San Francisco – The boys are back in town! The NBA season is just weeks away, and the excitement is already building as some of the league’s biggest stars return to the hardwood.
And of course, all eyes remain on Stephen Curry. The Golden State Warriors superstar has signed a two-year, $166 million contract extension, keeping one of the NBA’s most recognizable faces in the Bay Area.
Curry continues to perform at an elite level, even as a new generation of stars emerges and begins to make its mark on the league. His popularity remains undeniable — from packed arenas to his No. 30 jersey continuing to rank among the NBA’s most popular.
But despite all the individual accomplishments and accolades, Curry’s mission hasn’t changed. Every season, he has one goal in mind: bring another championship back to the Bay.
When Curry was asked if he’s heard that no expects them to make the playoffs. HI srepsonse was shock by saying,”That’s how bad it is? To make the playoffs? It went from championship..
Curry gets up and walks out by saying, “That’s what I think about that. Damn.”
The Warriors haven’t had much success in the playoffs over the last 5 years. falling short three years in the Play-In Tournament. But every year is a new year and despite the assumptions that Golden State won’t make it to the playoffs. No real movements were done in the offseason, despite hopign LeBron James woudl chose them during his free agency, but intead went to the Philadelphia 76ers, the Warriors have rookie Yaxel Lendeborg who will be a major power house. He just got to experience some bondign time with his teammates as Jimmy Butler hosted the team before trainign camp in San diego.
“We got to play together, that was my first time playing with the entire team. So, it was cool getting the feel for how everybody is, the spacing and all theat the movement and just beign able to ask those guys questions abotu like defense, what kond of off-ball moves and becomign First-Team All Rookie. I feel like I could win Rookie of the Year, but that’s not my main focus. “
When Curry was asked if he’s heard that no one expects them to make the playoffs, his response showed just how much those predictions caught him off guard.
“That’s how bad it is? To make the playoffs? It went from championship…” Curry said, before getting up and walking out of the room. “That’s what I think about that. Damn.”
The Warriors have faced their share of playoff struggles over the past five years, including three seasons in which they fell short in the Play-In Tournament. But Curry and the Warriors know that every season brings a new opportunity. Golden State made few major moves during the offseason, despite reports that the team hoped LeBron James would choose the Warriors during free agency. Instead, James signed with the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Warriors did add rookie Yaxel Lendeborg, who could provide a significant presence for the team. Lendeborg recently had an opportunity to spend time with his new teammates when Jimmy Butler hosted the team ahead of training camp in San Diego. For Lendeborg, the experience provided an early opportunity to build chemistry with the Warriors and learn from the veterans.
“We got to play together,” sais Lendeborg. “That was my first time playing with the entire team, so it was cool getting the feel for how everybody is, the spacing and all that, the movement, and just being able to ask those guys questions about defense, what kind of off-ball moves and becoming First-Team All-Rookie. I feel like I could win Rookie of the Year, but that’s not my main focus.”
The Warriors still have a strong veteran core to support Curry on the floor, including Jimmy Butler, who is expected to return this season after suffering a torn ACL. Although Butler will miss the start of the season, his excitement remains high as he looks ahead to what he hopes will be a more promising year for the team.
“I feel great. I’m rehabbing every day, and I’m at the point now where I get to start running a little bit,” said Butler. “I can dunk a basketball, in case anybody wants to know, so I’m very excited about that. It’s still a process, but at least I get to play basketball a little bit now. I know all the work I’ve been putting in is starting to translate to basketball.
At first, it was like, ‘You’ve got to sit on the table, bend your knee and do all of that other stuff.’ Now I get to do things on the basketball court, and that makes me extremely happy.”
Draymond Green keeps it 100% when he speaks, especially as a veteran and leader of the Warriors. When Green says he has high expectations, he means it. He spoke highly of the team and was particularly impressed by rookie Yaxel Lendeborg, a fellow Michigan alum.
Green believes aggression will be an important part of Lendeborg’s development. He said the rookie has the skill set to make plays but encouraged him to stay aggressive, attack the basket and let the game come to him. Green also pointed to an early play between Lendeborg and Stephen Curry as a sign of the chemistry already developing between the two on the court.
“I was very, very impressed,” said Green. “I think my role with Yaxel will be to make sure he’s always aggressive. At all times, you should be downhill trying to get to the rim. He’s really good, and I was shocked.”
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr made it clear that his decision to return was about more than simply continuing his career. After taking time to reflect with his wife and having conversations with the organization, Kerr said his love for coaching and the Warriors ultimately made the decision clear.
“I’m thrilled to be back. I couldn’t be more excited to continue on this job,” Kerr said. “I still love what I do. I love coaching, and I love being part of the Warriors. I love this team and our players. I couldn’t imagine walking away from the Warriors.”
Kerr’s return brings continuity to a team that is still building around its veteran core while looking to integrate new talent. His decision also reflects the strong relationship and partnership he has developed with the Warriors organization, setting the tone for a season filled with expectations and renewed excitement.
Photo by SportsFan Rap
