The Warriors offense is the WORST in the NBA without Stephen Curry

The Golden State Warriors, a dynasty built on offensive brilliance, are known for redefining basketball with their fast-paced, three-point heavy approach. At the center of this revolution is none other than Stephen Curry, a player whose unique skill set has made him one of the greatest shooters in NBA history.

However, when Curry is off the court, the Warriors face a serious issue. Without him, the team’s offense plummets from being one of the best in the league to the absolute worst. This glaring disparity has raised concerns about Golden State’s depth, adaptability, and long-term competitiveness. In this article, we’ll explore the Warriors’ struggles when Curry isn’t on the floor, what the underlying issues are, and how they can address this offensive collapse moving forward.

The Stark Numbers: How Bad Is the Warriors’ Offense Without Curry?

Let’s start by looking at the numbers. When Stephen Curry plays, the Warriors’ offense ranks 6th in the NBA, according to offensive rating (a metric that calculates the number of points a team scores per 100 possessions). This places them comfortably among the league’s elite offensive units, thanks largely to Curry’s shooting, playmaking, and ability to stretch the floor.

When Curry isn’t on the floor, however, the Warriors’ offensive rating nosedives all the way to 30th in the league—dead last. To put it simply, without Curry orchestrating the offense, the Warriors struggle mightily to score points, and their ball movement, spacing, and shot quality all suffer.

This drop-off is alarming for a team with championship aspirations. It highlights a critical dependency on Curry and exposes structural issues that Golden State must address to remain competitive when their star player is resting or injured.

Why Does the Warriors’ Offense Collapse Without Curry?

There are several reasons why the Warriors’ offense takes such a dramatic dip without Curry. Let’s break down the key factors contributing to this offensive decline:

1. Curry’s Unique Gravity on the Court

Stephen Curry is not just a great scorer—he’s a one-man offensive system. His ability to shoot from well beyond the three-point line forces opposing defenses to extend far beyond the arc, creating driving lanes, open shots for teammates, and constant mismatches. This phenomenon, often referred to as “Curry gravity,” is unparalleled in the NBA.

When Curry isn’t on the floor, defenders no longer have to worry about his deep shooting range, which allows them to pack the paint, close out on other shooters, and disrupt the Warriors’ offensive flow. Without Curry’s gravity, the floor shrinks, and Golden State’s offense becomes significantly less dynamic.

2. Lack of Secondary Playmakers

Another issue contributing to the Warriors’ offensive struggles is their lack of secondary playmakers. In previous championship runs, Golden State had players like Kevin Durant, Andre Iguodala, and Shaun Livingston who could create their own shots and initiate the offense when Curry was off the floor.

In the current roster, however, there is a noticeable gap in this area. While Jordan Poole has shown flashes of brilliance, he has struggled with consistency, turnovers, and shot selection. Draymond Green, known for his playmaking and basketball IQ, remains effective in certain situations, but his lack of scoring ability limits his impact as a primary offensive option.

Without reliable secondary creators, the Warriors become overly dependent on Curry to generate offense, and when he’s unavailable, their offense stagnates.

3. Inconsistent Bench Production

Depth has also been a concern for Golden State this season. The Warriors’ bench, once a strength of the team, has struggled to contribute consistently. Players like Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, and Donte DiVincenzo have shown promise, but their production has been inconsistent, especially on the offensive end.

Without steady scoring from the second unit, the Warriors have found it difficult to sustain offensive momentum when Curry is resting.

The Impact of Curry’s Absence on Key Players

When Curry is off the court, several key players see their production and efficiency drop:

• Klay Thompson: Known as one of the best catch-and-shoot players in NBA history, Thompson thrives when Curry’s presence draws defenders away from him. Without Curry, Thompson faces tighter defensive coverage, which limits his effectiveness.

• Jordan Poole: Poole often takes on a larger offensive role when Curry isn’t playing, but this increased responsibility has led to erratic performances, including questionable shot selection and high turnover rates.

• Draymond Green: Green’s playmaking shines when he’s working alongside Curry, as he can act as a facilitator in pick-and-roll situations and hand-off plays. Without Curry, Green’s lack of scoring becomes more apparent, and his impact on the offense diminishes.

Potential Solutions: How the Warriors Can Fix Their Offensive Woes

To address their offensive struggles without Curry, the Warriors may need to make adjustments both in terms of strategy and personnel. Here are some potential solutions:

1. Develop Secondary Playmakers

One of the most effective ways for the Warriors to improve their offense without Curry is to develop more reliable secondary playmakers. Jordan Poole, in particular, has the potential to fill this role, but he needs to work on his decision-making, shot selection, and defensive awareness.

If Poole can become a more consistent and efficient offensive creator, it would take some of the pressure off Curry and provide the Warriors with a much-needed offensive spark when their star is resting.

2. Improve Bench Production

Depth is crucial for any championship contender, and the Warriors must find ways to get more consistent production from their bench. This could involve giving more minutes to promising young players like Kuminga and Moody or exploring potential trade options to add a veteran scorer to the second unit.

3. Adjust Offensive Schemes

Head coach Steve Kerr has built the Warriors’ offense around ball movement, off-ball screens, and three-point shooting. While this system works brilliantly with Curry on the floor, it may need to be adjusted when he’s not playing.

One potential adjustment could involve running more pick-and-roll plays with Poole or Thompson as the ball handler, which could create easier scoring opportunities and help the team maintain offensive rhythm.

4. Explore Trade or Free Agent Options

If internal development and tactical adjustments aren’t enough, the Warriors could explore external options to bolster their roster. Adding a veteran playmaker or scorer could provide the offensive stability they need when Curry isn’t on the floor.

The Bigger Picture: What This Means for the Warriors’ Championship Hopes

The Warriors’ offensive struggles without Curry highlight a broader challenge facing the team: how to remain competitive as their core players age and the league evolves.

While Curry is still playing at an elite level, the Warriors can’t rely solely on his brilliance to carry them through an 82-game season and a deep playoff run. Developing a more balanced and versatile offensive attack will be crucial if they hope to contend for another championship in the coming years.

Final Thoughts: Can the Warriors Fix Their Curry Dependency?

The Golden State Warriors remain one of the most exciting and dynamic teams in the NBA, but their offensive dependency on Stephen Curry is a serious concern. Without him, their offense drops from elite to the bottom of the league—a disparity that could prove costly in high-stakes games.

By developing secondary playmakers, improving bench production, and making tactical adjustments, the Warriors have the tools to address this issue and build a more resilient offense. The question is whether they can implement these changes in time to make a serious playoff push and extend their championship window.

For now, one thing is clear: Stephen Curry is the heart and soul of the Warriors’ offense, and his impact on the team’s success cannot be overstated. Whether Golden State can thrive without him remains one of the most pressing questions of their season.