Dub Hub: Steve Kerr says it's still 'realistic' to build around a 37-year-old Steph Curry

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Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images

Rounding up all Warriors and NBA related news for Wednesday, December 18th.

In today's Dub Hub:

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr remains confident in building a championship-level team around Stephen Curry, even though the superstar will turn 37 come playoff time this season. Speaking to 95.7 The Game, Kerr emphasized the team's commitment to Curry, saying it's still "realistic" to build around the franchise's once-in-a-generation player.

Curry, who signed a one-year extension earlier this offseason, is still the heartbeat of the Warriors' franchise and remains one of the most dynamic players in the NBA. He's currently averaging 22.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.7 assists this season while shooting 42.1% from the three-point line.

Injuries have slowed Curry down at times this year, but as evidenced by the recent trade for Brooklyn Nets point guard Dennis Schroder, the team has shown a willingness to do whatever it takes to extend Curry's championship window.

For more on this and other news around the NBA, here is our latest news round-up for Wednesday, December 18th:

Warriors News:

Dennis Schroder 'excited' about fit next to Stephen Curry | ESPN

"What we've missed is another pick-and-roll player so that Steph doesn't have to run so much pick-and-roll all game and wear himself down."

Kerr said the Warriors can use Schroder in pick-and-roll situations similar to what they did with Chris Paul last season.

Schroder comes in averaging 18.4 points, 6.6 assists and 38.7% shooting from behind the arc. The Warriors need another scorer to help Curry, Andrew Wiggins and Jonathan Kuminga.

Dennis Schroder's introductory press conference as a Warrior

Schröder reveals 'emotional' reason he'll wear No. 71 with Warriors | NBC Sports Bay Area

During his short tenure with the Boston Celtics, he couldn't wear No. 17 due to it being retired in honor of the late, great John Havlicek. Schröder improvised and chose No. 71 instead.

In his new home with the Warriors, he's in a similar situation.

The No. 17, of course, is retired by Hall of Fame legend Chris Mullin. Schröder understands, and is OK with simply swapping the numbers. The last Warriors player to wear No. 71 was McCoy McLemore in 1965.

Though 17 and 71 are 54 numbers away from each other, they're one in the same in the eyes of Schröder.

"Yeah, I got to stay true to them," Schröder said. "That was my dad's favorite number. Seventeen is emotional for me. To wear it every single night. I was the 17th pick also, so yeah, I just got to stick with it."

NBA Power Rankings: Thunder are rolling as trade winds sweep across the league | The Athletic

12. Golden State Warriors (14-11)

Last ranking: 8

In the last week: L at HOU, L vs. DAL

Offensive rating: 112.6 (14th)

Defensive rating: 108.6 (seventh)

Trade Winds: PF Jonathan Kuminga

The Warriors adding Schröder while trading the injured De'Anthony Melton should be looked at as if Schröder is replacing the player Melton was signed to replace this offseason, Chris Paul. But the pump-and-dump expedition seemingly continues for Kuminga, and it's going to be quite the adventure. The Warriors were already trying to give Kuminga more touches in isolations and pick-and-rolls, something they don't prefer to do much of, and now Schröder is here to take touches away in pick-and-rolls. At least Schröder has been playing at a consistently high level; Kuminga's struggles as a passer and shooter make it hard to play through him. Everyone knows this, which makes the campaign to save the Warriors with a star talent fascinating, given what they have to offer. There are a lot of moving parts still in Golden State, and that includes on the floor as well.

Steve Kerr gives an update on Moses Moody's knee injury

NBA News:

Giannis Antetokounmpo carries red-hot Bucks to NBA Cup title | ESPN

Two members of the Bucks organization, assistant coach Darvin Ham and forward Taurean Prince, were members of the Los Angeles Lakers last season when they won the inaugural NBA Cup. The Lakers celebrated with a champagne shower but struggled after the tournament, dropping 10 of their next 13 games.

"It's tough," Bucks coach Doc Rivers said. "You come out of this and you're back to the grind."

So the Bucks elected to skip the full celebration, but that does not mean they didn't savor the moment. In fact, Antetokounmpo, who said he does not drink, implored the team to celebrate the accomplishment.

"There has to be," he said. "This has been a great trip. This has been a trip for six days everybody has been locked in, on time for the film sessions, so focused on the walk-throughs. At practice we were able to be so sharp."

Nuggets searching for offensive help via trade, eyeing Bulls' Zach LaVine: Sources | The Athletic

As a result, the Nuggets have either expressed interest in, or have had preliminary trade discussions on the following players: Chicago's Zach LaVine, Washington's Jordan Poole, Utah's Jordan Clarkson, Atlanta's De'Andre Hunter, Brooklyn's Cam Johnson and Washington's Jonas Valančiūnas.

League sources say the focus on LaVine in recent discussions is significant, with the Nuggets interested in the 29-year-old who is averaging 21.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists this season. LaVine, a two-time All-Star, is owed $43 million this season, $45.9 million next season and has a player option worth $48.9 million for the 2026-27 campaign.

NBA announces the format change to the 2025 NBA All-Star Game in San Francisco

In case you missed it at Golden State of Mind:

Steph Curry lists his ideal golf foursome

But for the ultra-wealthy, mystery pairings are — I'm guessing — not really a thing. An avid golfer like Golden State Warriors two-time MVP probably doesn't show up at the course for a tee time and find himself paired with the mid-50s couple on vacation and that one random dude who insists he's better than he's playing, it's just a bad day. Curry probably golfs with whomever he wants to. Lucky him.

Curry was recently interviewed by Warriors broadcaster Bob Fitzgerald, and was asked what his dream golf foursome would be if he could only play one more round. And the answer was about as on brand as you could imagine.

Follow@unstoppablebaby on Twitter for all the latest news on the Golden State Warriors.

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