Stephen Curry is back practicing and scrimmaging with the Golden State Warriors, leading to a target return date against the Houston Rockets at Chase Center on Sunday.
Curry's imminent return offers some hope for the Warriors heading into the Play-In Tournament, but what would subsequently be waiting for them could be a playoff nightmare that only harms Curry and the franchise in the long run.
The reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder are likely to be waiting for whoever makes it through the Play-In and secures the eighth-seed. Therefore, is a battle against scrappy defenders such as Lu Dort and Alex Caruso really good for Curry and Golden State's future aspirations beyond this season?
Stephen Curry return could lead to a nightmare playoff scenario
As much as the Warriors have significantly struggled in winning just nine of their past 25 games without the 2x MVP, they would have to give themselves some chance of actually making it through the Play-In Tournament with a relatively healthy version of Curry.
Based on current standings, Golden State would be scheduled to play the Trail Blazers in Portland. Curry is comfortably the best player among the two teams which, combined with a vast contrast in experience, could give the Warriors an edge.
Even without Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody, an eight-man rotation of Curry, De'Anthony Melton, Gui Santos, Draymond Green, Kristaps Porzingis, Brandin Podziemski, Al Horford and Gary Payton II is capable of beating the Trail Blazers then one of the Phoenix Suns or L.A. Clippers.
The question is whether the Warriors should even want that when their reward would be the Thunder? With the Butler and Moody injuries putting a dagger through the chances of a deep playoff run, what good is it to ask Curry to carry Golden State while getting grabbed, hooked and potentially assaulted by Dort and company across a series?
That doesn't seem like much of a reward for getting through the Play-In, albeit Curry is such a competitive beast that he'd thrive on the opportunity of taking down the reigning champs who he historically has a strong record against.
Warriors would also forego lottery pick with playoff berth
Fighting through the Play-In doesn't just put Curry at risk, but it would take the Warriors out of the draft lottery where they currently have a near 10% chance of a top four pick based on current standings.
A lottery pick -- regardless of where it lands -- could change the fortunes of the franchise, whether it be using it on a potential future star, using it on a bonafide rotation player from day one, or trading it as part of a package for a star.
The path to the playoffs is still an unlikely one anyway, but Curry's return would give the Warriors some chance at a time where they currently foresee to have none. Debate remains though on if it's best for him and the franchise.