Curry Out, Curry In

So last night Stephen Curry earned a spot in the Golden State Warriors starting lineup. Big deal right? Actually it kind of is when you look at how head coach Don Nelson has handled the situation.

Wednesday the coach said Curry would be coming off the bench to start the season. During a pregame interview on Thursday, Nelson talked about Curry’s shooting woes the entire preseason. During a post game interview Nelson proclaimed him ready to start.

Don’t get me wrong Curry had an amazing game Thursday, his best by far in the preseason. He played 38 (minutes off the bench), scoring 14 points, tallying 10 assists all while rebounding six and stealing six. Pretty solid numbers in a nights work. With Curry on the court the Hornets outscored the Chris Paul less New Orleans Hornets by 43 points.

My problem with this is what message does this send to the team. Nelson said himself the kid has struggled the entire preseason and has not earned a starting role. Something we can all agree with. But how does one good performance after the coach puts you on blast now make you worthy of a starter role?

It doesn’t, it’s that simple.

So yea Warriors, when Nelson rips you after a game you need to go out the next night and tear it up. Do that, you’ll be starting.

Now Nelson is right when he says, “The little guy is good, and it’s going to be hard to keep him out of the lineup.” But at the same time you need to make “the little guy” earn it and I’m not sure one solid performance does that.

I have no doubt in my mind that by mid-season Curry would have taken C.J. Watson’s starting spot away, maybe even sooner. But I just don’t see how one good performance after several sub-par can thrust someone into the role.

In fact I think this sends a horrible message to the fans. This move screams out that Nelson still doesn’t know what he’s doing and will be going the plug-and-play route all season long. If you’re hot, you’re the starter. If you’re not? You’re on the bench.

There’s going to be no consistency with his lineups and therefore no consistency on the court. Players are never going to find a true rhythm as they’ll never know what they’re roles are supposed to be.

And what does that mean? Another long, trying season in Golden State. Sorry Warrior fans.