Stephen Curry delighted fans with an impressive one-handed shot during his visit to Benicia as part of his Gentleman’s Cut bourbon brand promotion. The Golden State Warriors star was in the city, located less than an hour from San Francisco, for an autograph signing session.

In a video that has since gone viral, Curry, surrounded by enthusiastic fans and security, casually dribbled and launched a hook shot from the other side of the court. The shot swished through the net, demonstrating Curry’s exceptional skill and thrilling the crowd. Although it was unclear if he intended to bank the shot, it added to the spectacle and excitement of the event.

Curry expressed his gratitude to the community for their support over the years, acknowledging the fans’ role in his 15-year career with the Warriors, which has included four NBA championships.

This event comes at a pivotal time for the Warriors, as the team faces potential changes to its core lineup. Klay Thompson, who averaged 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists last season, is now a free agent and seeking a new contract. With the Warriors hesitant to meet his demands, teams like the Mavericks, Magic, and Lakers have shown interest in acquiring Thompson.

As the Warriors navigate these potential roster changes, Curry’s commitment to engaging with the community and his continued on-court brilliance remain constants for fans. His memorable visit to Benicia is a testament to his enduring popularity and the excitement he brings to basketball fans everywhere.

Stephen Curry’s Title Window May Be Over
The Golden State Warriors, once a dominant force in the NBA, may see their championship window closing. After years of paying hefty luxury taxes—over $500 million in the last three years alone—the financial burden is catching up with them. Despite these significant expenditures, their current squad lacks the depth and talent to compete at the highest levels of the league.

Klay Thompson, one of the key players in their championship runs, is on the verge of leaving the team. Contract negotiations have stalled, and Thompson is seeking opportunities elsewhere. This potential departure would leave a significant void in the Warriors’ lineup, one that won’t be easy to fill given their current financial restrictions.

Due to the Warriors being in the second apron, they are severely limited in their ability to pursue free agents. The NBA’s second apron rule effectively prohibits teams in this bracket from making significant free-agent signings, hampering the Warriors’ ability to rebuild through the free-agent market. This limitation means that their primary avenue for improvement lies in trades.

However, the trade market is not always a reliable path to rapid improvement. The Warriors would need to find the right trade partners willing to offer valuable assets for their current players. Given the team’s financial constraints and the uncertain futures of players like Thompson, navigating the trade market could prove challenging.

The Warriors’ struggles were evident last season when they finished 10th in the Western Conference and were knocked out in the play-in tournament. This early exit underscored the team’s declining competitive edge, a stark contrast to their dominance in previous years.

As the Warriors face these challenges, it becomes clear that their days of championship contention may be behind them. With financial burdens, key player departures, and limited options for improvement, the Warriors must navigate a difficult path forward. While they still have star power in players like Stephen Curry, the road to reclaiming their former glory appears increasingly steep.