Like the majority of teams, the Golden State Warriors held their media day on Monday to earmark the push towards the start of another NBA season.
Unsurprisingly, the majority of discussion centered around the franchise’s high-profile offseason acquisition of Chris Paul — from the role he’ll play with the Warriors, to how he’ll gel with the veterans, and how he can help develop the younger players.
While the Paul conversations were long forthcoming, the presence of Rudy Gay was a more surprising element that gave credence to the idea he’s a firm favorite for the vacant 14th roster spot.
3 key takeaways from Golden State Warriors media day
Whether it’s Gay or someone else, whoever gets that roster spot isn’t going to be the difference between the Warriors winning the championship or not. Let’s instead have a look at three major takeaways from Warriors media day that could have a big impact on the season ahead.
1. Injuries
News of Draymond Green’s ankle injury was revealed in recent days, with the healthy return of the veteran forward imperative to any success Golden State wish to have this season. The former Defensive Player of the Year revealed it’s not the worst ankle sprain he’s ever had, although their was initial fear it may have been a lot worse than what resulted.
"“I feel good. I feel like I’m improving fast. I’m a pretty fast healer. Didn’t quite foresee this coming into the season but everything happens for a reason,” Green said. I’ve missed the beginning of training camp before. It actually sucks because from that point on you feel like you’re playing catch-up…Essentially use this time as wisely as I can so I’m not totally playing catch-up.”"
Green is expected to miss four-to-six weeks but will be re-evaluated in two weeks by the medical staff. The 33-year-old remains highly likely to miss Golden State’s opening night matchup against the Phoenix Suns on October 24.
Less recognized was a back injury for newly-acquired point-guard Cory Joseph, with the franchise also set to re-evaluate his lower back lumbar strain in two weeks. Golden State will undoubtedly take a cautious approach with the 32-year-old, which could also put him in doubt for the season opener.
If Green and Joseph are both on the sidelines, that could put extra playmaking pressure on fellow veterans Stephen Curry and Chris Paul who enter the season at 35 and 38 years of age respectively.
2. Stephen Curry leaves no stone unturned in pushing on new deals for Klay Thompson and Steve Kerr
Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Steve Kerr, among others, have built a dynasty at the Warriors that will be forever etched into franchise and NBA history. It’s only natural then that the two-time MVP will want the key duo around for much longer, with each set to come out of contract at the end of the season.
Thompson is entering the final season of a five-year, $189.9 million deal he signed in 2019. While he will almost certainly need to take a paycut to remain with Golden State, the same won’t be said for his head coach.
Kerr is set for a major payday should he and the Warriors come to an agreement, particularly given the recent contracts handed out to Monty Williams (six-year, $78.5 million at Detroit) and Gregg Popovich (five-year, $80+ million extension at San Antonio) this offseason.
Asked about the duo’s contractual situations on Monday, Curry couldn’t have been more adamant in hoping ownership keep Thompson and Kerr around long-term.
"“If it was my decision they’d be here forever, that’s part of what we’ve built and the confidence that we have of what’s ahead of us…Thankfully we got it (Draymond Green contract) done, hope the same and know the same will happen with Steve and with Klay. Our job is to go out and make that an easy decision”, Curry said."
The Warriors re-signed Green to a new four-year, $100 million deal in free agency, potentially setting a mark on which to base Thompson’s new contract. The 33-year-old sharpshooter himself suggested an extension is ‘possible’, yet was his typically laid-back self in answering questions on his contract negotiations.
3. Kevon Looney’s unselfishness shines again
One of the biggest questions in the NBA this offseason — will Chris Paul start for the Warriors? Although Draymond Green’s ankle injury might push back the question for Steve Kerr, it’s long been speculated as a choice between Paul and Kevon Looney.
In what could transpire as an awkward situation, Warrior fans should have been happy with the response of both players when they were asked about their role on the team during media day.
For the first time, at least publicly, Paul referenced his success in coming off the bench for Team USA in the past. It wasn’t quite the 18-year veteran putting his hand up for a sixth man role, but his words appeared more comfortable and willing than what had been seen in the weeks following his acquisition.
Looney was unsurprisingly selfless, a trait that’s formulating as a real staple of himself as a player and key leader within the franchise. While he stood up for himself to an extent, the 27-year-old also understands the resumé of Paul and others around him.
"“I don’t care. I’ve played every role on this team — from starter, to bench, to not dressing, to whatever. I feel like I’ve worked hard enough to be a starter in this league, but when you got five other guys who have been in All-Star games, you’ve got to go with the flow and see what happens,” Looney said."
Looney could rightfully feel frustrated about his regular switching between starter and reserve, which included last season’s second-round playoff series that came immediately after he played an ultra-important role against Sacramento Kings’ center Domantas Sabonis. Yet he continues to be the ultimate professional — one the Warriors don’t necessarily deserve but most certainly need.