Stephen Curry is not going to be around forever. At 38 years old and dealing with a persistent knee injury that has already cost him significant time this season, the greatest shooter in NBA history is entering the final chapters of his legendary career.
The Golden State Warriors are well aware of this reality. Even if Curry returns for another playoff push in the coming weeks, the team must begin preparing for the inevitable transition. Replacing Curry is impossible — there will never be another player quite like him — but finding a young guard who can eventually step into a lead creator and shooter role is a necessary long-term project.
In a 2026 draft class loaded with talented guard prospects, one name stands out as a potential ideal fit for the Warriors: Brayden Burries from Arizona.
Burries’ Profile and Why He Fits
Burries is a 6-foot-4 point guard who already possesses NBA-ready strength. He attacks the rim fearlessly, absorbs contact, and maintains balance and accuracy through traffic. Those traits echo some of the underrated aspects of Curry’s game — his balance under duress and ability to finish through contact.
While Burries is not yet a prolific three-point shooter in the Curry mold, he is converting 40.2% of his 4.4 three-point attempts per game as a freshman. That is a very solid number for a high-usage guard who handles the ball as much as he does. He also brings rebounding instincts and playmaking vision that could translate well in an NBA system.
Arizona has deep ties to the Warriors organization. Head coach Steve Kerr starred there as a player, and the program has produced connections like Andre Iguodala and assistant coach Bruce Fraser. Tommy Lloyd, Arizona’s current head coach, has worked in the Team USA pipeline alongside Kerr for years. Familiarity and cultural fit could make Burries an attractive target.
Warriors fans got a close look at Burries recently when Arizona played in the West Regional in nearby San Jose. In the Sweet 16 against fellow lottery prospect Darius Acuff and the Arkansas Razorbacks, Burries dropped 23 points and 5 rebounds. Arizona’s run to the Final Four has only boosted his stock. Some projections now have him climbing into the top 10, which could put him out of Golden State’s reach if the Warriors stay outside the lottery.
The Bigger Picture for Golden State
The Warriors are in an awkward transitional phase. The core of Curry and Draymond Green remains, but the supporting cast has been ravaged by injuries, and the team feels far removed from the dynastic squads of the mid-2010s. With Curry’s window closing, the front office must balance short-term competitiveness with long-term planning.
Drafting a guard like Burries would be a proactive step toward building the next era. He brings size, strength, scoring instincts, and the fearlessness needed to lead an offense. While he won’t replace Curry’s gravity or shooting brilliance, he could develop into a primary shot creator and perimeter threat who complements the veterans still on the roster.
Even if the Warriors make a big splash in free agency this summer (rumors continue to swirl around LeBron James or Kawhi Leonard), adding a high-upside young guard in the draft would provide insurance and a bridge to the post-Curry future.
Final Thoughts
There is no replacing Stephen Curry. His combination of shooting, leadership, and cultural impact is once-in-a-generation. But the Warriors cannot simply stand still. The 2026 draft offers a deep class of guard talent, and Brayden Burries — with his physical tools, scoring ability, and Arizona connections — could be the type of prospect who helps Golden State ease into the next chapter.
If Burries is still on the board when the Warriors pick (likely in the mid-to-late lottery range), he deserves serious consideration. The last meaningful Steph Curry moment may already be in the rearview, but the franchise still has time to build around him while preparing for what comes next.
Warriors fans, would you be excited about drafting Brayden Burries to begin the long process of transitioning after Curry? Or would you rather the team focus entirely on immediate veteran help this offseason?
The 2026 draft could be a pivotal moment for Golden State’s future — one that helps honor Curry’s legacy while building the next era.