Can Steph Carry the Warriors?: Unchecked

Stephen Curry must prove he can carry the Golden State Warriors without Klay Thompson.

This is a big season for Steph Curry. Because while Klay Thompson going down was a devastating blow to both the NBA and the Warriors, Golden State remains all-in when it comes to being committed to winning.

Golden State tax bill is currently $66M

The addition of Kelly Oubre would see it increase to $134M

$14.4M of Oubre + $68M in taxes= $82.4M

— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) November 19, 2020

And if they are going to do so, Curry is going to have to carry them. The way we’ve seen LeBron James do with many lesser rosters, including all the way to the NBA Finals.

It pains me to say this, but if you replaced Curry with LeBron right now, this Warriors roster, even without Klay, could absolutely compete for a championship. Curry has to prove he can do that to REALLY be in this conversation guys like me want so badly to put him in

— Brad Botkin (@bradbotkincbs) November 20, 2020

We’ve even kind of seen a guy like James Harden do it during his time in Houston, albeit to a lesser degree. While Chris Paul just got the Oklahoma City Thunder to the playoffs.

In all honesty, I’m not expecting a playoff series win from Steph & the Warriors.

I do expect the 2 Time MVP to get them in the Offs & I think that’s fair.

— OG Slim (@Jody_McFly) November 19, 2020

Now I’m not saying Curry needs to dominate the ball in order to accomplish this. That’s just not the way Golden State plays, which has led to much success for them by the way. Plus, in the past, Curry has been the best player on both a championship and a 73-win team. Not to mention he's someone who transformed the game. Curry at his best is near the top of the list of most special players I’ve seen. His place in history is secure.

Enjoy a minute of ridiculous Steph Curry shots pic.twitter.com/OK7qYBqMzI

— NBA Retweet (@RTNBA) November 15, 2020

But if he wants to get back into the conversation when it comes to the elite superstars, and continue to elevate himself in the all-time NBA hierarchy, the Warriors cannot fall flat this season. Draymond Green, Andrew Wiggins, Kelly Oubre, James Wiseman and others aren't exactly what I would call a great supporting cast, but it also ain’t bad. Assuming their point guard is an MVP level player.

PG - Steph Curry
SG - Kelly Oubre
SF- Andrew Wiggins
Pf- Draymond Green
C- James Wiseman
Pending another move or two for depth, this is a contender in the west. Fight me.

— Mark Gunnels (@MarkAGunnels) November 19, 2020

Curry once appeared to be the heir apparent to James when it came to being the face of the NBA. However, LeBron continues to reign. While it’s been a minute since Curry has entered a year without a stacked squad, excusing last season.

Since Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green became teammates, the Warriors are 365-113 (.764) when they all play, the best win percentage by a trio in NBA history (min. 400 games). h/t @EliasSports

That win pct drops to .581 when 2 of the 3 play. pic.twitter.com/gzrRLsvrHe

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) November 19, 2020

This Warriors team is a perfect chance for Steph Curry to send the league a reminder about who he is. But if they falter, the focus may instead turn to people pointing out what he isn’t.