The Golden State Warriors’ 2024-25 campaign felt like the ultimate tease. After defeating the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2025 Play-In Tournament, the Warriors eliminated the Houston Rockets in the first round, igniting Bay Area fans’ hopes for another championship run.
But just when those dreams started feeling real again, the Minnesota Timberwolves crushed them in the second round. Now, weeks after the season ended, a striking new narrative about Stephen Curry’s unique impact on teammates and why promising young players sometimes struggle in Golden State’s system has emerged.
Why Is Stephen Curry ‘Difficult’ To Play With According to NBA Analysts?
In a recent podcast hosted by Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor, NBA analyst Grant Liffmann made an eye-opening statement that Stephen Curry is “difficult” to play with. However, before anyone mistakes this for criticism of the Warriors superstar’s talent or leadership, Liffmann explained that the challenge comes from Curry’s relentless, unparalleled off-ball movement.
“Steph Curry is, I mean, just an absolute legend. One of the greatest players of all time… Simultaneously, it is difficult to play with him sometimes. Not because he’s difficult, but his movement is so unique out there,” Liffmann noted.
“And understanding what to do is so unique in a Steve Kerr system, which is very free-flowing and movement and passing and ball movement, this and that. It’s different than [what] you played in your entire life,” said Liffmann during the podcast.
This observation rings true when looking at longtime Warriors center Kevon Looney’s early struggles. During his first years with Golden State, Looney often couldn’t keep up with Curry’s unpredictable passing style.
Whether it was a sudden no-look, a behind-the-back feed, or a pass delivered after Curry deliberately looked him off to bait defenders, Looney frequently bobbled or dropped the ball.
Kevon Looney is not making a play for the ball in any way.
What exactly is he trying to accomplish swinging his arm like that? pic.twitter.com/6ltiaa1nEJ
— LakersSpin (@LakersSpin) May 11, 2023
But Liffmann’s analysis extended beyond Curry to address a much more pressing concern for the Warriors’ future.
What Makes Jonathan Kuminga’s Situation So Complex?
Liffmann also tackled Jonathan Kuminga’s current predicament with the team, which has become increasingly complicated. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Kuminga recently turned down a two-year, $45 million contract extension from the Warriors.
NBA insider Jake Fischer added that the forward is seeking a deal worth at least $25 million annually, even if it means signing a short-term contract to prove himself. The problem? No team has yet stepped forward to meet his price tag.
According to Liffmann, Kuminga’s struggles to fully integrate into the Warriors’ system stem from a fundamental basketball reality: “a skilled player doesn’t always fit with another skilled player,” the second in this case being Curry. Their individual games, while impressive on their own, haven’t perfectly meshed on the court.
“He has this like, ‘I want to be out there. I want to be playing.’ And he’s a skilled young kid. He’s confident. He’s smart. But like factoring just fit. It’s hard sometimes, and sometimes it’s just a skilled player doesn’t necessarily always have to fit with another skilled player,” Liffmann stated during the podcast.
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Liffmann also pointed out another significant barrier: the Warriors’ preference for veteran experience. Once Golden State acquired Jimmy Butler III in February, Kuminga’s minutes dropped noticeably. This wasn’t necessarily a knock on his talent but rather a reflection of the team’s long-standing tendency to trust proven veterans in high-stakes moments.
“Jonathan Kaminga, in these situations, it’s just it can be difficult to adapt to a Steph Curry if you don’t adapt on the fly,” Liffmann explained.
“And for these young players, that’s why you see so many that maybe don’t necessarily work out. With the Warriors, sometimes they have to go for veterans because they understand the game has already slowed down. They have understood that movement a little bit more,” he added.
The numbers tell part of the story from this past season. Curry posted strong numbers, averaging 24.5 points, six assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game. Kuminga, meanwhile, contributed 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game.
Jonathan Kuminga connective play and decision making vs Sixers pic.twitter.com/QUsQymFnLS
— (@mistahrackzz) January 3, 2025
As the offseason unfolds, the big question is whether Kuminga will remain with the Warriors for another year. If he does stay, all eyes will be on how, or if, he adapts to playing alongside one of basketball’s most uniquely demanding superstars.
The answer could determine not just Kuminga’s future, but also the Warriors’ ability to develop young talent around their aging core.
