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NBA Playoffs: 4 superstars that will be back in the Conference Finals next year

By Larry Hammonds

Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images
Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images /
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NBA Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Star player that will be back in the NBA’s Conference Finals: Stephen Curry

This pick will probably get the most pushback, but this writer fully expects the Golden State Warriors to be back in the Conference Finals. From 2014-2019, the Warriors went 322-88 and made five consecutive trips to the NBA Finals. But over the last two seasons, they’ve only managed to muster 54 wins in 137 games while missing the playoffs for the first time in nearly a decade and for the first time since Steve Kerr was hired as head coach.

Despite only playing in five games in the 2019-20 season due to a broken hand and the season abruptly being cut short due to the ongoing pandemic and playing with the worst supporting cast since he became the face of The Bay, Stephen Curry returned to MVP form last year, and nearly single-handedly led the Warriors back to the playoffs. Curry averaged 32 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.2 in 34.2 minutes steals per game last season while leading the Warriors to a 39-33 record. With Golden State locked into the eighth seed, they would have made the playoffs had it not been for the new play-in rules.

For the first time in two years, he’s expected to have his old running mate and splash brother Klay Thompson by his side. Thompson, who is coming back from a torn ACL and Achilles, is one of the greatest shooters ever to play the game. It’s yet to be seen how his defense is affected by the injuries and long layoff, but his shot should be pristine as always.

This offseason, the Warriors brought back 2015 NBA Finals MVP, Andre Igoudala whose defensive versatility and high basketball IQ should come in handy during the postseason. They also added veteran sharpshooters Otto Porter Jr. and Nemanja Bjelica. Not to mention, Andrew Wiggins has played his best basketball in a Warriors uniform.

If blessed with good health, the Warriors will have a ton of offensive firepower and defensive potential. This roster is oozing with championship potential, and they also possess a ton of assets to pull off an in-season trade for another star and put them over the top.