Dub Hub: Adam Silver calls Steph Curry a ‘commissioner’s dream’

Rounding up all Warriors and NBA related news for Wednesday, February 12th.

In today’s Dub Hub:

• Adam Silver calls Steph Curry a ‘”commissioner’s dream” for his impact on the game, during an interview on KNBR.
• Steve Kerr explains why the Warriors needed Jimmy Butler’s “star confidence,” during an interview with 95.7 The Game.
• Lakers sign free agent center Alex Len, per Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes

Few players have had a greater impact on the game of basketball than Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry. During an interview on KNBR, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver made it clear just how much the league values him, calling Curry a “commissioner’s dream” for his positive influence both on and off the court.

As Silver noted in the interview, unlike many of the league’s towering figures, Curry’s smaller stature and perimeter-based playstyle, combined with his infectious joy for the game, makes him one of the most relatable superstars for aspiring young athletes.

As the basketball world gathers in the Bay for NBA All-Star Weekend, Curry will once again be in the spotlight, further showcasing his status as one of basketball’s most influential figures.

For more on this and other news around the NBA, here is our latest news round-up for Wednesday, February 12th:

Warriors News:

Why Steph is ‘dream’ NBA player for commissioner Silver | NBC Sports Bay Area

Curry not only represents the Warriors and basketball in the Bay Area, but is one of the best global ambassadors Silver could have inherited when he took over in 2014.

“[He] makes my job easy, honestly,” Silver added. “He travels in the offseason, he goes everywhere. I think he plays, most importantly, with real joy. In addition to the success he’s had, he’s so relatable as a player. I think a part, not suggesting he’s small, but he’s not a giant like a lot of NBA players, so I think kids really relate to him. I actually think the growth we’ve seen in women’s basketball is directly connected to Steph, too, because he plays below the rim. He plays a very relatable style of basketball.

Why Wade believes ‘wild dog’ Butler will work with Warriors | NBC Sports Bay Area

“I go back to the Jimmy I knew in Marquette, the Jimmy I knew in Chicago at first before he became an All-Star Jimmy, the Jimmy that is just like a wild dog off the leash because he can now just be Jimmy,” Wade explained. “He don’t have to worry about scoring 56 this night. Now he can, but now he can just be a wild dog off the leash. And that Jimmy is different. That Jimmy can be different, so I’m excited about that.”

How does Jimmy Butler’s arrival impact Jonathan Kuminga’s future with the Warriors? | The Athletic

In a recent interview with Golden State owner Joe Lacob, The Athletic asked if Butler’s addition would complicate Kuminga’s future.

“Why?” Lacob said.

Because Butler’s salary next season is $25.9 million more than Wiggins was scheduled to make.

“Yeah,” Lacob said. “So?”

So Lacob and the Warriors are still committed to paying what it takes to keep Kuminga, who will enter a thin market as maybe the most intriguing wing target?

“Absolutely,” Lacob said. “One hundred percent. Are you kidding me? I love that guy. We love him.”

NBA Power Rankings: How good are the Lakers? And a roster reset for all 30 teams | The Athletic

Relationship dissension makes the NBA go ’round. The Warriors were crying out for a life raft ever since last season ended. They couldn’t get Paul George. They couldn’t get Lauri Markkanen. They couldn’t get Kevin Durant. Dallas didn’t call them about Dončić. But here are the Warriors, the team that benefits from the extended falling out between the leader of Miami’s last two NBA Finals teams. I love the basketball fit for Butler, who goes from one pass-heavy/movement-heavy offense to another. Instead of Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo, he’s with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, the prototypes of their offensive roles. In Milwaukee, Butler attempted 15 free throws, his ninth game of the season with at least 10 free-throw attempts and his second as a Warrior. The rest of the Warriors individually have only 10 games combined with at least 10 free-throw attempts this season.

Steve Kerr says Warriors needed Jimmy Butler’s ‘star confidence’

NBA News:

Kevin Durant becomes 8th player in NBA history to score 30,000 points | NBA

Suns star Kevin Durant became the eighth player in NBA history to score 30,000 career points, reaching the mark against the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night with a free throw late in the third quarter.

Durant joins an exclusive club that includes LeBron James, (41,623) Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387), Karl Malone (36,928), Kobe Bryant (33,643), Michael Jordan (32.292), Dirk Nowitzki (31,560) and Wilt Chamberlain (31,419). Julius Erving also hit the mark when combining his points scored in the NBA and ABA.

Durant finished with 34 points on 12-of-18 shooting in the Suns’ 119-112 loss.

Brandon Ingram agrees to 3-year, $120M extension with Raptors | ESPN

New Toronto Raptors star Brandon Ingram has agreed to a three-year, $120 million contract extension with the franchise, including a player option in 2027-28, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul and agents Shy Saee and Mike George told ESPN.

Ingram, 27, was traded by the New Orleans Pelicans to the Raptors last week — and now arrives in Toronto with a lucrative extension that keeps him out of free agency this summer. The new deal shows a commitment on both sides, as the Raptors lock in a shot creator and offensive force to work with Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett for the next several years.

Lakers sign free agent center Alex Len, waive Christian Wood

In case you missed it at Golden State of Mind:

Jimmy Butler and the simple screening action the Warriors have been using to create efficient offense

The phrase “getting to the line” hasn’t been uttered all that much when it pertains to the Warriors, except if only to point out how the Warriors haven’t been getting to the line as much as they should. Prior to Butler’s debut with Golden State, the Warriors averaged 20.4 free throw attempts per 100 possessions — 27th in the league. Their inability to draw fouls was symptom of their overarching problem on offense: the lack of attacking and scoring variety. It somewhat limited them to being perimeter merchants and rely on the three-point shot, which can be a fickle ally. What has also been fickle has been their ability to finish in the paint and at the rim.

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