The Golden State Warriors are chasing another ring, hoping to maximize the final years of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green while adding Jimmy Butler to the mix. They are coming off an NBA season that exceeded expectations at the start but ultimately left the sense that more was within reach.
Speaking to NBC Sports Bay Area, Curry reflected on last year’s grind and emphasized that the Warriors are focused on pacing themselves smarter this time around.
“Can you get your identity and your style of play and your team committed to that?” Curry said. “Last year, we were chasing a little towards the end of the year to try and get out of the play-in. Then from there, we gave it a great run in the playoffs — just didn’t work out.”
For Curry, the mission is straightforward: stay consistent through the long grind of the NBA season and put the Warriors in position to make a deep playoff run next spring. After going just 25-26 in their first 51 games a year ago, the star guard is determined to avoid another sluggish start and remain healthy.
“Trying to be in a position where we’re somewhere at the top of the Western Conference throughout the vibe and not have to be on the gas pedal all the way down the stretch, and hopefully we’re all healthy come April,” Curry added.
“The way our organization is run, me, Draymond, Jimmy [Butler] are trying to make sure we’re prepared individually and collectively to lead our team to where we’re supposed to go,” Curry said. “All that stuff will take care of itself. It’s the front office’s job to bring the best team back. When September 29 comes around and we’re suiting up for practice, we’ll be ready.”
As a four-time champion, two-time MVP, and 11-time All-Star, Curry understands success better than most of his peers. With Draymond and Butler beside him, the Warriors clearly have a chance to do something special, but they must settle some key issues first. Chief among them is the ongoing situation with Jonathan Kuminga, who played a vital role in last season’s success.