Stephen Curry has to choose between winning and winning his way

Stephen Curry has to choose between winning and winning his way

If it was up to “Dubs Dynasty” leading man and showrunner Stephen Curry, the series would end with the Golden State Warriors’ Big Three of Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green celebrating a fifth championship together in downtown San Francisco.

Five and it’s over. It’s complete. Hoisting that Larry O’ Brien trophy one more time would be an ending fit for the champions and legends they are. This is the storybook ending to the Warriors’ dynasty, with the Curry-Thompson- Green trio earning ring No. 5.

But how will Golden State’s run actually end?

In the aftermath of the Warriors’ 118-94 beatdown by the Sacramento Kings in the Play-In Tournament — a shameful and embarrassing exit from playoff contention — Curry made seemingly contradictory points during his postgame presser.

When asked if big changes were needed, the two-time NBA MVP said: “We obviously understand the league’s changed, and we’re getting deeper into our careers and we have to evolve, and make the necessary adjustments to win games. We put a lot of time into it. I think I worked harder than I ever have at being prepared for a season and performing at a level that I expect. I know that these two guys have been through it with me… At the end of the day, I just want to win, and I know that’s totally possible. I know that this summer, there’s going to be a lot of conversations (of) trying to set up ourselves to win whatever that means.”

Curry also said that he could never see himself without Thompson and Green.

For a champion and competitor like Curry, this season was unacceptable and, obviously, he wants to win. And for someone who is just as loyal as he is competitive, he wants his guys alongside him like they’ve always been. As noble as this goal is, it might not be a reality at this point.

The reality is Thompson isn’t what he once was on both ends of the floor. He’s no longer a clear No. 2 option to alleviate Curry’s scoring burden, and he’s an unrestricted free agent this offseason.

Green, to his credit, is still the Warriors’ best defender and knows when and where to look for Curry offensively. However, he’s compromised by back issues and his temper. Golden State re-signed Green to an extension in the offseason but due to his 17-game suspension, there wasn’t a complete return on that investment. Missing nearly a quarter of the season due to his conduct puts his ability to be constantly available in question.

It wouldn’t be far-fetched for Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. to approach Curry with thoughts of moving on from either Green or Thompson. If that happens, Curry must pick a lane and stay in it. It will undoubtedly be hard. You can’t just undo 12 years of building together, going through the game’s zenith and abyss together. With all they’ve accomplished, they still want to kick it and sit together on the road. Those moments you just can’t chuck away with no thought or remorse. It’s understandable.

However, if that desire to win and win in a Warriors jersey grows bigger and bigger, Curry may have to envision what that looks like without one (or both) of his guys.

“Dubs Dynasty” might have jumped the shark. There are new shows and faces on NBAFlix. Curry is still leading-man and showrunner material and has some solid seasons left. This offseason is pivotal, as this show and script need a revision. Curry, as the showrunner, will have to pick what he wants most and what he can afford to concede.