Warriors Brace Fans for a Different Season

SAN FRANCISCO — Get ready for some changes.

The message from the Golden State Warriors has been clear since training camp began: the golden era is in the past. Coach Steve Kerr has openly stated that the team isn’t focused on championship aspirations this season, opting instead to prioritize the process.

Kerr is known for his honesty, and he shared some candid thoughts recently.

He pointed out that buying a ticket to a Warriors game doesn’t guarantee a chance to see Steph Curry play. This is a warning to fans, he mentioned, which is important to consider while making plans.

“Just be mindful of the schedule when purchasing tickets,” Kerr advised reporters after practice. “Take a look.”

This caution reflects an ongoing issue where fans invest heavily to see the Warriors, only to find Curry, at age 38 and entering his 18th season, resting on the sidelines. Given the grueling nature of an 82-game season, it makes sense for the Warriors to conserve his energy, especially with 15 back-to-back games scheduled, tied for the second-most in the league.

Essentially, it would be wise to assume Curry may not participate in both games of those back-to-backs.

“We need to manage not just Steph but several veterans,” Kerr explained. “It’s the best strategy for us.”

Last season, the situation was similar, with an aging roster that required careful management. After a physically demanding game, Kerr faced a choice: push for a win against the Trail Blazers or rest his older players. He chose to play for the win, resulting in a significant loss.

This season’s schedule mirrors that, and if Kerr has learned anything, fans hoping to see Curry in Phoenix might feel disappointed.

Looking ahead, fans in Dallas, Memphis, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Portland, Chicago, and other cities should brace themselves, as they might not see the star players they expected.

While the Warriors typically prefer to keep their stars playing at home, specific dates present higher risks for fans purchasing tickets. In fact, over one-third of the season comes with uncertainty about player availability. This raises broader concerns for the NBA, leading Kerr to suggest considering a shorter regular season.

His efforts to manage fan expectations reveal the hurdles the Warriors will face as the season progresses. Even Curry, usually optimistic, hasn’t made declarations about aiming for championships.

After last season, when injuries plagued the team, Kerr noted they couldn’t repeat the past. Key players missed substantial game time, and this trend seems to be continuing. The general manager, Mike Dunleavy Jr., faced a choice over the summer and prioritized player availability in his decisions.

Currently, some key players remain sidelined or may need rest during the season. Curry will undergo a different management strategy this time, especially for his knee. This might mean a slower start for him in the preseason, where he played limited minutes.

With the season’s opening night approaching, Kerr tempered expectations once more.

“He’s not quite where he wants to be yet,” he reflected on Curry. “But he’s making progress.”