The Warriors have spent a lot of time looking at their bruises in the 26 days since they were knocked into the summer. Including those created by individuals other than the Los Angeles Lakers.
They are undergoing a thorough examination of everything that caused them to lose in the NBA playoffs second round, according to numerous team sources. Everything is being examined closely. deciding on coaching. use of a roster. rotation control. judgment from both young players and four-ring club members.
Although those problems deserve close examination, everyone in the organization is aware that they are less complicated to handle and resolve than the Big One.
Chemistry
The league was envious of the culture of accountability developed under coach Mark Jackson and elevated to exemplary levels by Steve Kerr. The Warriors were a top-notch team, and Stephen Curry’s ebullience produced a mood of happiness and success. They succeeded. They were confined. There was belief.
In conversations with players, coaches, and executives seven years ago, Kevin Durant felt and perceived the Warriors to be exactly as they were. The most sought-after free agent in history decided to join because of that sense of brotherhood and the possibility of winning a title.
That comradery was destroyed in October of last year, 12 days before the start of the season, when veteran forward and team spiritual leader Draymond Green attacked freshman guard Jordan Poole with a violent outburst.
Bob Myers, the departing general manager and one of the best negotiators in sports, acknowledged that “this has been a difficult year” during his goodbye press conference last week. If I claimed otherwise, I would be lying. It wasn’t necessary to elaborate.
During his season-ending press conference last month, Kerr spoke more openly about the fracture.
“Some of that was lost this year for sure,” he declared. “There’s no avoiding that; the incident with Draymond and Jordan at the start of the year contributed to that. It’s difficult for something to go unnoticed by a team.
The court was free of hostility. The high-fives persisted. Pats on the back and words of support also worked.
With their talent, the Warriors cannot possibly lose 30 of their first 41 road games if they are in complete emotional lockstep. Teams that work well together thrive when traveling because they enjoy the camaraderie. They are getting on the same plane. maintaining a hotel room. combining forces for meals.
The ancient warriors anticipated their journey because they valued their companions’ company. During their five straight appearances to the NBA Finals, they went 149-56 (.727 percent). That goes beyond mere talent. In contrast, throughout their six championship seasons, the Michael Jordan Bulls were 171-75 (.695) on the road.
The Warriors were the greatest road team in NBA history when they had no choice but to play together.
When the Warriors had to play together, they split up in a number of different directions and had one of the worst home/away records in NBA history.
Last month, Kerr stated that “anytime some trust is lost, then it makes the process much more difficult.” “And some trust was eroded. I’ll be as direct as I can.
In 22 days, that happened. Since then, there have been innumerable meetings, some with only coaches present and others with both coaches and front office staff. It became evident throughout those meetings that the operating method used in 2022–2023 cannot and will not be used again in 2023–2024.
That Kerr, the front office, and CEO Joe Lacob won’t find it tolerable.
People inside Chase Center are hoping that Kerr, who is entering the final year of his contract, can pick up the pieces of the squad and put them back together for the upcoming season. Additionally, he is certain he can.
The only way to attempt a course correction is to keep in touch with the players and coaches, and those connections must be made, Kerr said last month. “The bonds must be created. The key for us this off-season, in my opinion, is to return to what has made us so successful in the past, namely a genuinely trusting environment and a team that depends on one another and improves upon one another.
People inside Chase Center are hoping that Kerr, who is entering the final year of his contract, can pick up the pieces of the squad and put them back together for the upcoming season. Additionally, he is certain he can.
Also: Stephen Curry sends heartfelt message to Bob Myers
The only way to attempt a course correction is to keep in touch with the players and coaches, and those connections must be made, Kerr said last month. “The bonds must be created. The key for us this off-season, in my opinion, is to return to what has made us so successful in the past, namely a genuinely trusting environment and a team that depends on one another and improves upon one another.
Which is not to say that there hasn’t been internal discussion among coaches and team management about the other difficulties, such as Anthony Lamb’s dependency after playing for much of the season on a two-way contract and the assets and liabilities of Jonathan Kuminga, Poole, and Green. Everything on the table has been laid out.
The Warriors understand these worries won’t matter, though, if they can’t get over last season’s mistakes and return to something approximating the culture that helped them succeed.
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