The only way I see us losing this pick is if they have injuries and get fucking really lucky with ping pong balls.
If they some how get in lottery and get top 4 pick then the following year it’s only top 1 pick protected so we could potentially get an even better pick. They’re old and the slide down is coming sooner rather than later. They may have same decision with Curry as we had with Dame
Oh, I know that the pick is guaranteed to be a first rounder protects top 4 in the upcoming draft, protected top 1 in the next and if by some chance they land a top for in 2024 and the number one pick in 2025, we then get it unprotected in 2026. I'm cool with the protections.
I'd put the chances of Steph requesting a trade from the W's at near zero and he remains an absolute cash cow for that franchise. They did win their 4th championship with Curry just 16 months ago... I don't see much comparable between Dame's situation in PDX and Curry's in the Bay. They had a lot go sideways last season but I'm sure they believe in their chances if they're right. Hell, according to Vegas they've a better shot at winning it all this season then Portland ever did with Dame. Curry is under contract for 3 more seasons until he's 38. STOMP
Or they tank but its not intentional? This is a franchise thats been trying to contend and ended up with a high lottery pick half the years since Durant left. Remember the Melo Lakers team 2 years ago? They thought they would contend with all these Hall of fame veterans then missed the playoffs by a ton. A team of old guys in the NBA can be shockingly suddenly much worse than how many expect.
Perhaps it's just me, but the term "tank" connotes intent. A team of old guys becoming shockingly, suddenly much worse than expected would be, in my mind, simply a failure.
Yeah I don't think Steph will ever leave and at this point seems like Klay/Draymond are more likely to retire there as well. A few months ago was probably Draymond's final chance where it might have made sense to leave. However I could certainly see that team start to really struggle and lose many games though. CP3 is cooked, Klay can't move or defend like he used to, Wiggins sat out most of last year. Maybe Kuminga or their young guys bust or don't develop to play winning ball yet. Even if Steph can shoot his defense may continue to decline and his off ball/drives could become much easier to guard as he losses his speed/quickness. They lost Poole for nothing as well as some other good backups on their title team two years ago. Of course older guys get injured, and Steph/Klay/Wiggins have all missed multiple long stretches of multiple seasons recently Not saying it will happen for sure but there is a chance it happens much sooner than we all expect. Now I don't see how our young team could out execute the warriors in a 12 minute intense half court heavy game. But over an 82 game season I don't see how Steph/CP3/Klay can chase dozens of teams with young quick talents like Scoot/Sharpe/Simons all over the court for 48 minutes. Will be fun to watch, but I love our chance of being pleasantly surprised with the Warriors pick this season.
Yes you are correct - I should have said they "tank" but its not intentional. As in the performance could end up nearly the same as some teams that tank while yes I don't think the intent would be the same, thus the quotes.
I don't think there's much of a chance that this ends up in the top 10 even if things go a little bit south for the warriors this year, but I do think a pick and the teens is possible. And even in a questionable draft, that's not nothing.
That team is old and it’s showing with all there injuries. Do they have one last run in them sure but just as likely to have injuries that put them in lottery. They will have to blow it up at some point and Curry (like Dame) isn’t going to want to stick around for rebuild. Almost every star player has switched teams at the end of their career MJ, Barkley, Drexler, Shaq and several others.
Steph is 36 in March. This pick is kind of a gamble on his health. If he can stay healthy it's at best low 20s. If he gets injured, particularly in first 2 months, it's likely a lotto pick. Nobody should hope for injury. But it is what it is.
GSW looked sharp against the Lakers in the first pre-season game. Kuminga seems a lot more assertive and the young rook they got (Podziemski) could be something as well.
Podziemski could be a steal. One guy had him in his top 10. There could be a few steals in the 2023 draft.
They haven’t really played anyone. They beat Sac twice and then Houston and New Orleans. They lost to Phoenix. I think Sac is coming back to earth a little bit. They’re not playing as well.
the Dubs look tough right now. Looney & Green controlling the glass. CP3 and Kuminga playing solid ball. Then of course Steph is doing Curry stuff.
