Seth Curry Joins Warriors, Aiming for a Role in the Rotation
Seth Curry has officially signed a one-year contract with the Golden State Warriors, marking a significant move for both the player and the team. Known for his impressive shooting ability, Curry boasts a career three-point percentage of 43.3, surpassing that of his brother, Steph Curry, who sits at 42.3. While few would argue that Seth is a better shooter than his brother, his presence on the court is sure to draw defensive attention, making him a valuable asset for the Warriors.
Proven Bench Player
Over the past three seasons, Seth has primarily come off the bench, appearing in 86 percent of his games in a reserve role. During this time, he has averaged 16.7 minutes and 7.1 points per game, showcasing his ability to contribute effectively in limited minutes. However, there’s more to his game than just shooting.
A Strong Net Rating
Analyzing Seth’s impact since the 2016-17 season reveals a surprising trend. According to metrics from Cleaning the Glass, his teams have generally performed better with him on the floor compared to when he’s off. While one might expect that his offensive efficiency would rise at the expense of defensive performance, the data tells a different story.
In fact, Seth’s presence has contributed positively to both offensive and defensive metrics for six out of his ten seasons in the league. Although he stands at just 6’1″ and may struggle to guard larger opposing players, he is a more effective team defender than many give him credit for. The real challenge will be whether his size becomes a liability within the Warriors’ small-ball lineups.
Turnover Management
Another crucial aspect of Seth’s game is his ability to protect the basketball. The Warriors have struggled with turnovers, ranking 24th in the league in this category last season. In contrast, Seth has maintained a turnover percentage below 10% over the last three seasons. His career statistics reflect this trend as he holds a near 2-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio, with 1,039 assists against 529 turnovers.
A Shift in the Guard Rotation
With the addition of Curry, the Warriors’ guard rotation is set to undergo changes. De’Anthony Melton is expected to return soon, likely taking precedence in the rotation over both Curry and Buddy Hield. However, even with key players like Steph Curry, Melton, Brandin Podziemski, and Will Richard occupying significant guard minutes, there remains an opportunity for either Seth or Buddy to carve out around 15 minutes per game off the bench.
The contrast between Seth and Buddy Hield is noteworthy. Hield, known for his high three-point volume, averages 3.8 threes on 9.5 attempts per 36 minutes, while Seth typically records 2.7 threes on 6.3 attempts in the same time frame. Buddy’s 6’4″ frame and quicker release enable him to get more shots off, while Seth is often inclined to make the extra pass to secure a high-quality look.
The Competition Heats Up
Despite Buddy’s tendency to take quicker shots, his performance can fluctuate, making him a wildcard in the rotation. When on his game, Hield can be the primary scoring option for second-unit lineups, a role Seth may not quite match. Currently, Hield is in a slump, leading to speculation that Seth should be prioritized in the guard hierarchy. However, if Buddy regains his form, head coach Steve Kerr will face a difficult decision.
Looking ahead, it’s plausible that Seth’s basketball IQ and two-way play will ultimately earn him more consistent minutes than Hield. This could also position the Warriors to consider utilizing Buddy’s $9.2 million salary as a trade asset down the line. As the season unfolds, the dynamics of the Warriors’ backcourt promise to be intriguing, with the potential for both players to impact the team in different, yet significant ways.
