As the NBA season reaches its final stretch, all eyes are on the Golden State Warriors, the once-dominant team that has been a fixture in championship conversations for nearly a decade. However, recent remarks from sports analysts Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe have cast doubt on the Warriors’ ability to contend for another title, as both experts have expressed serious concerns about the team’s prospects this year.

Stephen A. Smith’s Strong Critique

Stephen A. Smith, one of the most vocal and influential commentators in the NBA world, did not hold back when discussing the Warriors’ chances. “The Golden State Warriors are not serious contenders this year,” Smith said with confidence during a recent episode of ESPN’s First Take. He pointed to the team’s struggles throughout the season, including inconsistent play, defensive lapses, and concerns about aging players.

Smith, who has been a long-time advocate of the Warriors’ dynasty, has had his doubts this season. While he acknowledges the talent of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green—the trio that’s brought the Warriors multiple championships—he believes that the team has not shown the level of dominance required to be taken seriously in a highly competitive Western Conference.

“They don’t have it this year,” Stephen A. continued. “The Western Conference is loaded, and teams like the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, and even the Memphis Grizzlies have all elevated their games. The Warriors? They’ve got some serious flaws, and they’re just not at the level they were in their prime.”

Shannon Sharpe Weighs In

Shannon Sharpe, co-host of Undisputed alongside Skip Bayless, echoed many of Smith’s sentiments, expressing doubt that the Warriors could make another deep playoff run. Sharpe, known for his blunt opinions and strong basketball knowledge, laid out his reasons for why the Warriors shouldn’t be viewed as title contenders.

“The Warriors have too many question marks this year,” Sharpe said. “We all know about Curry’s greatness, but after that? Klay Thompson has not been the same player since his injuries. Draymond Green’s offensive limitations are becoming more and more evident. And the depth, especially in the frontcourt, just isn’t what it used to be. This team isn’t the juggernaut we once saw.”

Sharpe also expressed concern about the Warriors’ reliance on their “old guard.” While Curry continues to play at an elite level, the years have begun to catch up with Green and Thompson, and the team has not been able to adequately replace them with younger, more dynamic pieces. Sharpe pointed out that other teams in the West have improved significantly, making it harder for Golden State to compete.

The Warriors’ Struggles This Season

The Warriors’ performance this season has been far from the championship-caliber basketball they’ve been known for. While they remain a threat on any given night, their inconsistency has plagued them. They’ve struggled with injuries, particularly to Thompson, whose return to form has been a longer process than many expected. Additionally, the team’s defense has been a major issue, with the Warriors giving up too many points to high-powered offenses across the league.

Golden State’s road record has been particularly concerning, with the team struggling to perform away from Chase Center. In a playoff series, road games are often crucial, and this is an area where the Warriors have been unable to match the strength of other top contenders.

Can the Warriors Turn It Around?

Despite the concerns raised by Smith and Sharpe, there is still reason to believe that the Warriors can make some noise in the postseason. Stephen Curry, as always, remains one of the best players in the league and is capable of carrying the team through any matchup. If Klay Thompson can rediscover his All-Star form and Draymond Green continues to provide his leadership and defensive prowess, the Warriors can still be a dangerous team in the playoffs.

However, the question remains: Are the Warriors built to compete with the elite teams in the Western Conference, or have their glory days passed? With the likes of Denver, Phoenix, and Memphis rising, the Warriors will have to prove that they are more than just a relic of their former selves.

Conclusion

Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe’s criticisms of the Golden State Warriors as “not serious contenders” have raised an important debate in the basketball community. While the Warriors’ core remains one of the most talented in NBA history, their struggles this season have made it clear that they are not the powerhouse team they once were. Whether they can prove their doubters wrong in the postseason will depend on how their stars perform and whether they can find a way to elevate their play. The Warriors’ title hopes may not be as strong as they were in past years, but with Stephen Curry leading the charge, they can never be counted out entirely. Time will tell if they can defy the odds and make another run at the championship.