Where Do Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler Rank Among the NBA's Best Players?

For the past decade, the Golden State Warriors have been perennial title contenders, but with only one NBA Finals appearance in the last six years, questions arise about whether their expectations should be adjusted. Despite this, the team continues to build around legendary point guard Steph Curry, exemplified by their acquisition of six-time All-Star Jimmy Butler at last season's trade deadline, aiming to maintain high aspirations.

The addition of Butler immediately paid off, as he and Curry quickly became one of the NBA's top duos, leading the Warriors to a 22-5 regular season record together. Curry elevated his game alongside Butler, reinforcing his status as a future Hall of Famer, and the pair demonstrated strong chemistry on the court, boosting the team's performance significantly after the trade.

Both players, despite their age—Curry at 37 and Butler at 36—remain among the league's elite, as reflected in ESPN's NBA player rankings for the 2025-26 season. Curry was ranked seventh overall, a slight drop from the previous year, while Butler secured the 18th spot. Curry averaged 24.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game last season, underscoring his continued dominance and value, with the team performing much better when he was on the floor.

Butler, after a difficult exit from the Miami Heat, found success with the Warriors, averaging 17.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.7 steals per game post-trade. Impact metrics highlighted his positive influence, as the Warriors improved from a 25-26 record to finishing strong with a 23-8 run and a first-round playoff victory. With the duo locked in for the upcoming season, there is optimism that the Warriors can overcome concerns and achieve success, given their proven synergy and individual excellence.