Steph Curry Injury Update: Preseason Finale Absence and Encouraging Signs for 2024-25 Season
Golden State Warriors’ star point guard Steph Curry will be absent from his team’s preseason finale against the Los Angeles Lakers due to a finger injury. While this news may cause concern for Warriors fans as they prepare for the start of the 2024-25 NBA season, head coach Steve Kerr has provided an optimistic update on Curry’s condition.1
The injury, which Curry initially sustained during a game against the Sacramento Kings, is a sprain to his right index finger, and although it has reoccurred during practice, the team expects Curry to be ready for the upcoming regular season.
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Understanding the Injury: Right Index Finger Sprain
- Curry’s current injury traces back to a game last week against the Sacramento Kings, during which his finger got caught in an opponent’s jersey.
- The sprain, which affected his shooting hand, is minor but has persisted. During Thursday’s practice, Curry aggravated the injury, leading to the decision to sit him out of the preseason finale.
- Sprained fingers are a common injury in basketball, especially for players who handle the ball as frequently as Curry.
- However, because the injury is on his shooting hand, it’s understandable why the Warriors are being cautious with their star player. The team’s medical staff is working closely with Curry to ensure he doesn’t aggravate the injury further as the season approaches.
Steve Kerr’s Encouraging Update: A Precautionary Move
Despite the immediate concerns about Curry missing the Lakers game, coach Steve Kerr shared a reassuring update. He explained that sitting Curry out of the preseason finale is a precautionary measure, and there is no long-term concern regarding the injury.
Kerr emphasized that the decision was made with Curry’s health in mind, ensuring that he’s 100% ready for the season opener and the grueling schedule ahead.
Curry’s Durability and Previous Injuries: A History of Resilience
Steph Curry has had a long and storied career with the Golden State Warriors, and he’s no stranger to injuries. From ankle issues early in his career to more recent hand and wrist injuries, Curry has had his fair share of setbacks.
However, he’s consistently shown resilience, coming back from injuries stronger and continuing to perform at an elite level.
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Steph Curry’s Drive for Another Championship: Warriors’ 2024-25 Aspirations
Despite recent ups and downs, Steph Curry has made it clear that his eyes are set on one thing as he enters the 2024-25 NBA season: winning another championship. The Golden State Warriors, who were once the most dominant team in the league, have seen a shift in their performance over the last few years.2
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After capturing the NBA title in 2022, the team’s trajectory took a downward turn, leading to a second-round playoff exit in 2023 and a shocking failure to even make the playoffs in 2024.
Warriors’ Recent Decline: From Champions to Struggles
The Warriors’ recent struggles were uncharacteristic for a franchise that dominated the NBA for nearly a decade. From 2015 to 2022, the Warriors reached six NBA Finals, winning four championships and becoming one of the most feared teams in the league.3
Curry’s leadership, paired with the shooting of Klay Thompson and the defensive prowess of Draymond Green, helped the Warriors build a dynasty. Their 2022 championship victory seemed to indicate that the Warriors were far from finished, even with an aging core.
Steph Curry’s Determination: “We Still Have What It Takes”
Entering the 2024-25 season, Curry’s message has been clear: the Warriors are not done. In various interviews throughout the offseason, Curry has expressed his unwavering belief that the team still has what it takes to compete for a championship.
Despite the recent setbacks, he remains confident in the Warriors’ ability to turn things around.
Offseason Changes: New Faces, New Energy
To help Curry in his quest for another championship, the Warriors made several key moves during the offseason. One of the most notable changes was the acquisition of future Hall of Famer Chris Paul.
Known for his basketball IQ and playmaking ability, Paul brings experience and leadership to the Warriors, giving them another veteran presence alongside Curry, Thompson, and Green. Paul’s arrival is expected to ease the playmaking burden on Curry, allowing him to focus more on scoring and maintaining his energy throughout the long NBA season.
Steve Kerr: From Championship-Winning Player to Coaching Great
Steve Kerr (born September 27, 1965, in Beirut, Lebanon) has had an illustrious career in basketball, first as a player and later as a highly successful coach.
Known for his precision three-point shooting during his playing days and his leadership as head coach of the Golden State Warriors, Kerr has solidified his place in basketball history. With his championship success as both a player and a coach, Kerr’s impact on the NBA is undeniable.
Early Life and Basketball Beginnings
Born in Beirut to American parents, Steve Kerr’s childhood was shaped by an international upbringing. His father, Malcolm Kerr, was a prominent academic and the president of the American University of Beirut.
Steve Kerr Signing Two-Year Extension With Warriors https://t.co/G2qAJzJtAl pic.twitter.com/zdOpCWhGyD
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) February 24, 2024
Tragically, Kerr’s father was assassinated in 1984 during the Lebanese Civil War, a pivotal event that shaped Kerr’s life and character. Despite the tragedy, Steve Kerr continued to pursue his love of basketball, eventually moving to the United States and excelling at the sport.
NBA Playing Career: Championships with Bulls and Spurs
Steve Kerr entered the NBA in 1988 when he was drafted by the Phoenix Suns. However, it wasn’t until he joined the Chicago Bulls in 1993 that his career truly took off. Playing alongside Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, Kerr became an integral part of one of the greatest dynasties in NBA history.
Transition to Coaching: Leading the Warriors to Dominance
After retiring as a player, Kerr worked as a television analyst and later served as the general manager of the Phoenix Suns. However, it was his transition to coaching that would define the next phase of his career.
In 2014, Kerr was hired as the head coach of the Golden State Warriors, a decision that would prove to be transformative for both the franchise and Kerr’s legacy.
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Steve Kerr’s Professional Career: From Role Player to NBA Champion
Steve Kerr’s journey in professional basketball began when he was selected by the Phoenix Suns in the second round of the 1988 NBA Draft, as the 50th overall pick. While his rookie season wasn’t spectacular, averaging just 2.6 points per game, Kerr’s determination and skill set would soon help him carve out a successful niche in the NBA.
Early Years in the NBA
After his rookie season with the Suns, Kerr bounced around several teams early in his career. He spent time with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic, and Chicago Bulls. Despite not being a standout player in his early years, Kerr’s greatest asset was his shooting ability—particularly from long range.
His basketball IQ and willingness to play his role effectively would eventually catch the attention of teams in contention for championships.
Chicago Bulls: Becoming a Champion
- Kerr’s career took a monumental turn in 1993 when he signed with the Chicago Bulls. Joining a team led by Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, Kerr became an essential piece of the Bulls’ supporting cast during their second three-peat.
- Kerr’s ability to knock down crucial three-pointers made him an invaluable asset, and his calmness under pressure would pay dividends for the Bulls.
- In the 1997 NBA Finals, Kerr had one of the most iconic moments of his playing career. With the Bulls tied with the Utah Jazz in Game 6, Kerr hit the game-winning shot that clinched the Bulls’ fifth NBA title.
- His clutch performance in such a high-stakes game earned him a reputation as a player who thrived in pressure situations.
- Kerr would win three NBA championships with the Bulls (1996, 1997, and 1998), playing an integral role in the team’s success as a reliable sharpshooter.
- His time with Chicago solidified him as a player known for his precision, basketball intelligence, and readiness in pivotal moments.
San Antonio Spurs: Continuing Success
After his time with the Bulls, Kerr was traded to the San Antonio Spurs in 1998. The move proved to be another winning step for Kerr’s career.
With the Spurs, Kerr added two more NBA championships to his resume, winning titles in 1999 and 2003 alongside legends like Tim Duncan and David Robinson. Kerr’s shooting and veteran leadership continued to be critical to his team’s postseason success.
Steve Kerr’s Net Worth and Salary: A Legacy Built on Championships
Steve Kerr, one of the most accomplished figures in basketball, has accumulated an impressive fortune throughout his career as both a player and a coach. His net worth is estimated to be $65 million as of 2024, a reflection of his success on the court, in coaching, and beyond.
Known for his high basketball IQ, leadership, and ability to perform under pressure, Kerr’s contributions to the NBA span decades and have earned him not only recognition but substantial financial rewards. Currently, Kerr earns $17.5 million annually as the head coach of the Golden State Warriors, where he has led the team to four NBA championships.
Early NBA Career and Modest Earnings
- Steve Kerr’s journey in the NBA began when he was selected by the Phoenix Suns in the second round of the 1988 NBA Draft. Although he was the 50th overall pick, Kerr’s hard work and sharpshooting ability quickly became his trademarks.
- Despite his valuable role, Kerr’s early NBA earnings were relatively modest compared to today’s player contracts.
- Over his 15-year NBA career, Kerr earned a total of $15.8 million, which equates to approximately $24 million in today’s dollars when adjusted for inflation.
- His biggest salary as a player came during his final season in 2002-2003, when he earned $2.625 million while playing for the San Antonio Spurs.
Kerr’s Championship-Laden Playing Career
Steve Kerr’s playing career is best known for his ability to win championships. He played a key role in the Chicago Bulls’ dynasty in the late 1990s, helping the team win three consecutive championships alongside Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen from 1996 to 1998.
Kerr’s most iconic moment came in Game 6 of the 1997 NBA Finals, when he hit the game-winning shot to secure the title for the Bulls.
Transition to Coaching and the Start of a New Legacy
After retiring as a player in 2003, Kerr took on various roles within basketball, including as an NBA commentator and as a general manager for the Phoenix Suns. However, his greatest post-playing success came when he transitioned to coaching.
In 2014, Kerr was hired as the head coach of the Golden State Warriors, a decision that would define the next phase of his career.
FAQ’S
1. What injury is Steph Curry dealing with?
Ans: Steph Curry missed a preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers due to what was described as minor soreness or precautionary concerns. The specifics of the injury haven’t been fully disclosed, but it was not considered to be serious at the time of the report.
2. What did Steve Kerr say about Curry’s condition?
Ans: Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr reassured fans and the media that Curry’s absence was precautionary, aimed at ensuring his long-term health for the regular season. Kerr emphasized that the team is being cautious to avoid any aggravation of the issue.
3. How long is Curry expected to be out?
Ans: According to Kerr, Curry’s injury isn’t expected to sideline him for an extended period. The decision to rest him was primarily to allow him time to fully recover and be at 100% for the start of the regular season. There is no set timetable, but the expectation is that he will return soon.
4. How will Curry’s absence affect the Warriors in preseason?
Ans: While Curry’s absence affects the Warriors’ offensive rhythm, the preseason is generally a time for rest, testing new lineups, and allowing younger players to gain experience. Kerr has expressed confidence in the team’s depth and ability to manage without Curry for a few games.
5. What is the outlook for Curry in the upcoming NBA season?
Ans: Despite the minor setback, Curry is expected to be a major force in the upcoming NBA season. Steve Kerr and the Warriors staff are committed to managing his workload to ensure he remains healthy throughout the season, particularly given his importance to the team’s championship aspirations. Fans can expect Curry to return in top form.
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