The Golden State Warriors have a blossoming point guard in Stephen Curry, although at the beginning of the year he did struggle a bit. As the season progressed though Curry became one of the better point guards in the NBA.
Curry, over the course of the season showed tremendous improvement. In the second half of the seaon, he was arguably right up there with the better point guards in the league with the likes of Steve Nash, Derrick Rose, Rajon Rondo, and Deron Williams.
Pretty good company for a rookie point guard at the age of 21. This offseason for the Warriors was an interesting one. The team brought in David Lee, Dorrell Wright and Jannero Pargo. In addition, Brandan Wright is returning from a shoulder injury that cost him last season, and Andris Biedrins is returning from an injury plagued season.
Gone from the team are Anthony Randolph, Kelenna Azubuike, Corey Maggette, Ronny Turiaf, and C.J. Watson.
What will be interesting to watch for Curry in the upcoming season is if he can average 20 points and 10 assists for the campaign. He definitely has the abilities too accomplish that feat. As I mentioned before he was up there in the second half with the best point guards in the league.
He averaged 22.1 points, 7.1 assists, 5.5 rebounds, on 46.8 percent shooting, 44 percent from three, and 90.6 percent from the free throw line.
Now what does this mean for Curry? Well it means that he has an excellent chance of averaging at least 20 points and 10 assists in his second season. There are a few reason why Curry could do this.
One reason is the big men on the Warriors, with Curry's ability to drive to the hoop, it allows for David Lee to either roll to the hoop or hit the 10-12 foot jumper that he has.
With Andris Biedrins healthy he could play the pick and roll game with Curry. Biedrins is one of the more athletic big men with great hands so he could easily get some very good open looks for easy layups from Curry.
It's not just the big men for the Warriors that will help Curry accomplish the feat. Monta Ellis showed last year that he could hit the three in the second half. If he continues to hit the three it makes Ellis much more dangerous as a scorer because not only will teams be respecting his ability to get to the hoop, but they will also respect the fact that he can now hit the open three.
As for Dorell Wright, if he can hit the three like he did with Miami it just helps Curry that much more. On the other hand, if Brandan Wright can put up solid numbers off the bench, bring energy, run the floor, and use that sweet little left handed baby hook he could also get Curry some more assists.
Reggie Williams showed that he can score the basketball for the Warriors after being called up from the D-League. He possesses a sweet left handed jumper and has a pretty good pull up game, which is another help for Curry.
Another reason that Curry can pick up additional assists is the Warriors style of basketball. Curry will have plenty of opportunities to find open teammates on the run whether it's for a transition three or on the fast break.
Scoring shouldn't be a problem for Curry either he's always been one. He can shoot the basketball from anywhere on the court, he can drive to the hoop, and he hits his free throws, and in his rookie year he led all rookies in 30 point games.
The up and down style employed by Don Nelson has already had a Warrior point guard average at least 20 points and 10 assists per game. That was Tim Hardaway who did it twice under the direction of Nelson.
Only question now is will Curry be able to average 20 points and 10 assists for the season like Hardaway? With Biedrins coming back healthy, the addition of Lee, and the improvement of Ellis' outside shooting the answer is yes Curry can
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