The NBA’s flagship All-Star weekend in San Francisco was no less than a headliner! Aside from some disappointment with too many commercials, the All-Star game delivered a better effort. Furthermore, the electric dunk contest, thanks to Mac McClung, and other challenges, served the crowds well. However, while Stephen Curry, ‘an ambassador’ for the weekend, was present on all days, his only contribution came on Sunday. According to Brian Geltzeiler, that was one of the reasons the All-Star weekend didn’t hit the mark.

The SiriusXM host feels it’s up to the three honchos, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James to set the competitive benchmark for the annual All-Star game. But this year, in particular, Geltzeiler felt the Chef was the focal reason behind bad representation. He didn’t like the fact that some of his Warriors teammates took part on Saturday while Stephen Curry watched from the sidelines.

“I know people went crazy on me for this as well. I don’t think it was a good look for Steph Curry with the All-Star game at the Chase Center in San Francisco to be sitting there courtside while Draymond Green, Moses Moody, and Buddy Hield represented the organization. I know he had other corporate commitments and all that. He was there. Put on a uniform and take some shots,” Brian Geltzeiler suggested on 95.7 The Game.

Originally, that was the plan.The NBA wanted to re-run another iteration of the successful Curry vs Ionescu shooting contest from last season. Until the weekend approached, discussions were ongoing. However, Caitlin Clark’s representation dropped a BIG statement: “She wants her first 3-point contest to be at WNBA All-Star in Indianapolis this summer,” so a 2 vs 2 contest couldn’t materialize.

Still, Brian Geltzeiler feels Steph Curry could’ve maybe joined the three-point contest to give the home crowd what they continue to crave. “He was there. Put on a uniform and take some shots. I know it was supposed to be a shooting contest between him and Sabrina Ionescu. I know that was canceled at the last minute. You know what? Put on a cape and come out and shoot three-pointers with everybody like they want to see you do,” the NBA host candidly asserted.

Many would think having won the contest twice, Stephen Curry participating wouldn’t excite the locals. However, the Splash Bro has participated in more than 5 three-point contests. Hence, this level of public interest in his shooting surely exists.

In 2019, he did so to showcase a flurry of triples in his hometown of Charlotte. Similarly, the Bay Area being his adopted home, maybe another appearance would have helped feed into the San Francisco fans’ excitement who experienced the weekend for the first time.

Stephen Curry and the Warriors may have other issues to worry about…

After battling a rough patch, a trade deadline move signaled a fresh start. Jimmy Butler has successfully fit the Warriors’ mold. They have won three of their four games with the former Heat forward. But now, Steve Kerr has another puzzle to tackle.

For several weeks, Jonathan Kuminga remained out because of an ankle sprain. After missing 21 straight games, he has finally started making progress towards his return. For the Warriors, it is good news. “We should be 4-0. I’m not going to lie to you. I’m sick to my stomach because of it,” Jimmy said. “We’re going to figure it out. We’re going to go streaking. We’re going to win a couple more.” 

Butler is particularly excited, as he feels they will make each other’s jobs easier. He respects Kuminga’s high defensive involvement and versatility to guard multiple positions. But while their bond might grow, from a ‘fit’ perspective, there could be some major issues.

Notably, both Butler and Kuminga play a similar game… What has made the NBA playoff specialist’s fit so good is him being a lone threat going to the basket. He generates an offense at the charity stripe while keeping the defense unsettled.

Similarly, Jonathan Kuminga acts as an identical outlet, averaging over 20 points in the last seven games he played. His explosive runs to the basket fit well alongside a well-spaced lineup that provides him with the room to attack the basket.

However, aside from a few closing lineups where defense is the calling, having Butler and Kuminga co-exist could be a tough riddle to crack for Steve Kerr. The problem: As impressive a prospect as JK is, he wants time as the starting forward for the Bay.

It being his contract year, the design of his deal depends heavily on his performance too. Similarly, the franchise has committed a great amount to Butler for the next three years. Hence, having him play an active role in the roster is equally a necessity.

This could cause some dissatisfaction for the Bay youngster, who may have to be the one to sacrifice, again. At the same time, if the Warriors’ promising forward can work through it, the Bay could become a formidable unit with a diverse two-way system.