Steph Curry’s Struggles: A Symptom of a Bigger Problem?

Steph Curry’s recent underperformance in international play has raised eyebrows, as the usually dependable sharpshooter has found himself in an unexpected slump. Despite playing alongside some of the NBA’s brightest stars and benefiting from the shorter three-point line, Curry’s struggles with Team USA have sparked concern, particularly when juxtaposed with the overall strong performance of his teammates. As the competition wears on, the question arises: What’s going wrong for Curry, and is this a sign of a larger issue for the Golden State Warriors?

Curry’s Slump: A Historical Context

Curry is widely regarded as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, with career statistics that support his legacy. However, his recent shooting slump—making just 9 of 35 three-pointers—has cast doubt on his current form. At the heart of his struggle is the unfamiliar role he’s been relegated to while playing for Team USA. The offense rarely runs through him in the same way it does with the Warriors. Instead, Curry has often found himself serving as a decoy or being sidelined in plays drawn up for teammates like Kevin Durant or LeBron James.

This shift in role is something Curry isn’t used to. In Golden State, he has to work tirelessly to get open and make contested shots. But on Team USA, where he’s surrounded by stars who can also command the ball, he’s frequently left standing in the corner, waiting for a pass that never comes. This drastic change in his involvement seems to be affecting his rhythm, both as a shooter and as a playmaker.

Is Age Catching Up with Steph?

Beyond Team USA, Curry’s shooting struggles stretch back to the last NBA season. Since February 23, he’s averaged 22 points per game on 37% shooting from three-point range—well below his peak numbers of 29 points per game on 43% shooting. At 36 years old, it’s fair to question whether Curry’s best days are behind him. Most NBA players experience a decline in production as they age, and very few maintain elite performance into their late 30s.

Of course, there are exceptions—LeBron James won a title at 35, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won three championships in his 30s, and Dirk Nowitzki clinched his lone title at 32. However, history shows that winning an NBA championship as the primary option becomes exponentially harder beyond the age of 35. Curry’s recent dip in form could be the beginning of a decline, especially considering the toll that carrying the Warriors has taken on him in recent years.

The Golden State Dilemma

While Curry’s slump is a concern for Team USA, it could spell even bigger trouble for the Warriors as they attempt to stay competitive in a stacked Western Conference. The Warriors, once a dynasty, are no longer the dominant force they were. With Draymond Green’s suspension last season and Klay Thompson’s regression, the Warriors are in desperate need of a legitimate second scoring option to support Curry. Without it, Curry had to shoulder the load, and the team went 10-11 in games without Green.

Golden State’s front office is keenly aware of the problem. Rumors have swirled around the potential acquisition of Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen, a player who could be the perfect fit next to Curry. Markkanen, one of only three seven-footers in NBA history to hit 1,000 career three-pointers, would provide the spacing and scoring punch the Warriors desperately need. His skill set complements Curry’s, as Markkanen’s shooting would open up the floor for Curry to operate more freely, just as Kevin Durant did during his stint with the Warriors.

However, pulling off a trade for Markkanen won’t be easy. The Jazz are reportedly not actively shopping him, but they are willing to listen to offers that could significantly improve their future. The Warriors may need to offer a package centered around Jonathan Kuminga and other young assets like Brandin Podziemski, along with a bevy of draft picks. The Jazz are also reportedly interested in Moses Moody, and an offer including him alongside draft capital could tempt Utah into parting with Markkanen.

A Shifting NBA Landscape

Even if the Warriors manage to land a star like Markkanen, the larger issue remains: Curry can no longer carry the team by himself. As the Western Conference becomes increasingly competitive, with teams like the Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns looking like serious contenders, the Warriors’ margin for error is shrinking. They can’t rely on Curry’s heroics night in and night out, especially if his decline continues.

The addition of Markkanen would certainly bolster Golden State’s chances of making a deep playoff run, but it would come at the cost of some of their young talent. More importantly, it underscores the reality that the Warriors need to prepare for life after Curry. For years, Curry has been the centerpiece of their success, but as he approaches 37, the franchise must begin planning for the future. The front office’s willingness to part with young players and draft assets signals a win-now mentality, but it could also limit their ability to rebuild once Curry’s prime is definitively over.

Team USA: A Microcosm of Curry’s Struggles

Curry’s role with Team USA offers a glimpse into what life might look like for him as he enters the twilight of his career. Surrounded by stars like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Devin Booker, Curry’s impact on the game is diminished when he isn’t the focal point of the offense. His struggles on defense only exacerbate the problem. Opponents have repeatedly targeted him in transition and the half-court, taking advantage of his weaknesses on that end of the floor.

Head coach Steve Kerr, who also coaches Curry with the Warriors, has shown a willingness to make tough decisions, including benching key players like Jason Tatum and Joel Embiid during games when they’re not performing. Could Curry face a similar fate? It’s unlikely Kerr would bench one of his biggest stars, but if Curry’s shooting slump continues, Kerr may have no choice but to limit his minutes in favor of more consistent performers like Derrick White, who excels in his role as a two-way glue guy.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Curry and the Warriors

As the NBA regular season approaches, the big question surrounding Steph Curry is whether his struggles in international play will carry over to the Warriors. If Curry’s shooting woes persist, Golden State may need to adjust its game plan and focus more on its supporting cast. The possible addition of Lauri Markkanen could provide some much-needed relief, but the Warriors’ championship window appears to be closing.

Curry’s humility and self-awareness suggest that he would be willing to accept a reduced role if it meant the team could win. However, if his slump continues into the NBA season, the Warriors may need to make some difficult decisions regarding how they manage Curry’s minutes and role within the team. The time may be coming for Golden State to transition from relying on Curry as their primary option to building a more balanced roster capable of competing in a new era.