The Golden State Warriors have been struggling this season, dealing with multiple issues but Steph Curry is not one. Players have lost faith in their coach, they’ve had to deal with injuries, and they have a former star going through a mid-career crisis. And now, Steph Curry has reached his breaking point. Despite their past success, things have been getting ugly in Golden State. The Warriors used to be the model franchise that other teams tried to emulate, but now they’re struggling to stay afloat.
Curry’s Jersey Rip A Symbol of His Discontent
After falling to the Lakers and citing the refs as a reason for their loss, the Warriors and their fans were understandably upset. Steph Curry, in particular, was frustrated to the point of ripping his jersey on his way to the locker room. While the disparity in free throws (43 for the Lakers compared to 16 for the Warriors) was a major factor, it was clear that there was more to the team’s struggles. The string of demoralizing losses has taken a toll, and Curry is eager for change. Earlier this season, after a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Curry expressed his frustration with the team’s ongoing issues, saying “I’m sick of talking about it…we just gotta do it.” Following a particularly devastating loss to the Pelicans on January 11th, Curry went even further, acknowledging that something needs to change if the team hopes to turn things around. When asked about the possibility of a trade, Curry made it clear that the team can’t keep doing the same thing and expecting different results. These conversations are happening behind closed doors, but the team knows that they need to find a way to break out of this slump. As Curry put it, “We’re not used to this vibe around our team.”
Kuminga The Bright Spot in a Dark Season
Despite the incident with Steve Kerr earlier this season in January, Kuminga has been performing exceptionally, averaging 20.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. His recent performance has been noteworthy, such as tying a franchise record against the Hawks last Wednesday for the most field goals in a game without even missing one shot. It’s important to remember that Kuminga is only 21 years old, and he has immense potential. One trade that has been brought up is the possibility of the Warriors trading for Deonte Murray and Clint Capela. Although some may argue that the team doesn’t need another guard, Murray’s defensive skills and ability to handle the ball could make him a valuable addition to the team and help prolong Curry’s career. While Capella could potentially anchor the Warriors’ defense, it remains to be seen whether he can tap back into his earlier career defensive prowess. Another buy-low option for the team is Wendell Carter Jr., whose potential is high. Or they could go with an experienced big Andre Drummond who would offer much-needed support in rebounding and interior defense.
The Future of the Warriors To Rebuild or Not to Rebuild?
Anthony Slater, who covers the Warriors for The Athletic, suggests that the team should prioritize the next three seasons over the next few months. However, there are concerns about Steph Curry’s exhaustion as he has been giving his all this season. Understandably, Curry would care more about the present than the future, especially since anything could happen in the next few seasons. What if Curry gets injured and can no longer play at his best? The Warriors must consider these factors when making decisions. They did try to build a roster Curry’s way this season, but it hasn’t worked out as well as they hoped. The question is, should they continue to listen to their superstar or consider rebuilding and trading Curry while his value is high? While no single move can guarantee championship contention, the Warriors must consider their options carefully to make the most of their current core.