Golden State Warriors (DR)
By Editorial | Sport
Steph Curry is preparing to begin his 17th season in the league, a symbolic milestone for one of the most memorable players in modern basketball history. But at 37, the question of managing his playing time, his endurance and his longevity naturally arises. The era of “load management” now affects even legends, and Golden State knows that it will have to preserve its engine if it wants to shine again in the West this year.
In his three preseason appearances, Curry averaged 17.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists in just 19 minutes per game. Encouraging figures, but the main challenge no longer lies in one-off performances: it is now a question of keeping up the pace over time. Steve Kerr, aware of this reality, spoke about the future management of his emblematic leader during the show “Willard and Dibs”.
« He still looks amazing…Did you see the game the other night? He still has everything that makes him Steph Curry. The biggest challenge at 37 is to maintain this level for 82 matches, » explained the Warriors coach. Kerr admitted, however, that even Curry could not escape the law of time: “ It gets harder and harder, and at some point, everyone ends up meeting Father Time. The important thing this season is to navigate through it all. »
A collective challenge for an aging team
The issue isn’t limited to Curry. The Warriors have several key veterans: Draymond Green (36), Jimmy Butler (35) and Al Horford (39). So many experienced players who remain valuable, but whose workload must be carefully calibrated. “ They are all incredible players, but they have a lot of miles on their clock. We must collaborate with them and the performance staff to put them in the best possible conditions, » added Kerr.
Absence management will therefore be a determining factor. Between high-intensity matches, back-to-backs and the obligations linked to matches broadcast on national television, the organization will have to find a delicate balance. Kerr admitted this bluntly: “ It’s a little complicated with the league’s rules on stars, back-to-back games and national TV. But it’s obvious that these guys are going to miss games, whether it’s due to injury or just needing rest. »
Beyond the meeting schedule, this approach also applies to training. At this stage of their career, veterans work less on pure technique and more on team cohesion and collective fluidity. Kerr detailed the issues related to this planning: “ Certain passages of the calendar are more difficult, because of travel or accumulated fatigue. Sometimes we have four away games, we come home for one game, then we leave. It is in these moments that our players are most vulnerable, and this is why our performance team remains very vigilant. »
For Golden State, this season marks the end of a cycle and perhaps the beginning of a transition. With Curry still determined but aging, a staff at the end of his contract and a fragile workforce, Steve Kerr knows that caution will be the key. More than ever, fatigue management and the health of executives will be at the heart of the ambitions of the Californian franchise, which hopes to prolong the magic of its dynastic journey a little further.
