3 Warriors whose careers might hang on their performance without Stephen Curry

PORTLAND, OREGON - FEBRUARY 24: Damion Lee #1 of the Golden State Warriors gestures during the second quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center on February 24, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. The Golden State Warriors won 132-95. 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 Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - FEBRUARY 24: Damion Lee #1 of the Golden State Warriors gestures during the second quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center on February 24, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. The Golden State Warriors won 132-95. 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 Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Warriors player that must step up: Damion Lee

The arrival of third-year guard Jordan Poole has hurt Lee’s stock this season. He is still averaging 7.5 points per game, but his efficiency is down from a season ago.

Due to some heavy-minute, early-season games, Lee is averaged 19.8 minutes per game. However, this calendar year, he’s at just 6.7 points per game and shooting 35% from the behind the three-point line.

While he may be known as Stephen Curry’s brother-in-law, Lee was among the best players for the Warriors 15-win two seasons ago. He averaged 12.7 points per game and shot 36% from deep. Lee neared 30 minutes per game.

He could see similar minutes without Curry over the next month, and he’ll need to once again put up those numbers. At 29, Lee is still a capable role player, but if he loses minutes to a rookie like Moses Moody, he may not get them back for Kerr’s squad.

With Green available and Curry not, spacing will be a premium, so Lee’s services could be of value. Now, he’ll just have to make the opportunity count.