Is there even a point to the NBA this season? Because there are the Warriors—and then there is every other team hoping for an injury. Last year, it seemed to be that if this, that, or the other happened, it was possible that Golden State could maybe be beaten in a 7-game series. But this team demonstrated no weaknesses—and they’ve gotten better.
Warrior superstars
What else can be said about Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green that hasn’t already been analyzed and discussed? The Warriors are the most dominant team since Michael Jordan’s Bulls.
The Cavs, Rockets, and Thunder did what they could to close the gap, making blockbuster trades to upgrade their rosters. But even so, the Warriors stand alone on the mountaintop waiting for a worthy challenger.
Before Golden State turned into this juggernaut, Mark Jackson—a former Warrior coach turned ABC/ESPN analyst—called Steph Curry and Klay Thompson the best shooting backcourt in NBA history. Some scoffed at the time, others rolled their eyes at a coach’s hyperbole, but he was right. And then like lightning in a bottle, Draymond Green—a former reserve, 2nd round pick—morphed into a do-it-all elite defensive player who could guard every position on the court. Once Coach Steve Kerr came in and installed his high-powered offensive system, they've won an NBA championship, set the regular season wins record, and one another championship.
If Keven Durant was worried about becoming this generation's Charles Barkley, Karl Malone, or Patrick Ewing—he has put that narrative to bed. He has a ring. But no matter how fantastic he is on the court, no matter how good of a guy he is, no matter how much less money he takes to help his team—he still joined a 73-win team that knocked his squad out of the playoffs the previous year.
Maybe his career takes another turn, and that part of his story becomes a footnote. But like those former NBA stars—he does have a particular stain as part of his legacy. How big or small remains to be seen.
Warrior additions
Success breeds success. Like the San Antonio Spurs and New England Patriots, some organizations are so well run that they can take on talented players with question marks attached to their names.
Last year it was JaVale McGee, and this year it is Nick Young. McGee is an athletic marvel that almost played himself out of the NBA, but was given a second chance in the Bay. But Nick Young could be a bigger asset. He has always been a knockdown 3-point shooter, but revitalized his career last year defensively under the tutelage of Lakers coach Luke Walton. He came into camp out-of-shape, but it's a long season—and the Warriors can afford to be patient with him.
The rich get richer on the other end of the spectrum as well. Veterans who want to chase a ring in the twilight of their career are often willing to take a pay cut to do so. It happens all-the-time to varying degrees of success. For example, Ray Allen jumped ship from the Celtics to the Heat and won a championship, hitting one of the biggest shots in NBA history.
PJ Brown joined the Celtics mid-season in 2008 and played a pivotal role during their championship run. At the same time, players like Karl Malone and Charles Barkley didn't have luck on their side when they attempted the same feat.
Last year, the Warriors added starting center Zaza Pachulia, and valuable off-the-bench veteran, David West, at below market value. This off-season, the Warriors added additional depth with Omri Casspi. That name may not be recognizable beyond NBA circles, but he’s a solid player who will provide valuable minutes when his name is called.
