NBA
Warriors aren’t breaking up the core, but Jordan Poole isn’t part of it
Warriors aren’t breaking up the core, but Jordan Poole isn’t part of it
The Warriors aren’t going to rebuild, retool, revamp or redefine who they are. You could feel that message pouring out of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson and Steve Kerr late Friday night, through the compounding sadness, frustration, loss, anger and exhaustion.
But which other current Warriors players fit the defining aspects of this era? After what the Warriors went through all this season, that might get a very practical and very narrow reinterpretation fairly soon.
They don’t control all of the franchise’s future in the wake of their methodical 122-101 elimination by the Lakers in Game 6, but Curry, Draymond, Klay and Kerr each said their piece so directly and so credibly afterward that I believe them. They’ve spent a lot of seasons giving us reasons to believe them in these moments. I believe them.
The Warriors aren’t rebuilding. This isn’t over. But there will be some changes. There have to be changes beyond the core. With Draymond and the Warriors headed toward talks for an extension, and with Andrew Wiggins, Kevon Looney and probably Gary Payton II counted as the other made men on this roster, and Moses Moody looking solid in this series, that’s a basic foundation of seven players.
But what about Jordan Poole? Or Jonathan Kuminga? Those are the question marks. I think it’s more likely than not that at least one of these two very talented players will be traded in July. And yes, maybe it is a little interesting that after a season spent wondering if this was the “Last Dance” of this aging dynasty, now that the Warriors’ title defense is over, they might actually go on a reverse-youth movement … and keep on dancing to the oldies.
The Warriors have won four championships in this era, including just last season, and might not get No. 5 anytime soon. But if Joe Lacob agrees with these four leaders, and I am guessing he does, the Warriors aren’t going to blow this thing from the top down.
“We’ll figure it out,” Draymond said. “This group was maxed. We got what we could get out of it. But this thing isn’t maxed.”
And if Draymond is staying, will Bob Myers stay, too? That’s another question mark, but it’s entirely up to Myers, whose contract expires in July. My opinion, expressed frequently over the last few months, but underlined now: I don’t think Myers will be the first one to leave Curry while Curry is in his prime, and I’m sure Curry will make sure Myers understands how much he’s appreciated by everybody. Especially by Curry. Myers could still leave for a new opportunity, I just don’t think it’ll be easy to walk away from this.
OK, even if the core remains together, the Warriors weren’t good enough this season, which now has been proven about 10 different ways, from the bad vibes after Draymond punched Poole in training camp to their terrible road record to the flat Game 6 performance last round that forced the Warriors into a draining Game 7 in Sacramento to pull that series out … and led to losing Game 1 at Chase Center to the Lakers just two days later, a loss that set the tone for the overall defeat to come.
The Warriors weren’t good enough to beat LeBron James and Anthony Davis. They weren’t deep enough to counter Austin Reaves, Dennis Schröder and Lonnie Walker IV. So how will the Warriors be good enough next season, also adding in that they’re likely to lose Donte DiVincenzo to free agency and that the new CBA further restricts their ability to add talent?
They’ll either have to get significantly more cohesion and production out of Poole, Kuminga and maybe Patrick Baldwin Jr. or they’ll have to add cohesive talent from elsewhere. And the simplest way they can add talent would be to trade Poole or Kuminga or both. They both have value and were treasured parts of the since-junked “Two Timelines Plan,” but Poole had his minutes cut because he made only 34.1 percent of his shots in the playoffs and averaged only 10.3 points per game. And after getting a few looks in the Sacramento series, Kuminga was totally out of the rotation in this series.
After Kerr’s postgame news conference, I asked him if he understood why Poole and Kuminga might be disappointed and how he’ll deal with that into the future.
“This is kind of how life works,” Kerr told me. “I don’t mind frustration at all. I want them to be frustrated, and I want them to compete and work and get better for next year. And their time’s coming. You could see it with Moses. Moses had a breakthrough. I felt it in the last few weeks of the season watching him in practice every day. You could see it in the playoffs. He was the first guy to the offensive glass, the first guy to loose balls, rotating early. All the things that we preach, he finally started doing consistently. And that’s why he played in the playoffs. But those things don’t happen overnight. And they’re all hugely key.
“It’s what the coaches see on tape every day. But it’s what the average fan isn’t really going to decipher. But this is what we do. Young players just take time. I have no doubt the way they all work and how much they care, they’re all going to get better and they’re going to grow. But it wasn’t time yet.”
Kerr has given Poole a lot of minutes over the past two seasons, and Poole has at times rewarded him with explosive and creative offensive play. But it was more off-and-on this season, starting with the emotional toll of the Draymond punch and everything that symbolized and roiled up in the locker room. Was Draymond at fault? Surely. But he also strove to win back his teammates and played very well throughout this season. And Poole just never got fully in gear and was at his worst in the playoffs.
The Warriors are a practical organization. They base their decisions on what works on the court. What wins games. What wins series. What fits with Curry. They needed Poole and Kuminga (and before that, James Wiseman, who was traded in February) to step into roles this season. In the Lakers series, the multiple void was obvious. Kerr could’ve done more to get Kuminga fully to speed long before the Lakers series, but he logically points to Moody’s rapid development at the end of the season. It’s the way Kerr coaches, and it’s the way young players actually earn respect and playing time for the Warriors. It’s lasting. Nobody gets minutes for free.
I asked Kerr: Are you disappointed you couldn’t get the young guys more involved in this series and this season?
“No. No,” Kerr said. “These guys are so young. I always say you look at Moses, Moses would be a junior at Arkansas. JK would be a junior in college. You think Steph Curry and Draymond in their junior years at Davidson and Michigan State could’ve helped an NBA team win a championship? Of course not. That’s not how it works.
“Development in the NBA for kids who come in with so little experience does not happen in two years. It just doesn’t. It’s so rare for any really young player to make a dramatic impact in the NBA playoffs. I think JK, Moses and Jordan have all really developed and put in the work. And their time is coming. But it takes longer than just a couple of seasons to think we can just throw them out there and expect them to win a series like this. It just doesn’t work that way.”
Is it unfair that Poole, Kuminga and Moody (and Wiseman) have been held to championship standards from the moment they arrived? Maybe in the context of the rest of the NBA. But the Warriors of this era are not everybody else. They’ve won so much because they have different, harder, higher standards.
There will be major salary questions, too, of course, with this roster heading over the $400 million mark in total commitments next season, which is a line that Lacob has said he will not cross, and that was before this elimination. Poole is due to make $27.5 million next season, the first of the four-year, $123 million contract he signed last October, just weeks after the punch. If Draymond signs for anything near $30 million, some money will have to be subtracted. And Poole will have some value around the league. Maybe not as much as he had when he signed the deal, but part of the reason the Warriors paid that price was that they knew Poole would have trade value.
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Stephen A. Smith has established himself as the most influential sports media personalities in the history of American television. As an analyst and executive producer for ESPN’s ‘First Take,’ Smith has dominated his battle against Fox Sports as his show has been number one in ratings from 2016 to 2023.
Recently Smith had the NBA community in a frenzy after he came to the defense of Lakers’ superstar LeBron James after the future hall of famer received backlash for the potential nepotism that took place regarding his son, Bronny James, being drafted to the storied franchise.
“When we think about the NBA and what it has become in the $76 billion, 11-year deal they recently signed with various television networks and streaming operations, I got news for you: Is that possible if it were not for LeBron James?” Smith asked on an episode of his Youtube show.
“You have any idea what LeBron James has done for the game of basketball?… And for him to have his son on the team with him, I got no issues with it whatsoever… LeBron James has earned that.”
Smith sharing this sentiment with his viewers shows that he acknowledges the impact that James has had on the NBA over the last 22 seasons. It’s clear that the celebrity sports personality knows that Bronny is still a rookie and has things left to prove.
However, Smith feels there should be a level of patience that the basketball community should give him.
“He’s done a lot. He deserves this. Bronny is Bronny, but it ain’t about Bronny, it’s about Bron, as in Lebron… Stand back, fall back, chill the hell out, and let the man do his thing with his son, and let’s see what and how Bronny develops in the years to come.”
LeBron James has defied father time as he enters year 22 of his illustrious career and even now he continues to make history. This upcoming season will be the first time in professional basketball history that an active father and son duo will share the court together on the same team.
The backlash the James’ family has received for making history together stems from haters who have a disdain for LeBron, not his son, and it will be something that they will continue to overcome.
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LeBron James’ wife Savannah divides opinion as her latest report exposed
In the realm of NBA royalty, LeBron James and his wife, Savannah James, have carved a niche for themselves, with their enduring relationship often under the spotlight. A recent TikTok video, however, has ignited discussions about Savannah’s preferences when it comes to taking fan photos, particularly the apparent divide between male and female admirers.
The King’s Queen: Savannah’s Photo Strategy Unveiled
LeBron James, often hailed as the ‘King’ on the basketball court, is no stranger to the adoration of fans. Yet, it’s his Queen, Savannah James, who recently took center stage in a TikTok video capturing her interaction with fans. The footage suggests a notable trend – a willingness to pose for photos with female fans while seemingly avoiding snapshots with their male counterparts.
Social Media’s Take on Savannah’s Actions
The TikTok video spurred a wave of reactions across social media platforms, with users expressing diverse opinions on Savannah’s approach. The majority lauded her for maintaining a poised and respectful demeanor, commending her loyalty to LeBron James, her high school sweetheart. The top response on TikTok emphasized the need for respect in the face of potential misconceptions, garnering over 8,000 likes.
LeBron James’ wife Savannah divides opinion as her latest report exposed
Defending the Kingdom: Fan Reactions
Supportive comments flooded the video, praising Savannah for upholding a certain standard in public interactions. One fan noted, “That’s how you keep yall kingdom together salute,” underscoring the importance of unity in the face of external scrutiny. However, not all reactions were positive, with some fans expressing frustration, labeling James as “rude” or suggesting she was “overcompensating.” The authenticity of the video itself was also questioned, with speculation about the specific circumstances of the filmed encounters.
Unraveling the Debate: A Closer Look
While debates raged on, some users pointed out that the manner in which male fans approached Savannah could have influenced her response. Suggestions surfaced that a different approach might have yielded varied results, adding a layer of complexity to the discussion. Whether or not the video accurately portrayed Savannah’s overall photo preferences remains uncertain, but its impact on public discourse highlights a recurring theme in LeBron James’ career – the maintenance of a scandal-free personal life, with his relationship with Savannah playing a pivotal role.
READ: Ayesha Curry posts tender photo of her son Canon
LeBron James’ Legacy: A Career Steered Clear of Scandals
Throughout his illustrious NBA career, LeBron James has skillfully navigated the challenges of fame, avoiding personal scandals that often befall high-profile athletes. The enduring bond with Savannah James has undoubtedly contributed to this narrative, with their relationship serving as a beacon of stability amid the often tumultuous world of professional sports.
Beyond the Lens
In the ever-watchful eyes of fans and critics alike, the dynamics of celebrity relationships, even in seemingly mundane scenarios like fan photos, become subjects of scrutiny. Savannah James’ approach, as captured in the TikTok video, has sparked conversations about respect, loyalty, and the intricacies of navigating public life as an NBA power couple. As the debate unfolds, one thing remains clear – in the world of the King and his Queen, every snapshot tells a story, whether through the lens of a camera or the lens of public perception.
Ayesha Curry posts tender photo of her son Canon. Setting the Mood for 2024: Ayesha Curry Shares a Heartwarming Photo of Son Canon
On the dawn of the New Year, Ayesha Curry, the wife of NBA sensation Steph Curry, took to social media to share a heartwarming snapshot of their youngest son, Canon, enjoying a day on the golf course. The photo radiates joy as the five-year-old sports enthusiast mirrors his father’s passion, flashing a contagious smile that undoubtedly sets a positive tone for the Curry family.
“Great first day of 2024! This is my mood,” Ayesha expressed alongside the delightful image.
The Warriors’ Uphill Battle in the 2023/24 Season
While Ayesha Curry celebrates family moments, her husband, Steph Curry, faces on-court challenges with the Golden State Warriors during the 2023/24 NBA season. Despite Curry’s remarkable individual performance, contributing significantly in points, rebounds, assists, and three-pointers, the Warriors find themselves grappling with a series of setbacks.
Ayesha Curry posts tender photo of her son Canon
As of now, the team holds a record of 15-17, securing the 11th position in the NBA Western Conference standings. The Warriors concluded the past year with a disheartening three-game losing streak, including a recent defeat against the Dallas Mavericks.
“It’s frustrating, for sure,” expressed Curry, reflecting on the team’s struggles.
Chris Paul’s Arrival and the Quest for Consistency
In an effort to fortify the team, the Warriors acquired veteran point guard Chris Paul in the off-season. However, despite this addition, the team continues to face challenges. Curry underscores the urgency of establishing a consistent starting lineup, recognizing it as a pivotal factor in overcoming their current hurdles.
“32 games in and any team that is a seriously competitive contender, a good team can answer that question [on who is the team’s best starting five]. We have to get to that point, for sure, before it’s too late,” emphasized Curry.
READ: Twitch and Kick fight for LeBron James as NBA star reveals the…
Looking Ahead: The Need for Swift Lineup Decisions
In the quest for redemption, Stephen Curry advocates for swift and decisive measures in determining the team’s starting lineup. The seasoned player recognizes the importance of this aspect for a team aspiring to be a serious contender in the NBA. As the Warriors navigate through the challenges of the season, establishing a reliable starting five emerges as a key focus for the team’s leadership.
In Conclusion
As Ayesha Curry shares a glimpse into the warmth of family life on New Year’s Day, the Golden State Warriors find themselves at a critical juncture in the current NBA season. While Steph Curry continues to shine individually, the team’s struggle highlights the complex dynamics of professional basketball. With the spotlight on consistency in the starting lineup, the Warriors aim to turn the tide and regain their competitive edge in the league. The journey ahead remains uncertain, but the Warriors, led by Curry’s unwavering determination, are poised to face the challenges head-on, seeking victory and redemption in the games to come.
Discover more about the Golden State Warriors and Steph Curry’s journey here.
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