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Golden State Warriors: Is remainder of 2022-23 season a legacy moment for Stephen Curry?

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 04: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors goes in for a layup in front of Tim Hardaway Jr. #11 of the Dallas Mavericks during the third quarter at Chase Center on February 04, 2023 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 - FEBRUARY 04: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors goes in for a layup in front of Tim Hardaway Jr. #11 of the Dallas Mavericks during the third quarter at Chase Center on February 04, 2023 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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When Stephen Curry stood in tears at the baseline of TD Garden on June 17 last year, most believe the Golden State Warriors’ superstar had entrenched his legacy in NBA folklore. While that may remain true, in the constantly changing narrative of the NBA landscape, no player’s legacy is ever truly left to rest.

Eight months on from Curry’s crowning achievement and his team is in a die-hard battle to simply make the playoffs, sitting at a 29-29 record that’s been plagued by two separate injuries for the two-time MVP.

Once he returns from injury, will the remainder of the 2022-23 season serve as a legacy defining moment for Golden State Warriors’ star Stephen Curry?

When you reach Curry’s magnitude — the undisputed best shooter of all-time, an undisputed top three point-guard of all-time, a clear top 25 player of all-time (at minimum) — then the concept of winning is the primary avenue to raising the rooftop even further.

The 34-year-old took the pressure of himself by winning as the undeniable ‘man’ on a championship team last year. Never again can people question that part of his career, and doing it again will only add to the greatness of which he’s achieved.

Stephen Curry and Golden State Warriors teammates Klay Thompson and Draymond Green celebrate their fourth NBA championship together in 2022. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
Stephen Curry and Golden State Warriors teammates Klay Thompson and Draymond Green celebrate their fourth NBA championship together in 2022. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

At one point though some will question the impact of losing on one’s legacy — not when their washed up and no longer capable, but when they’re still playing at a supremely high level. Even the arguable GOAT, LeBron James, is going through that right now.

How many greats have missed the playoffs the immediate season following a championship? This simple question may hold the reason as to why this may be a legacy-defining period for Curry. The answer by the way – none.

Only two championship teams have gone on to miss the playoffs the following season — the Boston Celtics did so in 1969-70 because Bill Russell had retired, and the same can be said for the 1998-99 Chicago Bulls with Michael Jordan. You can have a title hangover sure, but to not even make the postseason, that’d be a disaster for Curry and the Warriors.

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With Curry and almost every great player, people usually sit on either side of the narrative. Detractors mock if they lose, claim they had too much help should they win. Fans will bask in glory should they win, blame the players teammates if they lose. It’s a revolving continuum only a select few get to go through, but those players also hold the capacity to lead in where the journey ultimately takes them. The same rings true for Curry over the coming months should his body allow.

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