Stephen A. Smith doesn't think Warriors can stay afloat without Curry

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Stephen A. Smith doesn't think Warriors can stay afloat without Steph Curry

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 12/15/22

The Golden State Warriors expect star Steph Curry to miss a " few weeks" with a left shoulder injury sustained Wednesday night against the Indiana Pacers. However, with the Warriors hovering around .500, ESPN's Steven A. Smith doesn't believe the team has the necessary talent to stay above water without Curry in the lineup.

When asked on ESPN's "First Take" if the Warriors can stay relevant without Curry, Smith said, "I don't think they can."

"I don't think they can [stay relevant without Steph Curry]... The focus would shift to Klay Thompson and Jordan Poole... I don't think that's gonna even be good enough."

️ @stephenasmith

The Warriors are 24-66 without Steph since the 2019-20 season.pic.twitter.com/XHomaIc0Jv
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) December 15, 2022

"He's been an absolute superstar, and everybody else has paled in comparison," Smith said.

Curry is sixth in the NBA in points per game (30.0) and tenth in assists (6.8), shooting 50 percent from the field and 43 percent from beyond the arc. So, replacing his production on the floor will be a tall task for Golden State.

If history is any indicator, the Warriors are in for a rough time while Curry is out of action. According to Statemuse, the Warriors are 67-133 all-time without Curry. They're 0-3 without Curry in the lineup this season, falling to the New Orleans Pelicans (twice) and Utah Jazz.

If the Warriors are to weather the storm without Curry, Smith says they'll have to lean on Klay Thompson and Jordan Poole to pick up the slack.

"That's the only thing that has a prayer of offsetting the absence of Steph Curry," Smith said. "And I don't think that's going to even be good enough."

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