After stacking one of the most consistent five-year runs in NBA history, 2019-20 is quite the change for the Golden State Warriors.
The Warriors’ bottom of the standings record isn’t the most jarring change to Golden State, the fact Stephen Curry isn’t sprinting around the three-point line, launching shots from beyond the arc might be the most significant difference in the team’s first season in San Francisco’s new Chase Center.
Curry broke his left hand only four games in the 2019-20 season and has been relegated to the training table since late October.
The Warriors still plan on re-evaluating Curry’s hand in February, until then, Golden State will get a larger dose of the two-time Most Valuable Player on the sideline.
After getting pins removed from his surgically repaired hand in December, Curry was able to be around the Warriors on a more consistent basis— now in the new year, the All-Star guard has been cleared to travel with the team according to Steve Kerr.
Before the Warriors tipped off against the Detroit Pistons, Kerr told reporters Curry’s “definitely” able to travel with the team, but staying home may be the best place for him to continue his rehab.
I generally don’t ask guys to travel if they’re not going to play, especially because we have our facilities here for rehab — this is the best place for him to rehab in general.
Since Curry’s had the pins removed from his broken left hand, he’s been able to be around the team more often, whether that be on the bench for games, or at the practice facility. Multiple members of the Warriors mentioned there’s a different vibe when Curry is around the team, even from the bench, and now that energy could carry over to the road.
There are going to be road trips where Steph and Klay decide to come, but it’s more up to them and the training staff — I don’t have a requirement for anybody to come.
Kerr mentions Curry’s ability to travel at the 12:10 mark in the clip from his pregame press conference below.
Only winning three games away from home this season in 19 attempts, it’s safe to say Golden State can use any type of boost they can get while on the road.