3 star players that will help Stephen Curry and Warriors bounce back
The Warriors star man Stephen Curry has been performing single handedly for his side this season, without a #2 on the roster.
Stephen Curry
When longtime veteran Klay Thompson joined the Dallas Mavericks in the offseason, the Golden State Warriors suffered a significant loss. They needed to identify a starting lineup that works, even though they have Stephen Curry, the best shooter of all time. To make up for Thompson’s loss, the Warriors signed Buddy Hield and De’Anthony Melton.
Additionally, they were hopeful that Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski, two of their younger players, would make a significant improvement this season. However, that has not been the case this season. This is mostly because the Warriors have been injury-plagued, with Kuminga and star defender Draymond Green out of the active roster.
Stephen Curry. CLUTCH.
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) January 19, 2025
⭐️ https://t.co/UJvZISTyBR pic.twitter.com/xs6uYaCuOS
In addition, the Warriors’ new trade deals in Dennis Schroder, and Hield haven’t worked out as planned. They surely need to add an impactful player, more of a #2 to help Curry on the court. Also, Curry is the only star that does not have a stable #2 type of player. So let us take a look at 3 players that would help the Warriors star on the court:
OG Anunoby (New York Knicks – Defensive Specialist)
OG Anunoby would give the Warriors an outstanding, adaptable defender who can cover several spots. His ability to shut down the greatest player on the other side would allow Draymond Green to concentrate on other things.
OG Anunoby tonight
— Teg🚨 (@IQfor3) January 26, 2025
33 points
3 rebounds
4 assists
12-18 FG
demonnnnnn
pic.twitter.com/GG0eM3xGUn
Also, his developing offensive skills, particularly as a 3-and-D player, would help Curry spread the floor. Anunoby is a wonderful match for the Warriors’ scheme because of their emphasis on flexibility and perimeter defense.
Anunoby has spent eight seasons with the New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors. In 464 regular-season games, he has averaged 12.4 points and 4.3 rebounds. He has averaged 16.3 points and 4.8 rebounds for the Knicks this season, showcasing his top-notch consistency in the NBA. If a chance presents itself, the Warriors could be able to sign him.
Zach LaVine (Chicago Bulls – Scoring Wing)
Alongside Curry, Zach LaVine is a second attacking threat and a skilled scorer who can generate his own shot. His mobility would give Curry an additional facet in transition, and his capacity to shoot from a distance and finish near the rim would provide another dimension to their offense.
LaVine’s offensive prowess would offer the Warriors superstar another weapon to spread the floor, even though defense is one of his concerns.
Zach LaVine shines with 35 PTS on 52.4 FG% in the @chicagobulls win!
— NBA (@NBA) January 21, 2025
He's scored 30+ PTS in 7 of his last 11 games 😤 pic.twitter.com/4Yu1UpFnQk
Lavine signed a five-year contract with the Chicago Bulls in 2022 for $215,159,700, so it won’t be easy to acquire him. LaVine has played 11 NBA seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Bulls. In 621 regular-season games, he has averaged 20.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.0 assists. This season, he has been averaging 24.0 points and 4.5 assists, making him an attractive option for the Warriors.
DeAndre Ayton (Portland Trail Blazers – Center)
Stephen Curry and the Warriors need a more conventional big man who can control the paint, and DeAndre Ayton might be able to provide that. The Warriors’ interior defense would benefit from his rebounding and rim protection, and he can score in pick-and-roll or post situations.
.@DeandreAyton got UP for this alley-oop! 😤 pic.twitter.com/tRSpdynl72
— NBA TV (@NBATV) January 22, 2025
Even if Ayton lacks Draymond Green’s defensive IQ, his physical presence might aid Stephen Curry and the Warriors with their rebounding problems and provide them with a powerful inside presence to go along with their perimeter-based style of play.
Ayton has played with the Trail Blazers and Phoenix Suns for seven seasons. In 390 games during the regular season, he has averaged 16.4 points and 10.5 rebounds. He has maintained his performance this season, averaging 10.2 rebounds per game while playing defense.
These are the 3 players that could aid Stephen Curry and his Warriors side get back on track. This is if they were to close out a deal before the end of the February 6 trade deadline.
Kartik Mudaliar
(896 Articles Published)