As the 2024 NBA season begins, one of the most pressing questions facing the Golden State Warriors is how they plan to maximize the remaining prime years of their franchise star, Stephen Curry. At 36, Curry remains one of the league’s most electrifying players, but the window for championship contention narrows with each season. After an early playoff exit in 2023, the Warriors are rethinking their approach to get back to the top—and get Curry back in the MVP conversation.
Steve Kerr, Warriors’ head coach, has made it clear that the team will continue to lean heavily on their motion offense, which has been Curry’s playground for years. The plan revolves around keeping Curry healthy and fresh throughout the season by strategically managing his minutes and workload. This is particularly crucial given his age and the physical toll his dynamic playing style takes on his body.
But it’s not just about preserving Curry physically; it’s about surrounding him with the right personnel. The offseason acquisition of veteran point guard Chris Paul is a significant piece of the puzzle. Paul, one of the best playmakers in NBA history, is expected to take on some of the ball-handling duties, allowing Curry to play off the ball more often—an area where he’s devastatingly effective.
The Warriors have always been built on depth, and while they may not have the star-studded lineup of their previous championship runs, the front office is betting on a mix of youth and experience. With the development of young talents like Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody, and the contributions of key veterans like Draymond Green and Klay Thompson, Golden State aims to craft a balanced roster that can contend without overburdening Curry.
Chris Paul’s arrival also brings a new dimension to the Warriors’ offense. Known for his high basketball IQ and defensive grit, Paul can help Curry by taking pressure off him, especially during the grind of the regular season. This dynamic could extend Curry’s prime and free him up for more scoring opportunities.
While the offensive plans look promising, defense remains a potential stumbling block. The Warriors will need to shore up their defense, particularly at the guard positions, where Paul and Curry, neither known for lockdown defense, will have to face the league’s elite backcourts. Draymond Green will once again be the defensive anchor, but the team will need strong contributions from the likes of Andrew Wiggins and Kevon Looney to remain competitive against top-tier teams.
Ultimately, the success of this plan hinges on keeping Curry healthy. He’s battled injuries in recent seasons, and the Warriors have no interest in seeing their star sidelined during the most critical parts of the season. Expect to see load management become a key part of Golden State’s strategy, especially as they navigate the grueling 82-game schedule.
The Warriors are banking on a balanced approach: managing Curry’s minutes, integrating Chris Paul into their system, and developing younger players who can shoulder some of the burden. If everything comes together, Curry could once again be in the MVP conversation, and Golden State might find themselves in a position to challenge for another title.
With a rejuvenated roster and an eye on long-term success, the Warriors appear to have a plan. The question now is: will it be enough to get Stephen Curry back to the top of the NBA mountain? Time will tell, but one thing is certain—Curry isn’t ready to relinquish his throne just yet.
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