Golden State Warriors: 3 players facing the most pressure in 2018-19

3. Stephen Curry

Stephen Curry will be facing a different type of pressure this season. He has already shown to be one of the most transcendent talents the league has ever seen. His ability to knock down 3-pointers is unprecedented and he has won a number of NBA awards because of it.

However, Curry’s legacy has taken a hit ever since the 2016 offseason. The two-time MVP went from unquestioned leader to sidekick when Kevin Durant joined the Warriors. Now, despite being a three-time champion, Curry is still without a Finals MVP award. This is something that is often used to discredit his accomplishments.

Before Durant’s arrival, Steph was on pace to shatter NBA records season after season. He was rapidly moving up the all-time lists and his reputation was high. Somehow, Durant’s presence has overshadowed the greatness of Curry. While he is still putting up big numbers, Steph is more contained and plays a slightly less important role.

Curry is forced to sacrifice a piece of his own legacy to benefit the team as a whole. This has changed the way the media and fans view him. The hot takes have gone as far as to say he is no longer even the best point guard in the league. Some argue that a guy like Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder is more important to his team and therefore is the better player.

The addition of DeMarcus Cousins only further complicates things. Curry may have to once again sacrifice his personal achievements to keep his teammates satisfied.  Will Curry continue to be selfless and do what’s best for the team? Or will he grow frustrated as his legacy is constantly being brought into question?