KEY POINTS

  • Curry not yet ready for return says Kerr
  • Kerr taking cautious route for Curry
  • Curry fully healed but not in top shape

Stephen Curry is ready to go but Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr is not taking any chances. The two-time NBA MVP could suit up against the Washington Wizards but Kerr wants to see his conditioning improve first before unleashing the star guard once more.

The cautious approach is understandable. Kerr is aware that they are simply going through the motions of finishing the current season and the possibility of seeing Curry getting injured again is something he does not want to see, The Athletic reported. He revealed that the 30-year-old's broken hand is fully healed since last week. But Curry's participation in scrimmages has been at a minimum and they were against random people.

“We needed a higher-level scrimmage for Steph to be part of. The Santa Cruz option was perfect. You’re dealing with a group of guys who are in the middle of their season, toward the end of the season. It’s a much better gauge for him. I liken it to a baseball player playing a simulated game in the minor leagues. It’s a much better step of preparation than we’ve been able to offer,” Kerr said.

Though Warriors' fans may be upset with the decision, it is the plausible thing for Kerr right now. In a previous post, the Dubs head coach did say he planned to redeploy Curry this season for him to develop some chemistry with the new faces on the roster. That includes Andrew Wiggins who has been performing well for the team since he was acquired from the Minnesota Timberwolves.

As for Curry, it may be in his best interest to get some extended rest and return at the right time. With nothing more at stake but pride for the Dubs this season, there are some who feel that it would be in his best interest to actually sit out the remainder of the season.

Kerr has been resorting to the 10-day contract route to fill in the team's open roster spots. So far, the latest to be added is Dragan Bender. He is the second top pick this NBA season to be given a new lease on life and potentially another cager Curry will have to mesh with. The only question now is when the six-time NBA All-Star will be good to go.

Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after a play against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, Feb. 25, 2019. Streeter Lecka/Getty Images