Kerr on Steph Curry’s load management: “We have to manage him”

Anyone buying a ticket to see the Golden State Warriors is mainly hoping to witness one of Stephen Curry’s magical performances. But that may not always be the case next NBA season, and Steve Kerr wanted to make that clear right away.

At 38 years old, Curry is preparing for his 18th NBA season, once again with a central role in Golden State’s plans. His physical condition during the Preseason has provided encouraging signs, but after a season complicated by injuries, the Warriors do not want to take any risks.

That is why Kerr decided to address the fans directly, urging them to pay close attention to the schedule before buying tickets.

We have fans who buy tickets expecting to see Steph. Usually it’s him, sometimes other players. People want to see the veterans, then a back-to-back comes up and we decide not to play him

Steve Kerr

Curry and load management: Kerr’s message

The Warriors coach did not hide the fact that managing minutes and availability will be essential over an 82-game season, especially considering the age of some of the most important players on the roster.

I would simply tell fans to pay attention to the schedule when buying tickets. We don’t just have Steph, but several veterans we’ll try to manage, because that’s the only way we can get through the season

Steve Kerr

After all, last season’s numbers explain Golden State’s caution very well. The four-time NBA champion played just 43 games, his lowest total since 2019/20, while still maintaining an elite level of offensive production.

In other words, the talent does not seem to be in question. The challenge is keeping him in the best possible condition throughout the season.

Warriors, less work for Curry during the season

To achieve that goal, Kerr explained that the coaching staff is taking a different approach to Curry’s preparation and daily workload.

The idea is to reduce his overall workload without compromising his game rhythm, allowing Curry to continue playing significant minutes when necessary.

We’re cutting back his overall workload quite a bit and trying to find the right balance. We want him to be able to maintain his rhythm and be ready to play 32-34 minutes, without having to handle all the work that would normally come with it

Steve Kerr

That strategy will not apply only to Curry. Golden State has several veterans, including Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, Al Horford, Gary Payton II and De’Anthony Melton, and will have to find a way to manage the entire group’s energy.

For Kerr, then, the priority is fairly simple: have Curry in the best possible condition when it truly matters, even if that means sitting him for a few Regular Season games.

What Should You Do on Dunkest?

From a Dunkest NBA Fantasy perspective, this news doesn’t come as a surprise, but it confirms that Stephen Curry is no longer a player you can fully rely on. The Warriors will understandably manage his playing time, both from game to game and within individual matchups, making his Fantasy production less predictable.

For this reason, especially in Dunkest Draft leagues, our advice is to target other players who can offer greater consistency and a more reliable role throughout the season.