Are the Golden State Warriors Wasting the Final Years of Steph Curry’s Career?
The Golden State Warriors’ recent offseason decisions have stirred debates among fans and analysts, with many questioning whether the franchise is truly committed to maximizing Steph Curry’s remaining prime years. Let’s break down the key points that have raised concerns and analyze where the Warriors stand as they head into the upcoming NBA season.
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1. The Trade That Didn’t Happen: Lauri Markkanen
Earlier this offseason, the Warriors reportedly had the opportunity to trade for Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen. The Jazz were interested in acquiring either Jonathan Kuminga or Brandon Podziemski in exchange for Markkanen, who had an impressive season with 23 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists per game. However, the Warriors rejected the deal, raising questions about whether they made the right decision. Markkanen could have brought immediate value to the team, providing offensive firepower and helping alleviate the pressure on Curry.
2. Concerns About Wasting Steph Curry’s Prime
Many Warriors fans worry that the team is not doing enough to support Curry during his final prime years. Having won four championships already, Curry has expressed a desire to continue competing at the highest level. However, some feel that the team’s recent reluctance to trade for players like Markkanen indicates a lack of urgency. As Curry approaches the twilight of his career, the window for the Warriors to compete for another championship is rapidly closing.
3. New Roster Additions and Missed Opportunities
The Warriors have made several changes to their roster, including adding Kyle Anderson, Buddy Hield, and De’Anthony Melton. Despite these additions, the team chose not to pursue other big-name players like Brandon Ingram or Zach LaVine. While these new signings offer some depth, the question remains whether they are enough to keep the Warriors competitive in the Western Conference, especially after losing Klay Thompson.
4. Warriors’ Position in the Competitive Western Conference
ESPN’s latest projections indicate that the Warriors may struggle to secure a spot in the playoffs. The Western Conference is more competitive than ever, with teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, and Sacramento Kings all expected to perform strongly. Without significant improvements, the Warriors might find themselves in the play-in tournament, rather than being a top contender in the conference.
5. The Future Hinges on Player Development and Consistency
For the Warriors to remain competitive, they need significant contributions from their young players. Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, and Brandon Podziemski will be crucial in determining the team’s success. If Draymond Green can avoid suspensions and Andrew Wiggins can regain his All-Star form, the Warriors have a chance to make a deep playoff run. However, it’s clear that a heavy burden will fall on Steph Curry’s shoulders once again.
The Verdict: Is Curry’s Career Being Wasted?
Despite the concerns, there is still hope for Warriors fans. Steph Curry continues to play at an MVP level, and with the right support, he can lead the team back to championship contention. But time is of the essence. As Curry himself stated, he wants to win and won’t settle for being part of a “bottom feeder” team. The Warriors’ front office must make decisive moves to prove they are committed to surrounding Curry with the talent he needs to compete at the highest level.
As the new season approaches, the big question remains: will the Warriors’ gamble on their young talents pay off, or are they risking squandering the final years of one of the greatest players in NBA history?
