Steph shows on IG he's ready for Warriors to get to work

After months of waiting, Steph Curry is ready to get to work and open the NBA season.

The Warriors opened training camp last week as they prepare for their Dec. 22 Opening Night tilt with Kevin Durant and the Brooklyn Nets. After 18 months away from the NBA spotlight, Curry is ready to reintroduce himself to the league and posted on Instagram to commemorate the start of his 12th season.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CIgPBMnlwVW

After a year spent at the bottom of the NBA, the Warriors were expected to vault back into title contention this season with a healthy Curry and Klay Thompson. Thompson's devastating Achilles tear took some of the wind out of their sails, but Golden State made the savvy move to acquire 24-year-old wing Kelly Oubre Jr. to help fill the void left by the Thompson.

With Curry, Oubre, Andrew Wiggins, Draymond Green and No. 2 overall pick James Wiseman, the Warriors have more than enough talent to be a factor in the championship picture. Their first-half schedule is loaded with games against the NBA's best, which should give them an early gauge of where they stand in the chase for the Larry O'Brien Trophy.

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Eighteen months ago, the Warriors' quest for a fourth title in five seasons was derailed by injuries, exhaustion and Kawhi Leonard. Golden State spent that time resting and recalibrating its roster in hopes of extending their dynasty into the 2020s.

The Western Conference looks much different than when the Warriors were last in the title picture. They return to a crowded title hunt led by the defending champion LeBron James and the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers.

The road back to the top will be a tough one for Curry and the Warriors. But there's no doubt they are ready for the challenge.

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