The general manager of the Golden State Warriors, Mike Dunleavy Jr. has expressed concerns about the team’s lack of a clear second option to support Stephen Curry, as the role previously held by Klay Thompson remains uncertain.
Curry, the driving force behind the Warriors’ success, cannot carry the team alone, and Dunleavy acknowledged that identifying the right player to step up is a key challenge for the franchise.
“The positive is, it’s a bit unknown,” Dunleavy said in a media session.
“If you’re an opponent, you’re asking, ‘Who do you have to stop besides Steph Curry?’ The good news is, maybe they don’t know either.”
Several players, including Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, and Brandin Podziemski, have been mentioned as potential candidates to fill the gap.
Dunleavy pointed out that different players might rise to the occasion on different nights but admitted the uncertainty could be both exciting and challenging.
“I think for us, whether it’s Wiggs, JK, or Brandin, we have a lot of ways to get scoring,” Dunleavy said.
“But we have some things to figure out, and that’s where the uncertainty comes in.”
Despite this potential, the team has yet to find a consistent second option. Dunleavy acknowledged that while they have avoided overpaying for external talent, like Paul George or Lauri Markkanen, the team is still seeking the right player to complement Curry.
Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins, who were crucial in the Warriors’ 2022 championship run, have not returned to All-Star form since that victory.
The Importance of Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry remains the linchpin of the Warriors’ success, with career averages of 24.8 points, 6.4 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game.
His exceptional shooting abilities, including 42.6% from beyond the arc and a 91.0% free-throw percentage, have defined the team’s offensive strategy.
Curry has won four NBA championships, two MVP awards, and led the league in three-pointers made a record eight times.
However, even with his remarkable talents, the Warriors need consistent support around him to maintain their championship aspirations.
As the season progresses, the Warriors will need to identify a reliable second option to alleviate some of the burden on Curry.
Whether that solution comes from within the roster or through new acquisitions, the team’s success hinges on finding the right player to complement their star.
