The Golden State Warriors will begin the 2024-25 NBA season without a legitimate All-Star replacement for Klay Thompson, leaving Steph Curry without Thompson-caliber help in the backcourt. Warriors coach Steve Kerr addressed that problem this week. Let’s see what he had to say about the matter.
No All-Star Replacement for Klay Thompson: Steve Kerr Explains
Coach Kerr Explains Why Warriors Didn’t Replace Klay Thompson
It’s been almost two full months since Thompson left Golden State for Dallas in free agency. The move was very hot potato-ish down the stretch of last season—Thompson staying or leaving—but eventually, the news broke, and he had decided to move on. Kerr gave some insight earlier this week, stating that there were signs Thompson was planning on leaving during the season.
Fast-forward to today, four weeks away from a new NBA season, and the Warriors sans Thompson will begin a new era in which Curry is now splashing solo. The Warriors did not replace Thompson with any player of his caliber, thus leaving Curry alone in the backcourt. Why didn’t the Warriors add another all-star to pair with Curry? Kerr shared his insights on the TK Show (Audacy Original).
Referring to Joe Lacob and GM Mike Dunleavy Jr‘s outlook on the team, Kerr explained the reasoning behind their off-season signing activity was to focus on overall team maximization and efficiency in the podcast episode.
“Trying to get another star, couldn’t do that. [We] Ended up spending money for three really good role players to come in and solidify our team. Gives us a lot of options going forward, gives us flexibility with some contracts. So, I love what we have done organizationally, and I think Steph really likes it, as well. He’s been in the gym these last few days. Fun seeing him getting to work and getting ready.”
Missed Opportunities
Kerr’s explanation makes some sense. However, it’s not enough sense to stop you from pausing in confusion at the organization’s failure to help Curry. The greatest shooter ever is still playing high-level basketball and shooting the lights out. Curry shows no signs of slowing down just yet. A few months back, the one and only Stephen A. Smith, his eminence, leader, and ruler of ESPN’s First Take, took issue with Kerr and the Warriors.
“Looking at the organization as a whole — specifically Steve Kerr — and I’m saying, ‘How come we can’t get this brother [Curry] any additional help?’… We’re talking about a Steph Curry that still looks like he’s in his prime. Still the greatest shooter on the planet… You would think people would clamor to [play alongside Curry]. I don’t know if that has been the case.”
While Smith speaks logic—and he had much more to say on the subject—there is no shying away from the fact that the Warriors brass did attempt to go after a couple of All-Stars. Paul George was on Golden State’s radar throughout the off-season until he signed with Philadelphia. Then, they turned their attention to Utah forward Lauri Markkanen. That interest was again in vain, as Markkanen re-signed with the Jazz for five years. He was touted as the best fit for the Warriors between him and George.
Can Curry Carry the Load?
You can’t blame the Warriors for at least going on the hunt. The hunt just returned empty. The pieces that Kerr references as role players are Buddy Hield, Kyle Anderson, and De’Anthony Melton. However, those additions are far from the pieces Curry and the Warriors need if they have any hopes of contending this season.
As unfortunate as it may be, Curry is in a tough spot, and so is Golden State. Does he have it in him to carry the team? Will the Warriors pull off a significant trade in-season? Time will tell. Until then, let’s watch Curry cook.
