Storyline: Most think adding a Top 3 player in the league on a team filled with stars makes them better. But is this theory actually true? Are the Warriors actually worse than the last year, even after setting the single greatest regular season record ever?
This summer has been filled with so many surprising and controversial happenings; and not just in the sport’s world. In the NBA, however, teams got to work and they did tons of it. With the salary cap jumping to a whopping $94 million, owners and GMs were willing to whatever it took to attain some star power. To cover the plethora of free agency moves this off-season would require a separate article (wink wink). Instead, we’ll be taking this article out West. More specifically to the top of the standings.
The Golden State Warriors just came off the best two seasons in franchise history. From 2014-2016, their regular season record was an amazing 140-24; that’s a win percentage of 85%. I can’t even do better than that in 2K. In 2015, they were able to win the chip and accomplish their goal. Last season, they faced off against the Cleveland Cavaliers and ended up blowing a 3-1 lead, ending their season in utter disappointment. In order to avoid this same situation in the coming season, most likely against the same team, they took to the market to get some help. Luckily for them, one super, mega star had just hit the free agent market. Kevin Durant was open and available.
Courtesy: theguardian.com
Skipping past the tedious waiting, the many meetings the Durant camp had, and sheer anxiety, we get to his signing; a 2yr/$54 mil deal. At face value, adding a former league MVP, 4-time scoring leading, Rookie of the Year, and former Western Conference champion to a team filled with stars should be nothing shy of greatness. Kevin Durant is on the roster, but the story is nowhere near over.
Adding a player that demands $25 mil+ creates a plethora of roster issues. The thing that made the Warriors champions was their depth and ability to hit the opponent in a multitude of ways, offensively and defensively. The sacrifice they needed to take in order to get Durant came in the form of 7 key players. Those players were Andrew Bogut, Harrison Barnes, Leandro Barbosa, Festus Ezeli, Brandon Rush, Marreese Speights, and Jason Thompson.
All the aforementioned athletes took their talents elsewhere when they realized Golden State management wasn’t going to give them the money they thought they deserved. The most noticeable loses were Andrew Bogut and Festus Ezeli. Yes, Barnes is a solid player but when you replace him with Kevin Durant, there is really no argument to be made. Not to mention, Barnes struggled during this previous year’s playoffs, more so in the Finals.
The center position was never a position Golden State thrived in, but they were comfortable with it. That’s the main reason they used their “Death Lineup” so often; putting a 6’9′ Draymond Green at center. With both Bogut and Ezeli gone, they had a void to fill and they did their best to fill it. They went out into the market and picked up former MVP center, Javale McGee. No not NBA MVP but, rather, a “Shaqtin’ a Fool” MVP. He’s nowhere near the skill level of an Andrew Bogut but he does, what I would assumed are very limited, fill the roles. I’m thinking he was brought in simply to protect the rim, to a certain extent, and just be a big body in the paint.
As I mentioned, the Warriors lost the depth that got them to the NBA Finals the past two seasons. So when the 4 All-Stars they have on their team get tired, they have nobody to rely on to keep the lead or give them support. The starting five next year for the reigning Western Conference champs is projected to be one of the best in recent memory. Steph Curry (PG), Klay Thompson (SG), Kevin Durant (SF), Draymond Green (PF), Javale McGee (C).
Courtesy: bluemanhoop.com
With such powerful line-up, even more problems arise. For example, will Steph Curry still be the primary ball handler? Or will Kevin Durant take that role? In recent press releases, Curry was quoted saying that he doesn’t mind there being another superstar on the team; in fact he enjoys it. Draymond Green, who’s shrouded in controversy, showed no problems with the new acquisition. As for the third star, however…
Klay Thompson was recently asked about his thoughts on Kevin Durant’s arrival and what it would do to their game. He said “I’m not sacrificing [expletive]. I’m not changing my game”. This is one of several potential issues. First, Klay has become a major ball handler for the team. For Durant to come in and take some of shine is bound to cause some chemistry issues.
This situation is similar to the 2011 Miami Heat. You have 3 superstars on one team and the chemistry wasn’t perfect right away. We all know what happened with them though. Their first season together they made it to the Finals then lost to the, then powerful, Dallas Mavericks. They eventually got it together and won the next two championships.
The Warriors have some things to figure out before the season starts. A mix of chemistry, depth, and shine sharing issues are bound to leave their mark on this team.
