Andre Iguodala says Steph Curry shouldn’t return until next season

Andre Iguodala thinks that Stephen Curry should take the rest of the NBA season off after he recovers from injury.

Since the start of the 2020 New Year, the Warriors haven’t been able to stack wins at the desired rate, yet there is still positive news surrounding Golden State.

The primary source of that positivity is the news surrounding Stephen Curry’s injury that has caused him to miss all but four games in the 2019-20 season. Curry has been spotted shooting at practice and is clear to travel with Golden State as he progresses through his rehab.

The most recent positive sign came when Marcus Thompson III of The Athletic reported Golden State could be circling March 1 as a return date for their injured All-Star guard.

Returning at the start of March against the Washington Wizards would give Curry the chance to finish out the final 22 games of the Warriors 2019-20 season.

However, one of Curry’s former teammates doesn’t think he should return to the court until next season. Andre Iguodala joined ESPN’s First Take and initially joked around about wanting Curry back as his golf partner, but later doubled-down saying his old teammate needs a “real break” so he can “relax.”

Selfish reasons, no — he hurt his left hand, and you can’t golf with your left hand if it’s hurt — so, I think he needs to get a real break in terms of being able to relax — that long run, in terms of mental reasons — Marshawn Lynch mentioned it, you need to get your mentals right — but I think it’s good for him mentally to be able to step away — be able to get a nice breather — he’s going to be able to come back on a wrath next year.

With the Warriors record locked in at the bottom of the Western Conference standings, there’s no reason to rush Curry back as his injury should be handled with caution.

However, Golden State hasn’t been able to experiment with D’Angelo Russell and Curry in the same backcourt for an extended amount of time. Testing Curry and Russell together is a crucial step before heading into an offseason where Golden State will try to morph back into a contending caliber team.

Curry’s hand is expected to be evaluated in February, with many dominos slated to fall once there is an updated timetable attached to his broken hand injury.