The NBA’s flagship All-Star weekend in San Francisco could be described as a success. Aside from some disappointment with commercials, the All-Star game delivered better effort. Furthermore, the electric dunk contest and other challenges served the crowds well. However, while Stephen Curry, an ambassador for the weekend was present on all days, his only contribution came on Sunday. According to Brian Geltzeiler, that was one of the reasons the All-Star weekend didn’t hit the mark.
The SiriusXM host feels it’s up to the three honchos, Curry, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James to set the competitive benchmark for the All-Star game. But this year, in particular, Geltzeiler felt the Chef was the focal reason behind bad representation. He didn’t like the fact that some of his Warriors teammates all took part on Saturday while Stephen Curry watched from the sidelines.
“I don’t think it was a good look for Steph Curry with the All-Star game at the Chase Center in San Francisco to be sitting there courtside while Draymond Green, Moses Moody, and Buddy Hield represented the organization. I know he had other corporate commitments and all that. He was there. Put on a uniform and take some shots,” Geltzeiler suggested on 95.7 The Game.
Feb 15, 2025; Oakland, CA, USA; Shaq’s OGs guard Stephen Curry (30) of the Golden State Warriors looks to throw a mini ball towards a group of fans during the NBA All Star-Practice at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
Originally, that was the plan. The NBA wanted to re-run another iteration of the successful Curry vs Ionescu shooting contest from last season. Until the weekend approached, discussions were ongoing. However, due to Caitlin Clark wanting her first All-Star event to be part of the WNBA, a 2 vs 2 contest couldn’t materialize.
Still, Brian Geltzeiler feels Stephen Curry could have maybe joined the three-point contest to give the home crowd what they continue to crave. ” You know what? Put on a cape and come out and shoot three-pointers with everybody like they want to see you do,” said Geltzeiler.
Many would think having won the contest twice, Stephen Curry participating wouldn’t excite the locals. However, Curry has participated in six three-point contests. Hence, his level of interest surely exists. In 2019, he did so to showcase his shooting prowess in his hometown of Charlotte. Similarly, the Bay Area being his adopted home, maybe another appearance would have helped feed into the San Francisco fans’ excitement who experienced the weekend for the first time.
Stephen Curry and the Warriors may have other issues to worry about
After battling a rough patch a trade deadline move signalled a fresh start. Jimmy Butler has successfully fit the Warriors’ mold. They have won three of their four games with the former Heat forward. But now, Steve Kerr has another puzzle to tackle. For several weeks, Jonathan Kuminga remained out due to an ankle sprain.
After missing 21 straight games, he has finally started making progress towards his return. For the Warriors, it’s good news. Jimmy Butler is particularly excited as he feels they will make each other’s jobs easier. Furthermore, he respects Kuminga’s high defensive involvement and versatility to guard multiple positions.
But while their bond might grow, from a fit perspective, there could be some major issues.
Notably, both Butler and Kuminga play a similar game. What has made Butler’s fit so good is him being a lone threat going to the basket. He generates an offense at the charity stripe while keeping the defense unsettled. Similarly, Jonathan Kuminga acts as an identical outlet, averaging over 20 points in the last seven games he played.
His explosive runs to the basket fit well alongside a well-spaced lineup that provides him with the room to attack the basket. However, aside from a few closing lineups where defense is the calling, having Butler and Kuminga co-exist could be a tough riddle to crack for Steve Kerr. The problem with it is as impressive a prospect JK is, he is wanting time as the starting forward for the Bay.
It being his contract year, the design of his deal depends heavily on his performance too. Similarly, the franchise has committed a great amount to Butler for the next three years. Hence, having him play an active role in the roster is equally a necessity. This could harbor some dissatisfaction for Kuminga, who may have to be the one to sacrifice again.
At the same time, if the Warriors’ promising forward can work through it, the Bay could become a formidable unit with a diverse two-way system.
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