I hear this everywhere I go: “I can’t wait until the Warriors to lose!” Why is there such disdain for a great franchise?
Well, folks, the NBA season has come and gone! New champions were crowned! It’s great for Toronto, great for the NBA, and great for sports.
I had long viewed the Raptors’ organization as a franchise on the rise.
That’s what happened when Tracy McGrady wanted to shine on his own via free agency. When Vince Carter could no longer carry the team and wanted out, they traded him to the Nets for basically no compensation–an aging Alonzo Mourning, Aaron Williams, Eric Williams, and a couple of draft picks. Those assets barely moved the needle when comparing what ‘Vin-sanity’ meant to the city of Toronto.
I say all of this to make a point. Since when has playing by the rules and creating a winning culture been looked down on? But for the Golden State Warriors, that’s what has been happening over the past five-six years!
Without question, Joe Lacob, Bob Meyers, Jerry West (2011-2017), and Steve Kerr, have built one of the most successful franchises in sports. Besides Kevin Durant, the core of the Warriors’ roster is made up of draft picks and D-League graduates. The Warriors build from within, surrounding Curry, Thompson, and Durant with great role players.
Exemplar Warriors
Yet, everywhere I go, I hear the same refrain: “I can’t wait until the Warriors lose!” Why is there such disdain for this great franchise? I thought EVERYONE loves a winner! I hear countless fans–and some media personalities–wishing injuries for the Warriors’ core of Curry, Thompson, and Durant.
Why? Those three guys play the game the correct way and practice for games with the same tenacity. They don’t make headlines for negative reasons: there aren’t scandals, and they aren’t dirty players.
Let me be clear. I’m a native New Yorker, and I refuse to root for the Knicks! It’s because the front office is run like a circus, and the franchise doesn’t hire great basketball minds. I cheer for the Warriors instead–not because I’m on the bandwagon, but because I love great basketball.
I love to see unselfish superstars share the spotlight. Three guys, who could each easily average 30 points per game, settle for 24-27 points, all while moving the ball and making the right basketball plays.
People, we need to get our priorities straight! Is this what we want to teach the younger generation about sports: that it’s NOT cool to play the right way, work hard during the off-season, work hard in practice, and share success with teammates?
If the answer is no, then (at the very least) let’s celebrate who’s on top. Remember, NOTHING lasts forever!
