Steph Curry’s Struggles at the Olympics and What It Means for His Future in the NBA
Steph Curry is widely celebrated as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, yet his performance at the Olympics has been surprisingly lackluster. Despite playing alongside superstars and enjoying the benefits of a shorter three-point line, Curry has been struggling to make an impact. From missing open shots to being targeted on defense, his uncharacteristic slump has led some to question if he’s past his prime. But before jumping to conclusions, let’s delve deeper into the factors contributing to Curry’s struggles on Team USA and what it could mean for his future in the NBA.
Steph’s Olympic Struggles: What’s Happening on the Court?
Curry’s struggles at the Olympics are perplexing. Despite being surrounded by elite talent and playing with a three-point line that’s a foot and seven inches closer than in the NBA, he’s not hitting his usual numbers. So far, he’s made just nine of his 35 attempts from beyond the arc. To make matters worse, Curry’s defense has been a glaring liability. Teams are exploiting this weakness, going after him in both transition and half-court play.
Curry’s current role in Team USA’s lineup is unlike what he experiences with the Golden State Warriors. While his shooting still commands attention, he is often relegated to a secondary or even tertiary role on the offensive end. Plays are typically drawn up for other stars like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Devin Booker, leaving Curry to simply stand in the corner as a decoy. As a result, he’s unable to influence the game in the way fans are used to seeing.
LeBron James’ Influence on Team USA’s Playing Style
LeBron James is a proven leader on and off the court, and Team USA is no exception. When LeBron is on the floor, the team is designed to play through him, with the offense often running through his hands. This setup suits both Durant and Booker, who are accustomed to playing off the ball and thrive under LeBron’s playmaking. However, Curry is left without his usual role, creating a sense of disorientation on the court. While he’s an asset even as a decoy, his skills are underutilized in this system.
LeBron’s teams have historically struggled when he’s not on the floor, relying heavily on his presence. This Olympics has been no different, as Team USA leans on him to set the pace and tone. For Curry, this means sacrificing his typical ball-handling duties and adapting to a secondary role, which might be contributing to his offensive and defensive struggles.
Is Steph Curry Past His Prime?
Curry’s Olympic struggles have prompted a broader conversation about his age and whether he might be past his prime. After all, Curry turns 37 soon, and very few players remain top-tier offensive options at that age. While he has shown incredible resilience and shooting prowess throughout his career, his stats began to decline last season. From February 23rd through the end of the NBA season, Curry’s scoring average dropped to 22 points per game with a three-point shooting percentage of just 37%—a significant dip from his prime numbers.
These struggles aren’t isolated to the Olympics. Last season, Curry frequently had to carry the Warriors, especially when Draymond Green was suspended. This physical and mental fatigue likely contributed to his decline. The Warriors went 10-11 without Draymond, and their record against the top teams in the West was 4-19. Given these statistics, some fans and analysts are questioning if this extended slump signals that Curry may be on the decline.
The Warriors’ Search for Help
The Warriors recognize that Curry can’t do it all alone and have been actively seeking to bolster their roster. Recently, rumors have swirled about the Warriors’ interest in acquiring Lauri Markkanen from the Utah Jazz. Markkanen, a seven-footer with impressive three-point shooting ability, could be the perfect complementary piece for Golden State. He would not only provide Curry with much-needed offensive support but also improve the team’s spacing.
Utah, however, is not actively shopping Markkanen. The Jazz have made it clear they’re only willing to part with him for an offer they can’t refuse. While the Warriors have assets to tempt the Jazz, such as Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and a handful of first-round picks, the final decision remains uncertain. If the Warriors succeed in acquiring Markkanen, it would provide Curry with a legitimate second scoring option and perhaps ease some of his burden, extending his career and effectiveness in the NBA.
The Potential Implications for Curry’s Legacy
Curry’s Olympic performance could be an anomaly or a symptom of something larger. Regardless, it’s clear that his role in Team USA has exposed vulnerabilities that aren’t always apparent in Golden State’s system. While he remains an elite shooter and a critical asset to the Warriors, his age and recent struggles suggest the team must be proactive in surrounding him with younger talent capable of taking on more responsibility.
As Curry approaches his late 30s, the Warriors face a crossroads. They can either double down on their current roster, hoping for another championship run, or they can begin planning for the future by acquiring younger players who can carry the mantle when Curry eventually retires. The team’s pursuit of players like Markkanen signals a willingness to invest in the latter approach, which may be necessary for sustaining the franchise’s success.
The Bigger Picture for Team USA and Other Players
Steph Curry isn’t the only player facing challenges on Team USA. Joel Embiid, who chose to play for Team USA over France, has received backlash from French fans. France had high hopes for Embiid, especially after obtaining a French passport for him. His decision to join Team USA has sparked controversy and raises questions about loyalty and international representation.
However, Team USA continues to perform well overall, thanks to consistent contributions from LeBron, Durant, and Booker. The games may be shorter, and there’s more garbage time, but the core group has shown resilience and adaptability. For Curry, though, the Olympics have underscored the adjustments he’ll need to make as he transitions into the later stages of his career.
Conclusion: What’s Next for Steph Curry?
Curry’s struggles at the Olympics might not impact his NBA performance directly, but they highlight the adjustments he may need to make going forward. While he is undoubtedly a legendary shooter and a key figure in NBA history, time may be catching up to him. The Warriors appear ready to support him with new talent, potentially bringing in players like Lauri Markkanen to ensure they remain competitive.
The challenges he’s facing now might signal that he needs more help than ever, but with the right pieces around him, Curry could still lead the Warriors to another title. The outcome of the Olympics could mark a turning point in his career, as the team looks to balance honoring their past success with building a future that can sustain their championship aspirations.
