Warriors president of basketball operations Bob Myers is optimistic that reigning Finals MVP Stephen Curry can return to action sometime next week, possibly next Friday in San Antonio, according to ESPN’s Kendra Andrews.
“He’s working out on the court, and the two-week mark to reevaluate him this weekend,” Myers said on Bay Area radio station 95.7. “There have been no setbacks, so (next Friday) would be a hope. That’s what we would be shooting for, something in that range when he could be back. He’s been, not contact, but out there doing all this stuff. He looks like the same guy. He’s got a sleeve on his shoulder and arm.”
The Warriors announced earlier today that Curry would be reevaluated on Saturday. He sustained a left shoulder subluxation on December 14 while trying to strip the ball away from Pacers big man Jalen Smith. Next Friday, January 13, would be just over four weeks since he was initially injured.
Head coach Steve Kerr confirmed that next Friday is a realistic timetable for Curry’s return, tweets Anthony Slater of The Athletic.
“I think so. He’s progressed really well,” Kerr said.
When Curry first went down, there was some fear that Golden State’s season might spiral out of control. The team lost three of its first four contests without the star guard, including a couple of blowouts.
However, the Warriors have righted the ship, reeling off five straight home wins to move to 20-18, the No. 9 seed in the West. The Warriors finish off their lengthy home stand against Detroit (Wednesday), Orlando (Saturday) and Phoenix (next Tuesday) prior to the January 13 contest in San Antonio.
The eight-time All-NBA guard was having another stellar season prior to getting injured, averaging 30.0 PPG, a career-high 6.6 RPG, 6.8 APG and 1.0 SPG on .500/.434/.919 shooting through 26 games (34.4 MPG). Until he returns, Jordan Poole and Klay Thompson will continue to carry a heavy offensive load.