Defending champions, the Warriors managed to revive their dynasty last season. But how long can it last? For many, the current season feels like a last dance, much like Michael Jordan’s Bulls in 1997-98. But Steve Kerr, Golden State coach and former Chicago player, refuses this comparison.
With a barely positive record (40 wins – 37 losses), a disappointing sixth place in the standings and catastrophic away results (29 losses in 38 games), the Warriors 2022-23 do not really resemble the previous versions which have brought back four league titles in the Bay. And when we know Draymond Green’s contractual situation (potentially a free agent this summer) and the rumors around a possible departure of the architect of the dynasty Bob Myers, there are bound to be doubts about the future of the Dubs.
Steve Kerr, the current coach of Golden State, however, sees things differently. For him, the Warriors still have great years ahead of them (via The Athletic).
“It’s not ‘The Last Dance’. In 1997, in Chicago, everyone knew that would be the last season. Phil (Jackson, the coach, Ed.) was at the end, and each player’s contract was about to expire.
This is not at all the case here. I know that Joe (Lacob, the owner, Ed.) would love to extend all this. His financial commitment to keeping the team competitive for a decade has been incredible. And that commitment is still there. So I think there is a good chance that we will continue on this path.
First essential element: Stephen Curry is under contract until 2026, which is three more seasons after this one. Given the level at which he evolves despite his 35 years, we can count on him to continue playing as an MVP in the years to come.
The other Splash Brother Klay Thompson, who has really ramped up during the season, still has a year on his contract and will therefore remain at Golden State until at least 2024. Jordan Poole, an important member of the present but also of the future of the Dubs, was extended at a high price during the last offseason (128 million dollars over 4 years), as was Andrew Wiggins (109 million over 4 years), crucial element of the 2022 title. You add to that the presence of the precious center Kevon Looney (under contract until 2025) and the progression of the sophomore Jonathan Kuminga, and you get a core destined to keep the Warriors among the competitive teams of the West.
Steve Kerr acknowledges the Warriors’ season hasn’t been what he imagined.
But Kerr isn’t ready to call this season Golden State’s “Last Dance.”
“That’s not the case here at all.”
Kerr spoke one-on-one with @timkawakami.https://t.co/AgS9FdePWo
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) March 31, 2023
Of course, a potential departure of Draymond as a free agent in a few months could look like the fall of the first domino, especially if Bob Myers – still without a contract for next season – also packs his bags behind. The latter indeed has a very close relationship with Stephen Curry and Steve Kerr, and life in Golden State will not be the same if he were to leave. But Kerr doesn’t want to think about that today. The Dubs coach is focused on the end of the regular and the Playoffshe who believes that the Warriors have every chance to go to the end again, even without Andrew Wiggins still absent.
“I think we can do it, I really believe in this team. Especially because we got Gary Payton II back [à la deadline, NDLR.] et that Jonathan Kuminga a step-up en l’absence de Wigs. […] We may not have the continuity and pace of last year, but I’m confident in our chances given the talent and experience we have.”
If Steve Kerr’s words find their way onto the court in the next Playoffs, it could have everyone coming back for another dance next year.
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Source texte : The Athletic
