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Golden State Warriors: Stephen Curry’s Usage Rate is concerning

By Tony Pesta

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 08: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors stands at the free-throw line preparing to shoot a foul shot against the LA Clippers during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on January 08, 2021 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 08: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors stands at the free-throw line preparing to shoot a foul shot against the LA Clippers during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on January 08, 2021 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors need to expand their attack and take a load off of Stephen Curry for this team to see long-term success.

Most NBA executives wouldn’t mind the idea of relying on Stephen Curry to lead your team to success. For the Golden State Warriors, allowing Curry to carry a significant weight has propelled them to one of the greatest five-year runs in league history.

Yet, the Dubs always made sure to surround Curry with a supporting cast strong enough to keep him fresh. Some would argue they even went too far in acquiring talent to stack the deck and build the most overpowered team of all-time with Kevin Durant – but, they accomplished their goal of not relying too heavily on Curry nonetheless.

Things have changed since then. Most notably, Durant is gone. And, with another injury to Klay Thompson, Curry is standing alone as the only truly elite offensive weapon on the roster. While Andrew Wiggins has been blossoming into one helluva shooter off the dribble – there still isn’t enough to keep Curry from sometimes doing it all himself.

Nothing sums up the Warriors’ season better than their record when Curry scores 30+ points (5-0) and their record when he doesn’t (1-4). Aside from his stinker performance against Toronto, in which the Warriors squeezed by due to impressive defense from Andrew Wiggins, the correlation between Curry’s success and the team’s success is undeniable.

His current rate of 33.6 (per Basketball-Reference) would make him the oldest player to register a usage rate above 33 percent since Kobe Bryant did it at 32 years of age in 2011. Before that, Michael Jordan had recorded a higher usage as a 34-year-old. Other than Jordan and Bryant – no other player in league history has accomplished this after the age of 32.

This sets the bar pretty damn high for Curry. He is either going to deliver an all-time great season, or flame out in spectacular fashion from carrying too heavy a load.

If you’re a fan of the Warriors, this could be a fun, but scary experiment. Sure, Curry has shown us he’s capable of doing incredible things – but is it worth potentially causing a significant injury due to his heavy responsibilities? There is no precedent for a player of his age recording a usage this high. Keep in mind, Kobe tore his Achilles during that 2012 season – and Jordan retired directly after winning the 1998 NBA Finals.

The Warriors would be better off resting Curry and taking the losses that come with it. Next season, they can try with a fully healthy roster to reclaim their throne. Or, they can continue to go out guns blazing with Curry leading the charge. I guess we will find out.

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