PHILADELPHIA, PA – In a statement that has sent ripples of intrigue and optimism across the NBA, Paul George, the veteran forward for the Philadelphia 76ers, has publicly declared his belief that Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors possess what it takes to win a championship. This endorsement from a respected peer, currently preparing for a new season with the 76ers after a recent knee surgery, carries significant weight, offering a strong vote of confidence for a Warriors squad that has faced questions about its ability to return to the pinnacle of the league.
George’s comments, made during a recent appearance on “Podcast P” with guest Baron Davis, come at a pivotal time for the Golden State Warriors. While they are just one season removed from a 2024 NBA championship, their journey in the 2024-25 season (which just concluded) saw them facing challenges, including key injuries and an eventual semi-final exit in the 2025 NBA Playoffs. The narrative surrounding the Warriors’ “aging core” and the need for new “X-factors” has been prevalent. It’s against this backdrop that George’s assessment stands out, providing a counter-narrative of confidence from an outside, yet highly knowledgeable, perspective.
“They do have enough,” George asserted, directly addressing the lingering doubts about the Warriors’ championship viability. “I like what they’ve got going on over there. There is still juice in Steph and Draymond, and Jimmy. So, I do think they got enough.”
George’s reasoning for believing in the Warriors’ championship aspirations is multifaceted, touching upon key elements of their current roster and established identity:
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- Stephen Curry: At 37 years old (as of July 2025), Stephen Curry remains one of the most impactful offensive players in the NBA. His unparalleled shooting, gravity, and ability to elevate his teammates are foundational to the Warriors’ success. George, having played against Curry countless times, understands the sheer difficulty of containing him and the systemic advantage he provides. Curry’s continued high-level performance is non-negotiable for any championship run.
- Draymond Green: At 35, Draymond Green continues to be the defensive anchor and emotional pulse of the team. His elite basketball IQ, defensive versatility (able to guard multiple positions), playmaking from the power forward spot, and leadership are irreplaceable. George’s recognition of Green’s “juice” highlights the continued importance of his unique skill set, even as he ages.
- Jimmy Butler: The acquisition of Jimmy Butler (who turned 36 in September 2025) was a significant move for the Warriors prior to the 2024-25 season. Butler brings tenacious two-way play, clutch scoring, and a hardened playoff mentality. George, having competed against Butler for years, knows the impact of his competitive fire and ability to elevate in critical moments. The addition of Butler was explicitly to add another experienced, high-level performer to complement Curry and Green, and George seems to believe this trio is potent enough.
- Jonathan Kuminga: George specifically highlighted Kuminga, stating, “He can play in a big lineup, and he can play in a small lineup. He guards, he defends, so I like what they got. I think they do have enough.” Kuminga, at 23 years old, has shown flashes of explosive athleticism, improved decision-making, and defensive versatility. If he continues his upward trajectory and can consistently provide scoring, defense, and rebounding, he indeed could be that vital “X-factor” that complements the stars.
- Brandin Podziemski: At 22, Podziemski has proven to be a surprisingly mature and impactful guard. His rebounding for his size, relentless hustle, strong passing, and growing shooting touch make him a valuable piece in the rotation.
- Moses Moody: At 23, Moody is another young wing who has shown flashes of scoring and defensive potential. Consistent contributions from him would add crucial depth.
George’s emphasis on these young players suggests he sees them not just as developing prospects, but as legitimate contributors who can impact playoff series, especially as rotations shorten. Their ability to fill specific roles and provide energy and athleticism is key for an aging core.
- Playoff Rotations and Depth: George’s comment about playoff rotations shrinking to 8-9 players is critical. He believes the Warriors possess the right pieces for that tighter rotation, indicating confidence in their core five or six, supplemented by the ready-to-contribute young players and veteran role players. The Warriors have historically excelled in playoff rotations, optimizing their lineups for specific matchups. The reported expected signing of veteran big man Al Horford also adds a crucial layer of experience, shooting, and defensive IQ, which would be another veteran presence George likely factors into his assessment.
- The “Warrior DNA”: While George didn’t explicitly use the phrase, his prior comments (from March 2023) about the Warriors’ “DNA” and their ability to “feed off that crowd at home” suggest an understanding of their inherent winning culture. Despite road struggles sometimes, their identity as a championship team, especially at home, remains. George believes “they do have that in them,” a recognition of their championship pedigree and the mental toughness ingrained in the franchise.
- Boost of Confidence: For the Warriors, hearing such praise from a respected opponent and an All-Star caliber player like Paul George can serve as a significant morale boost. It validates their internal belief that they still have what it takes.
- External Validation: In a league driven by narratives, George’s public vote of confidence provides external validation. It adds credibility to the idea that the Warriors are indeed true contenders, despite any recent struggles or criticisms about their age.
- Setting the Stage for the Season: George’s comments set an intriguing tone for the upcoming 2025-26 NBA season. It positions the Warriors as a team to watch, not just because of Curry’s brilliance, but because their overall roster composition is viewed as championship-ready by a seasoned observer.
- Respect Among Peers: Such high praise reflects the deep respect Paul George has for Stephen Curry and the Warriors’ system. It highlights how opposing players view Golden State’s enduring threat.
Paul George, as a multi-time All-Star and someone who has been on contending teams, understands the demands of a championship run. His confidence in Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors’ ability to win another title is a strong endorsement. It suggests that despite the physical toll of deep playoff runs and the natural aging process, the core of Curry and Green, combined with the proven talent of Jimmy Butler and the ascending potential of young players like Jonathan Kuminga, gives the Warriors a legitimate pathway to another NBA championship. The stage is set for an intriguing season as the Warriors aim to prove Paul George’s belief to be true.
