In the high-octane world of NBA basketball, few stars shine as brightly as Stephen Curry. The Golden State Warriors’ point guard is not just a player; for many, including sports analyst Stephen A. Smith, he’s a celestial force in sneakers. On a recent segment of 95.7 The Game’s “Willard & Dibs,” Smith expressed a near-sacred admiration for Curry, asserting, “I don’t compare any man to God, but that man Stephen Curry is the closest thing to a God-like figure that you got in that area.”
Smith’s fervor didn’t stop at lofty comparisons. He made a vehement case that the Warriors owe Stephen Curry not just respect, but a roster capable of championship contention. “The Warriors owe Stephen Curry whatever the hell Curry wants,” he declared, emphasizing the urgency of maximizing Curry’s remaining prime years with high-caliber teammates.
A Season of Trials and Tribulations
The past NBA season was a mixed bag for the Warriors, finishing with a record of 46-36 and barely scraping into the 10th spot in the Western Conference. Their journey ended prematurely in the NBA Play-In Tournament, where they were decisively beaten by the Sacramento Kings. This marked only the third time the Warriors have missed the postseason since their dominance began in 2015.
Despite the team’s struggles, Stephen Curry’s performance remained stellar. He was a beacon of consistency in a turbulent season, averaging 26.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game, with a shooting accuracy of 45.0% from the field and 40.8% from beyond the arc. However, this exceptional output only earned him a spot on the All-NBA Third Team—a testament to the rising talent across the league.
The Warrior’s Conundrum: Building Around Stephen Curry
The question of how best to support Stephen Curry looms large over the Warriors’ off-season strategy. The team faces a crucial crossroads: to inject youthful vigor into the lineup or to continue relying on seasoned but perhaps declining stars like Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins, who have shown signs of waning performance.
Thompson, in particular, had one of the least impressive seasons of his career, while Wiggins has struggled to live up to All-Star expectations.
The Western Conference is becoming increasingly competitive, with teams like the Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets, and San Antonio Spurs gaining momentum. This shift puts additional pressure on the Warriors to revitalize their squad to remain contenders.
Looking Ahead: A Divine Quest for the Fifth Ring
As Stephen Curry approaches the age of 36, the window for securing his fifth championship ring is narrowing. Smith’s commentary underscores a widespread sentiment that the Warriors must act swiftly and decisively. “That man needs more talent, go get him more talent,” Smith insisted, pointing out the need for a stronger, more dynamic roster.
The upcoming season is pivotal for the Warriors and Stephen Curry. With the right moves, they could once again ascend to the top of the NBA hierarchy, proving that even in a sport as earthly as basketball, there can sometimes be a touch of the divine.
