As questions swirl about how long Stephen Curry can extend his prime, there is no greater role model in the modern NBA than the player he will face Sunday evening, LeBron James.
“He’s still playing at such a high level,” head coach Steve Kerr said before the Warriors’ game against the Lakers at Staples Center. “He’s a little like Tom Brady. At some point, you have to slow down, but he doesn’t seem to slow down.”
The Warriors are hoping Curry doesn’t slow down any time soon, either. At 32 years old, Curry is averaging 29.9 points on 48% shooting overall (41.5% from 3-point range), 6.3 assists and 5.5 rebounds — numbers comparable to his MVP season half a decade ago.
Like James, Curry has maintained an all-world level of play because of his diligent work during the offseason. James, who at 36 could win his fifth MVP award this season, famously spends upwards of $1 million a year on the upkeep of his body.
Curry trains on the cutting edge of technology with tools such as strobe goggles and sensory deprivation chambers. With his trainer, Brandon Payne, he works during the offseason to ensure he’s always within two weeks of mid-season form. Of course, there’s also the old-fashioned approach of just getting in reps, and those around him laud his commitment to his daily shooting routine.
“The one thing I do know with Steph is that he will extend it for as long as his body is physically capable because he works like crazy all summer,” Kerr said. “If you’re constantly working at it and you’re smart about the way you take care of yourself, then you’re going to extend your career.”
The Warriors are counting on Curry playing at this level for at least a few more seasons. In order for them to reclaim their status as title contenders, Klay Thompson will need to return from an Achilles tear, Andrew Wiggins will have to continue to find success in their system and rookie center James Wiseman will need to take a leap in his development. But it is Curry keeping the championship window open.
How long will that window remain open? If Curry can follow the lead of James and Brady, a good while. But the Warriors should still operate with urgency.
“It’s not something that’s easy to predict,” Kerr said of how long a player’s prime will last. “Everybody’s different.”
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March 01, 2021 at 07:42AM
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