SAN FRANCISCO – Given the state of the Golden State Warriors season, it’s fair to ask the tough question about whether Stephen Curry should return from knee soreness.
With Golden State stuck in the play-in tournament, and Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody lost to season-ending injuries, is it worthwhile to bring Curry back for what looks like a lost season? If Curry returns and they try to escape, is the risk of further complicating Curry’s health outweigh that meager benefit?
Those questions are circulating in the Warriors environment right now. And for the most part, the Dubs have been adamant that they are not considering closing him down.
“The main thing is if Steph is healthy, he’s going to play because that’s what we’re here for,” Kerr said earlier this week in Dallas. Since Curry suffered a patellofemoral pain syndrome and a bone spur injury in his right knee, he has been sending a message loud and clear.
“Having a chance to get to the playoffs is a big deal for us, big deal for Steph.”
But after the Warriors’ 109-106 win over the tanking Brooklyn Nets, Draymond Green weighed in on whether he believes Curry should return.
“I think it’s a slippery slope, telling a guy who loves basketball, you can’t come back and play basketball when they feel like they’re healthy enough to win basketball. So I think if there’s
There was a feeling of doubt from his knees. no I will not.”
“But if he’s healthy and he can definitely play. Because that’s what you’ve worked for. To give yourself a chance to have a great season, to get to the postseason, and thrive on that stage. You don’t know how many opportunities you get.”
Draymond Green explains his thinking
Green’s answer is quite logical. And not very controversial either. If Curry’s knee is healthy he should return. But if he doesn’t feel 100%, he should play it safe. Greene isn’t really falling into that line of thinking.
But there’s something about the fact that Green has vocalized it.
As one of the more powerful and public voices in the Warriors organization, the fact that he is willing to put that debate on the table is noteworthy. There’s an old adage repeated among veteran Warriors reporters and insiders — when the big voices speak in Golden State, you listen. And you read between the lines.
“You can always kick the can down the road and say, ‘Hey man, we’ll be back.’ But it doesn’t always work that way,” Green explained.
“Last year, we didn’t kick the can down the road, and unfortunately, Steph got hurt. But let’s say we kicked the can down the road last year, like, ‘Hey man, we’ll bring it back next year.’ And then look at this year.”
Green slammed his hand on the table, referring to how injuries have derailed any chance he had of competing this season.
“You’ve got to take advantage while you can,” Green explained.
It’s really easy to use health as an excuse to wait out your time in the NBA. But the clock is always ticking, especially for guys Curry’s age and a franchise on the receiving end of a dynasty. Opportunities open and close in the NBA the way they do, and taking that opportunity out of the way doesn’t always guarantee another opportunity.
risk vs reward
Ultimately, the dilemma for Curry and the Warriors comes down to timing. And how to maximize it. Because the whole world knows that Curry’s great career is in its final stages. But as far as how this final chapter plays out, it all depends on how the Warriors take it.
Do they strike while the iron is hot and push Curry to play as many games as possible before time runs out? Or do they play it safe, prolonging their careers by not risking injuries that could shorten what little time they have left? Again, these are the tough questions facing Golden State right now.
However, Green has made it clear that Curry should not return if he doesn’t feel right.
Green added, “I know if he’s healthy he’ll be there.” “But I think if there’s any doubt that he’s not where he needs to be then no. I don’t [think he should come back]”
“But I think for anybody, everybody, when we can play this game, we want to be heroes. We all want to throw [the] Cape on and save the day. But if it puts her at risk of future injury, I don’t think anyone would agree that it’s right. [plan]. “Whether we’re 35 and 38 or 58 or 12, if you’re not healthy, you have to play the long game.”
Does Draymond Green think Steph Curry should try to bounce back from a lost season?
“If there’s any doubt about his knee, no, I don’t think so. But if he’s healthy and he can play, then absolutely, because that’s what you’ve worked on.” pic.twitter.com/YsUshYGUtr
– Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) 26 March 2026
The first step for Curry to return is to engage in five-on-five battles, something the Warriors are trying to do at some point this week. Until then, we can only guess what Golden State decides to do moving forward.
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