Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry is now cleared for contact practice. It’s right on time as he has always been adamant about returning in early March.
Steph on a March 1st return: "That's the plan." pic.twitter.com/TnTwjkEMct
— Chris Montano (@gswchris) February 9, 2020
The two-time Most Valuable Player has been out since October 31st with a broken hand. He had two surgeries over the next five weeks following the injury, and officially got sidelined for three months on December 6th.
Looking at this clip from a practice just this the weekend, Curry does look healthy, and that silky smooth jumper is as good as ever.
Steph Curry getting some shots up after practice. He was cleared for contact for the first time since breaking his hand on Oct. 30th. pic.twitter.com/Ve3AWR6ZU2
— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) February 22, 2020
Curry’s injury, as you know, is part of Golden State’s collection of obstacles this season. The once indestructible team were hit with key departures and injuries, and it has led to the Warriors going from first to worst and Draymond Green playing with a handful of rookies and G-Leaguers. They are currently 12-44, dead-last in the NBA.
With only 25 games left and a playoff bid out of the picture, it begs the question: does Steph have to return this season? You can make an argument for both sides.
One of the potential positives is possibly helping elevate the game of trade deadline acquisition Andrew Wiggins, who may or may not be a trade chip in the near future. Whatever the case may be, Wiggins is off to a solid start in the Bay Area as he is scoring 22.8 points on 57.9% shooting in his first four games. Having a point guard of Steph’s calibre can further his presence on the floor and also help alleviate attention from the defense.
The next reason is simple: Steph wants to play, and the Warriors should let him get what he wants because he’s bringing in wins, fans, and money. He doesn’t care about the Dubs’ lottery odds in the draft too. He’s a supreme competitor who wants to be on the court at all times.
Steph had a simple message when asked what he would say to critics who say he will mess up Warriors lottery odds my coming back this year. “I’m going to do what’s best for me.”
— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) February 22, 2020
Of course, messing with the lottery odds is huge for the team’s future, especially now that the core isn’t getting any younger – Steph, Draymond, and Klay, are all 30 or older. Wiggins is the only promising piece for now and the front office knows it. They are dying to secure a high draft pick to either address the needs better or increase the value of the trade assets.
Another obvious concern is risking a setback or, knock on wood, Curry suffering a different injury during a lost year. Steph is turning 32 in a couple of weeks, and he only has a couple of more years left before father time comes knocking. The wear and tear of three championship runs in five straight finals appearances is coming in to collect debts too, which is pretty evident in the 2019 finals loss and the injuries to Klay and Durant.