A few years ago a young man with a pretty good basketball pedigree was lighting up big name schools all over the country. He didn't fit the prototypical mold of the new age stars like Durant, Griffin or even more recently Parker. He had a ability to destroy dreams and create havoc for opposing defenses. Who is the player? Steph Curry (Davidson). That name created a frenzy while he was in college and did just enough to land him inside of the lottery in 2009. The son of the one time great shooter Dell Curry, Steph had an ability to hold a team hostage while carrying the weight of his team to new heights. Once selected, he was expected to play alongside then back court mate Monta Ellis and form a super quick tandem that could drive NBA defenses crazy. While there were flashes of potential, the two super quick scoring guards didn't deliver the way management anticipated. Enter the rebuilding phase.Steph Curry, Davidson:
06-07: 21.5 ppg - Record: 29-5 (30 points vs Maryland, first round of NCAA tournament)
07-08: 25.9 ppg - Record: 26-6 (20 win, undefeated in conference play) (40 points vs Gonzaga, first round of NCAA tournament)
08-09: 28.9 ppg - Record: 27-8 (44 points vs Oklahoma)
With Steph Curry in place as the future star of the organization, the Warriors management began a massive overhaul that would land them in the spotlight and on the short list of potential contenders to come out of the deep Western conference. The team hired Hall of Fame point guard Mark Jackson as head coach, signed NBA All Star's David Lee and Andre Igoudala. Traded for big man Andrew Bogut and drafted college studs Klay Thompson, Harrison Barnes, Draymond Green and Festus Ezeli. Throw in veterans Jermaine O'Neal, Marreese Speights and Toney Douglass, now you have a potential contender. Rebuilding phase complete.
When healthy this team is capable of going BONKERS! In Miami against the defending champions they shot lights out and won a great game (123-114) at their pace. Curry led the way with 36 points (8 three pointers) and 12 assists. As a team they shot over 50 percent from both field goal range and three point range against a Miami defense that has three straight trips to the Finals. This is a sample size of what this team should and could be capable of with a top 4 seed in the playoffs against anyone. They have depth at the leagues premier position (small forward), with Igoudala, Barnes and even Green able to match up with anyone. They have the size to bother or compete with teams that rely on large quantities of paint production. They have a good combination of youth and experience with a coach that has given their star player and his back court mate the ULTRA GREEN LIGHT and they can dunk you!
Golden State Warriors:
2010-2011: 36-36
2011-2012: 23-43 (lockout shortened season)
2012-2013: 47-35 (eliminated from 2nd Round of Playoffs)
2013-2014: Currently 22-13 (projected to win at least 50 games)
What's not to love about a team that is both entertaining and competitive? With Steph Curry as their leader and star they will keep eye's glued on the screen and opposing coaches frustrated. No matter how you plan, prepare and scheme if Curry, Thompson and Igoudala get hot its pretty much over. They can slow it down and pound it (they prefer to out pace you), but that will just lullaby you in to a false sense of security eventually opening the flood gates for the Splash Brothers. If you don't have league pass I suggest you get it, because you don't want to miss a moment of Steph Curry. No matter the moment (44 points, 11 assists vs Spurs second round of the 2013 playoffs), the stage (54 points, 11/13 from 3 against the Knicks in Madison Square) or opponent (38 points, 9 assists vs Chris Paul, second game of the year) he will show up and he will bring his friends with him.
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