”

This statement has left fans scratching their heads. Kuminga has long been praised for his work ethic, so why has he been benched for extended stretches? The Warriors’ roster, which is thin on athleticism and youth, seems tailor-made for Kuminga to contribute. Yet, despite his potential and past playoff success against teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves, he has been relegated to DNPs (Did Not Play) in key games.

Kuminga’s situation raises questions about Kerr’s decision-making and his ability to develop young talent. Whether you believe Kuminga is a future star or just an average player, it’s hard to justify his lack of playing time on a team that desperately needs his athleticism and energy.

The Will Richard Dilemma

Adding to the confusion is Kerr’s handling of rookie guard Will Richard, a second-round pick who has impressed in limited opportunities. Kerr recently said, “It’s been tough not playing Will Richard because I’m a huge fan and believer. Right now, frankly, he’s sitting because he’s a rookie. I’m honoring what the older guys have done over the years.”

This statement has drawn criticism for several reasons. First and foremost, the Warriors are losing games. In such a situation, it’s crucial to play the players who give the team the best chance to win, regardless of their experience level. By benching Richard solely because he’s a rookie, Kerr risks alienating younger players and creating unnecessary locker room tension.

Furthermore, Kerr’s comments could be interpreted as a slight to the veterans currently ahead of Richard in the rotation, such as Buddy Hield, Gary Payton II, and Moses Moody. If Kerr truly believes Richard is the better option, why not give him the opportunity to prove it on the court? For a team struggling to find its footing, prioritizing development and performance over seniority seems like the logical choice.

The Jimmy Butler Experiment

The Warriors’ acquisition of Jimmy Butler was meant to inject new life into the team and provide another playmaker to ease the burden on Curry and Green. Butler, known for his two-way prowess and clutch performances, has largely lived up to expectations. He’s been a consistent scorer, playmaker, and defender—exactly what the Warriors hoped for when they traded for him.

However, integrating Butler into the Warriors’ system has not been seamless. Butler’s skill set overlaps with Draymond Green’s, particularly in terms of playmaking and facilitating the offense. This redundancy has created challenges, as Green struggles to be effective off the ball and remains a limited scoring threat. The result has been a disjointed offense that fails to maximize Butler’s abilities.

Kerr has acknowledged the need to get Butler in better positions to score, but his solutions have been less than convincing. The most logical adjustment would be to stagger Butler and Green’s minutes, allowing each to operate as the primary playmaker in different lineups. However, Kerr has been reluctant to reduce Green’s role, likely due to their long-standing relationship and Green’s importance to the Warriors’ championship runs.

The Future of Steve Kerr and the Warriors’ Core

Steve Kerr’s tenure as head coach of the Warriors has been nothing short of legendary. He has guided the team to four championships and helped revolutionize the way basketball is played. However, as the Warriors continue to struggle, questions about Kerr’s future with the team have begun to surface. He is in the final year of his contract, and there is speculation that this could be his last season in Golden State.

If the Warriors decide not to extend Kerr’s contract, it could mark the end of an era. Kerr has other interests outside of basketball and may be ready to move on. At the same time, the Warriors may be hesitant to offer Kerr the lucrative extension he would command as a four-time champion coach, especially if the team’s struggles persist.

The potential departure of Kerr would also force the Warriors to confront the future of their core trio: Curry, Green, and Klay Thompson. While this group has achieved unparalleled success, their window for contention is closing. The Warriors must decide whether to continue building around their aging stars or to begin a rebuild centered on younger players like Kuminga and Moody.

The Need for Change

The Warriors’ current struggles highlight the need for change, both in their roster construction and their approach to the game. The team’s reliance on Green as the offensive hub is no longer as effective as it once was, particularly with the addition of Butler. To maximize their potential, the Warriors need to evolve their system and find ways to better integrate their new pieces.

Kerr’s reluctance to make tough decisions—such as reducing Green’s role or giving more opportunities to younger players—has contributed to the team’s stagnation. If the Warriors hope to remain competitive in a rapidly changing league, they must be willing to adapt.

Conclusion: A Crossroads for the Warriors

The Golden State Warriors find themselves at a crossroads. With a legendary core that is no longer as dominant as it once was, a head coach on an expiring contract, and a roster filled with untapped potential, the organization must make critical decisions about its future. Steve Kerr’s recent comments and questionable rotations have only added to the uncertainty surrounding the team.

As the 2025-26 season progresses, the Warriors must confront some hard truths. Is it time to part ways with Kerr? Should they reimagine their offense to better suit their current roster? And most importantly, how can they balance the need to win now with the development of their younger players?

The answers to these questions will determine the Warriors’ trajectory for years to come. For now, one thing is clear: the status quo is no longer sustainable. If the Warriors want to recapture their former glory, they must be willing to embrace change. Whether that means a new coach, a restructured roster, or a redefined system, the time for evolution is now.