The Evolving Role of Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry’s career trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. From a sharpshooter who defied expectations to a two-time MVP and NBA champion, Curry has consistently redefined what it means to be a point guard in the modern NBA. His deep shooting range, quick release, off-the-dribble ability, and basketball IQ have made him one of the most difficult players to defend. However, as Curry enters his mid-30s, Kerr’s adjustments have increasingly focused on optimizing Curry’s strengths while managing his workload and maintaining his health.
Over the years, Curry’s role has evolved. Initially, he was the focal point of the Warriors’ high-powered offense, often operating as both the scorer and playmaker. As the team’s roster has fluctuated, particularly with the injuries to Klay Thompson and the evolving roles of other key players like Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins, Kerr has needed to adjust the way he uses Curry in order to maximize his impact without overburdening him.
In the early years of the Warriors’ dynasty, Curry’s scoring load was supplemented by a more complete roster, with players like Thompson, Green, and Andre Iguodala contributing in critical ways. But as the team’s dynamic changed, especially in the absence of Thompson for several seasons, Kerr’s strategy has shifted to make Curry even more of the focal point, while also finding ways to keep the offense versatile and sustainable over the long haul.
Building the System Around Curry
Under Steve Kerr’s leadership, the Warriors have maintained a philosophy built around ball movement, spacing, and creating open looks for shooters. This system was initially created to take advantage of the team’s historic shooting talent, particularly Curry and Thompson, who became the league’s deadliest shooting backcourt. However, with Curry at the forefront, Kerr has further adapted the offense to take full advantage of his evolving skills.
1. Maximizing Off-the-Ball Movement
One of the key adjustments that Kerr has made in recent seasons is the emphasis on creating more off-the-ball movement for Curry. Early in Curry’s career, he was primarily relied upon to generate offense by handling the ball, especially in isolation and pick-and-roll situations. But as defenses have become more adept at defending the Warriors’ motion offense and focusing on Curry as the main threat, Kerr has increasingly designed plays where Curry can move without the ball to catch defenders off guard.
Whether it’s running him off screens, utilizing backdoor cuts, or setting up plays that free him for catch-and-shoot opportunities, Kerr has ensured that Curry’s off-the-ball movement remains a central feature of the Warriors’ offense. This also keeps Curry fresher throughout the course of a game, reducing the wear and tear of constant ball-handling responsibilities. Additionally, this strategy helps create spacing on the floor, allowing the Warriors’ other offensive weapons to operate more effectively.
In particular, pairing Curry’s movement off the ball with the development of young players like Jordan Poole has been an effective way to maintain offensive fluidity. With Poole’s ability to create his own shot, the Warriors can run more creative sets that involve both players, making it difficult for opposing defenses to zero in on Curry without risking an open look for another talented shooter.
2. Strategic Pick-and-Roll Play
While Curry’s off-the-ball movement has become a critical part of the Warriors’ offense, Kerr has also made use of the pick-and-roll to allow Curry to continue being effective as both a scorer and playmaker. As Curry ages and faces more defensive pressure, the pick-and-roll has become a more essential aspect of the Warriors’ offensive scheme, allowing Curry to create mismatches and get easier opportunities, whether it’s by taking the shot himself or by setting up a teammate for a high-percentage look.
The Warriors’ pick-and-roll game has also benefitted from the development of other players, such as Kevon Looney and Andrew Wiggins, who provide more options in terms of roll-men and spacing. Looney, for instance, has evolved into a reliable screen-setter and rebounder, helping Curry to get the separation he needs in the pick-and-roll, while Wiggins’ cutting ability and athleticism make him a dangerous target when Curry decides to dish the ball.
As Curry continues to age, Kerr has had to adjust the frequency and type of pick-and-roll sets run in order to prevent over-reliance on isolating Curry in one-on-one situations. The pick-and-roll allows him to work in space and keep his body from taking too much punishment, especially with defenders becoming more aggressive in trying to limit his production.
Load Management and Managing Curry’s Health
As Curry enters his 30s, one of the most important adjustments Kerr has made is finding ways to manage his superstar’s minutes to keep him healthy for the postseason. Over the years, Curry has dealt with injuries — particularly with his ankles and shoulders — that have occasionally sidelined him or limited his performance. With the Warriors’ championship window still very much open, Kerr has recognized the importance of preserving Curry’s health over the long 82-game season, knowing that the postseason is where his true value lies.
1. Reduced Regular-Season Workload
Kerr has taken a more calculated approach when it comes to Curry’s minutes during the regular season. While Curry is still capable of putting up huge performances, Kerr has made it a priority to rest him in non-essential games or give him stretches of games where he is not the focal point of the offense. This is particularly important given the long NBA season, where teams are often faced with back-to-back games and long stretches of road trips.
While Curry’s absence can certainly impact the Warriors’ performance, Kerr has balanced resting Curry with ensuring that the team remains competitive. The Warriors’ depth, with players like Poole, Wiggins, and Thompson, allows Kerr to give Curry the occasional night off without completely derailing the team’s chances. This approach is vital for ensuring Curry’s health as the Warriors head into the postseason, where his presence will be crucial to their success.
2. Focused on Postseason Play
The Warriors have long been a team that peaks at the right time, and Kerr has honed his ability to get the team ready for the postseason. Much of this success comes from the fact that the Warriors have built a system where the regular season is often used as a platform for experimentation and preparation, allowing Kerr to fine-tune the lineup and game plan for the playoffs. This philosophy has enabled Curry to remain fresh for the critical moments in the postseason, where his shooting and leadership can carry the team.
In the 2022 postseason, Curry proved that his health management paid off, as he was able to lead the Warriors to their fourth championship in eight years, earning his first Finals MVP award in the process. The strategy of focusing on postseason success over regular-season victories proved to be a winning formula for Kerr and Curry alike.
The Bigger Picture: Warriors’ Continued Success
Kerr’s ability to adjust his coaching style and the Warriors’ system to fit Curry’s evolving role has been essential to the franchise’s continued success. Curry remains the centerpiece of the Warriors’ offensive scheme, but Kerr’s willingness to evolve and make necessary tweaks has helped keep the team competitive while also maximizing Curry’s ability to lead them to championships.
With the Warriors in a constant state of flux — due to injuries, changes in roster composition, and the rise of new teams in the NBA — the ability to adapt is crucial. Steve Kerr has not only adapted his style to fit the strengths of his superstar but also ensured that the team as a whole remains flexible and sustainable for future success.
As the Warriors continue to chase championships and maintain their competitive edge, the adjustments made by Kerr to fit Curry’s unique abilities will undoubtedly play a central role in the team’s quest for another title. With Curry at the helm, and Kerr continually fine-tuning his approach, the Warriors remain one of the most dangerous teams in the league — and as long as Curry is on the floor, their championship aspirations will remain intact.
