Culture

‘Now we turn the page’: With Thompson’s departure, Warriors see opportunities for growth


SAN FRANCISCO — To Draymond Green, the vibe has unmistakably shifted. Things look different. Things feel different.

It’s hard to lose a franchise icon and pretend life is the same.

While the likes of Green, Stephen Curry and Kevon Looney fielded questions in San Francisco during Monday’s media day, Klay Thompson went through the same rigamarole about 1,500 miles away in Dallas with the Mavericks. For 12 seasons, Curry, Green and Thompson formed one of the best trios of all-time. Now, Curry, Green and company must navigate a new chapter of their basketball lives.

“You go into it with a little uncertainty because after 12 years of something you kind of grow accustomed to it,” Green said, “but at the same time, where there’s the most uncertainty, that’s usually the biggest opportunity for growth. That’s kind of where we are, and I’m looking forward to that challenge.”

As Gary Payton II assessed, the Warriors “can’t really duplicate” Thompson’s ability to take and make tough shots. There’s also no truly replacing the personality of Thompson, traded to the Mavericks as part of a historic six-team deal. What the front office has attempted to do this offseason, though, is attempt to alleviate the sting of his departure.

While Golden State failed to land a big fish this offseason — Lauri Markkanen signed an extension with the Jazz while Paul George joined the 76ers — the team added a bevy of guards and wings in Buddy Hield, Kyle Anderson, De’Anthony Melton, Lindy Waters III. Hield and Waters provide shooting; Anderson and Melton bring defense.

Still, the combination of failing to land a star and losing Thompson and Chris Paul leaves Golden State in a nebulous position. The Warriors, as currently constructed, don’t stand to represent the Western Conference in the Finals, well behind the likes of the Thunder, Nuggets, Mavericks and Timberwolves. As Stephen Curry assessed on Monday, the Warriors are now the “hunters” — not the ones being hunted.

While Golden State didn’t make a blockbuster move, Green praised general manager Mike Dunleavy for not panicking when the attempts to acquire George and Markkanen fell through, noting that teams with strong benches are those that win titles.

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Source:: The Mercury News – Entertainment

      

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