One has to wonder how long the Golden State Warriors have been thinking about what life would be like with both LeBron James and Stephen Curry.
Former Warriors president and general manager, Bob Myers, is certainly thinking about it now. Over the weekend, Myers appeared on ESPN’s NBA Countdown in his role as analyst. Speaking to his co-hosts, Myers offered up a hypothetical:
“You know what I wish? I wish we could have seen [Curry and James] on the same team for one season.”
Bob Myers’ Surprising Warriors Fantasy After Shocking Rumor
“Because you know why? They’re perfect complements to each other.
— Chris Scorch (@ChrisScorch) March 17, 2024
“Forget that they’re megastars and the most popular players in the NBA,” Myers says.
“Curry and LeBron —more than anybody understands —complement each other on the basketball court. LeBron is the point forward, one of the best passers ever, and Curry moving off the ball. We’re probably not going to get to see it.”
To Myers’ point, the duo of James and Curry would be devastating.
Long one of the best slashers, James would thrive in the space created by Curry’s gravity. His ability to play off of Curry, even in setting screens and getting downhill, would create plenty of easy points.
Alternately, Curry would benefit from James’ interior gravity. In a pick-your-poison situation, teams would have to either concede the lane for James to drive or give more space to Curry. Ever watchful, James would be sure to find Curry as he darts around screens looking for an open shot.
Was Draymond Green Right?
Earlier this season, Golden State was reportedly angling for a James trade. A call was even said to have been made to Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, James’ longtime friend and agent. Paul ultimately shut down the talks, but the idea that they went so far was shocking.
Warriors veteran Draymond Green seemingly confirmed the enthralling rumor.
However, Green doesn’t agree with the idea of trading for James if it costs the team Jonathan Kuminga. Golden State selected Kuminga seventh overall in the 2021 NBA Draft and, this season, he’s been elevated to a starting role. The Warriors are even calling him the future of the franchise, a nod to his status and their changing of the guard.
In the short term, James would provide what Kuminga does and more. Particularly as a playmaker. As a result, it’s not definitive that the Warriors would be better off with the 21-year-old. However, long term, Golden State may be better off. At least if Curry is still playing.
