The Golden State Warriors are not expected to go beyond the 2019-20 NBA regular season, and the Dubs are likely to use their remaining games as preparations moving forward. Head coach Steve Kerr knows that a lot of work needs to be done as they try to rebuild the franchise, which made it to the NBA finals the last five seasons.
Aside from the exit o some key players, injuries have plagued the former NBA champions. Klay Thompson remains indisposed as he recovers from an injury, and most know how Stephen Curry went down with a broken hand last November. Given three months to recover, Curry can return by next month if he wants to. Despite most believing it would be best to sit the two-time NBA MVP out for a complete recovery, Kerr plans to utilize him for the rest of the current season.
Despite risks associated with it, Kerr explained in a report from The Athletic why he wanted Curry back in the second half of the 2019-20 NBA season. It would be part of the team's preparations moving forward with Kerr wanting Curry to get used to playing alongside newest Dub, Andrew Wiggins.
Wiggins was acquired by the Dubs from the Minnesota Timberwolves earlier this month, and the former top pick has been lauded for his performance in the Bay Area. Not only is Wiggins able to score, but he also proved he could defend opposing players well if called upon.
With the Warriors expected to enter the next NBA season with plenty of new faces, Curry needs to adjust to his new teammates. Wiggins appears to be staying in Dub City for long, and Kerr wants the two to develop chemistry, likely in preparation for the 2020-21 NBA Wars.
"For a guy who’s so skilled and talented, this has still been a team effort over the years. He’s been blessed with some of the smartest and most talented players in the league. It’s going to be different for him. It’s important for him to feel the difference. It’s been different for us. Steph needs to feel that for himself,” Kerr said.
Things are expected to be different for the Warriors next season. Thompson is expected to be back, and Draymond Green should be healthier as well. Among the new faces include Marquese Chriss, another player that Kerr has been fond of. If Curry does return, it may be best to use him via managed minutes. There is hardly anything to prove for the Dubs this forgettable NBA season with Kerr just looking ahead to better days.
