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‘So Many Demands’: Warriors’ Steve Kerr Backs Steph Curry for Opting Out of Tokyo Olympics

Published 06/21/2021, 11:53 PM EDT

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Golden State Warriors enjoyed a highly impressive 2020-21 season even as a largely shorthanded team. Running on the back of Steph Curry, the Bay Area almost defeated the Lakers in their play-in tournament if not for a lucky dagger from LeBron James. So it makes sense for them to believe their title window is still very much open.

Currently, the Warrior men are either rehabilitating their injury or enjoying some family. However, with the onset of Summer Olympics, another commitment is knocking on their doors. The GSW has Steph Curry and Draymond Green as potential Americans to represent Team USA. But how feasible is that for their franchise?

Steph Curry has opted out of the Tokyo Olympics 

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As per fresh reports, the Baby Faced Assassin has decided against participating in Summer Olympics. The 7x All-Star, 2x scoring champion, 2x MVP, and 3x NBA Champion is a future first-ballot Hall of Famer and has every possible accolade in his kitty. However, he is yet to win a Gold Medal in the largest sporting event on the face of Earth.

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Still, a wise Curry has given up on searching for that treasure because his present-day concentration is on his fitness and family. And an equally wise and understanding coach in Steve Kerr understands his stand more than anyone else. 

The 55-YO champion coach recently gave an interview and reflected on Curry’s decision. He proudly expressed, “Steph and I talked, Draymond [Green] and I talked. I think it makes perfect sense, actually. Steph has so many demands on his time. He has to play so hard for so much of the season. He’s 180 pounds. He’s [33]. He needs rest. I’m happy for Steph that he’s going to get plenty of rest and family time this summer and he’ll be ready to go come training camp in September.”

via Getty

NBA Fans Happy With Not Having LeBron James and Steph Curry in the 2021 Playoffs

What does this mean for the Warriors and their upcoming season?

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The Warriors, thanks to their draft lottery last year, have the ownership of James Wiseman, who has a very high ceiling. Plus, Draymond Green is taking part in the Olympics while Klay Thompson has signaled that he might make his comeback by December. Hence, the Warriors would like to have a very healthy Steph Curry to start the 2021-22 campaign for them.

USA Today via Reuters

Also, after the 72-game season, the off-season is again shortened and Steph can not jeopardize his health for anything. He already played a stretched season with a tailbone injury that reportedly had a hairline fracture. He can no more push himself like that because this season is their best chance to win a title or it’ll keep getting tougher hereon.

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Considering Steph averaged 32 points this season and stayed third in the MVP race, do you think his decision was valid? Help us know your opinion in the comments.

Watch this story – Steph Curry and Others that Deserve to be On Better Teams

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Written by:

Sourabh Singh

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Sourabh Singh is an NBA sports analyst for EssentiallySports, who has been working with the site since May 2020. Prior to this, he functioned as Managing Editor at WittyFeed, followed by a stint at Decathlon. The Sports Management graduate leads an active lifestyle, veering to the mountains for off-trail adventures.
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