It’s going to be a busy summer for the Golden State Warriors. Largely because the 2024 NBA Draft will happen, free agency will happen, and trade season will begin in earnest, and the Warriors are a team openly looking to make a big splash and restructure their team as they fight to return to title contention. But also because arguably the two most important names on the team — superstar Steph Curry and head coach Steve Kerr — will spend a large part of their summer in Paris, representing Team USA at the Summer Olympics (where it should be noted, Kerith Burke will serve as a sideline reporter).

A chance to win a gold medal on the largest international stage is extremely exciting for both future Hall of Famers. And nothing should take that away from them.

But it is fair to wonder if a summer stint of international hoops could hurt the Warriors. There isn’t any notable correlation between playing in the Olympics and slowing down the next season. It shouldn’t be enough to exhaust the average NBA player, let alone coach.

Yet we can all agree that there’s nothing average or ordinary about the Warriors. Curry is perhaps the player in the NBA who exerts the most physically in any given game, while also being one of the league’s oldest players. He’s also one of the most popular players in the league, which comes with a nonstop endorsement schedule …. To make no mention of his business and philanthropic endeavors, his golf events, and his bustling family life with an infant son. I’m exhausted just thinking about that, so it’s fair to wonder if it will impact his energy come October … and hopefully June.

As for Kerr, he’s not attempting to hide that the last few seasons have been extremely taxing, physically and especially mentally. It’s not hard to imagine home feeling a little battered and bruised upon returning home from France.

Still and all, I view the Olympics as more of an opportunity for growth for Curry and Kerr. No, it probably won’t be the recruiting trip that it sometimes serves for stars and for coaches, but there’s a lot to learn by being around other elite talent. Kerr will see the offenses that other star players function in — while working with other high-level coaches — and get a chance to evolve both his X’s and O’s and his management. Curry will surely pick up certain things from playing alongside other superstars, and against new defensive schemes. And while flying to Paris, staying away from home, and playing intense games will no doubt be taxing, the potential to win gold medals and accomplish a huge life goal and personal achievement might be more invigorating than draining.

We’ll soon find out. But I see this adventure as a chance for both Curry and Kerr to get a much-needed reset before gearing up for a final few pushes.