Category: Warriors

Draymond Green is backing the Timberwolves to beat the Nuggets

The Golden State Warriors veteran is backing the Minnesota Timberwolves to make the Western Conference Finals.

The Golden State Warriors are watching the 2024 NBA playoffs from home. The Sacramento Kings eliminated them from the play-in tournament.

With no games on his schedule, Draymond Green has been very active on his “The Draymond Green Show” podcast, sharing his thoughts on each of the major playoff series.

In his latest episode, Green shared his thoughts on the current series between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Denver Nuggets. He revealed his belief that Minnesota will defeat the reigning NBA champions in the second round to book their spot in the Western Conference finals.

Green’s comments came as the Timberwolves took a 2-0 lead against Nikola Jokic’s team. Minnesota has impressed in its first two games against Denver and appears to have the Nuggets’ number. It will be interesting to see whether Green’s prediction comes true.

You can watch the full episode of Green’s latest podcast by clicking on the embed link above.

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Tim Legler believes Warriors’ championship window is closed

The ESPN analyst believes the Golden State Warriors championship window has finally closed.

The Golden State Warriors were eliminated from the 2024 NBA play-in tournament by the Sacramento Kings. Inconsistent performances, player slumps, suspensions and injuries contributed to the team’s underwhelming performance. Nevertheless, with the championship core still in place, the fan base hopes the Warriors can get back on track.

However, ESPN’s Tim Legler believes the Warriors’ current championship window has slammed shut. He noted how the younger generation of talent is stepping into the forefront of the league and Steph Curry is unlikely to add to his trophy collection in the final few years of his career.

“Steph Curry’s not leaving Golden State – he’ll play his last game in a Warriors uniform, and I just don’t know how they’re going to rebuild that team to the extent you’re going to have to with the competition; some of these young teams, young stars in the Western Conference,” Legler said on a recent episode of ESPN’s ‘Get Up.’

The Warriors are expected to make some roster changes during the summer. Chris Paul is expected to be waived. Questions remain over Klay Thompson’s future. The front office has a plethora of young talent it can dangle in trade discussions.

As long as Curry is on Golden State’s roster and remains healthy, the franchise will have a shot at contending for a championship. However, the moves the franchise makes this summer will likely dictate how successful it can be in the upcoming season.

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Former Warrior Donte DiVincenzo scores 28 points in Knicks Game 2 win vs. Pacers

The former Warriors guard tallied 28 points in the Knicks’ Game 2 win over the Pacers on Wednesday night.

A former member of the Golden State Warriors has been at the center of the New York Knicks’ run through the postseason. When the Knicks took a 2-0 lead over the Indiana Pacers in the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs, the ex-Golden State guard helped with a 28-point outburst.

Donte DiVincenzo continued his impressive playoff campaign with 28 points on 10-of-20 shooting from the field to go along with six boards, four assists and a steal in 44 minutes against the Pacers. DiVincenzo caught fire from beyond the arc, drilling a game-high six 3-pointers on Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden.

Via @NBA on X:

Behind 28 points from DiVincenzo, 28 points from OG Annunoby and 29 points from Jalen Brunson, the Knicks took a commanding 2-0 lead in the series with a 130-121 win over the Pacers in Game 2.

On Friday, the series will shift to Indiana for Game 3.

Draymond Green calls out Rudy Gobert for missing playoff game

Draymond Green shared his thoughts on Rudy Gobert’s absence from the Minnesota Timberwolves playoff rotation.

There’s no love lost between Draymond Green and Rudy Gobert.

The Golden State Warriors veteran received a five-game suspension earlier this season after putting the defensive powerhouse in a chokehold. Green has now stoked the flames once again, this time by questioning Gobert’s commitment to his team’s push for the NBA championship.

Gobert missed Game 2 of the Minnesota Timberwolves second-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets so he could be present for his child’s birth. However, Green believes Gobert’s absence could have hindered Minnesota’s playoff series had they lost the opening game against the reigning champions. His comments came on the latest episode of “The Draymond Green Show” podcast.

“I was a little skeptical (of the Timberwolves) starting the game off because Rudy was going to miss the game,” Green said. “I just felt like — I’m a father of four, I love my kids and I love my wife, but she’s going to have to hold off for me just a few more hours for a playoff game. Me, personally. But No. 1, congratulations to him. Anytime we bring new life into this world, it’s a special thing. And that’s something like I said, as a father of four, that I don’t take for granted at all. But I also try to not take this game for granted.”

Gobert is expected to return to Minnesota’s rotation ahead of their third game against Denver on Friday (May 10). Green’s comments were clearly focused on the basketball side of things. There have been instances of players missing the births of their children to be present for postseason games, such as Gordon Hayward with the Boston Celtics in 2020. 

Still, some things are bigger than basketball. Green undoubtedly understands that. Warriors fans will be hoping those comments don’t spill over into something bigger once the new season is underway later this year.

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7-Time All-Star suggests Warriors target Donovan Mitchell

The former All-Star believes Donovan Mitchell would be a good addition for the Golden State Warriors.

The Golden State Warriors are expected to be active during the offseason. They failed to make the playoffs this year after an inconsistent season. Steve Kerr’s roster could look considerably different when the new season gets underway later this year.

According to Tracy McGrady, the Warriors should explore potentially adding Donovan Mitchell to their roster. The seven-time All-Star believes Mitchell could be the missing piece to Golden State’s roster that would potentially help put the franchise back in contention for a championship. Mitchell is entering the final year of his contract and could be available if he doesn’t sign an extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

“I think they need another scorer,” McGrady said. “I still believe in Klay. I still believe in Steph. Draymond had a phenomenal season, he just needs to cut off the antics. Look at somebody like Donovan Mitchell, I don’t think he’s happy in Cleveland. I think they need size. They need a big man. … If you make those necessary moves, I believe they can play for a championship.”

Mitchell is gearing up for a second-round playoff series against the Boston Celtics. He has been the Cavaliers’ best player throughout the season and the opening round of the playoffs. He would give the Warriors another go-to scorer during games.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C6cBUUDSTWx/

The Warriors have the young talent and trade assets to produce an enticing package for the Cavaliers. Of course, a trade like this would only materialize if Cleveland was at risk of losing its star player for nothing at the end of next season.

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LeBron James details Draymond Green’s importance to Warriors

LeBron James explained why Draymond Green is such a vital part of the Golden State Warriors roster construction.

Draymond Green has helped lead the Golden State Warriors to four championships. He is considered a generational defensive talent who is arguably the best defender of his era. However, due to Green’s style of play, his impact is often overlooked by NBA fans who don’t tune into every Warriors game. What Green provides isn’t always reflected in the box score.

During a recent episode of LeBron James and JJ Redick’s “Mind The Game” podcast, LeBron detailed the value Green provides to his team. He also noted how his presence helps open the floor for Steph Curry and Klay Thompson.

Draymond Green’s biggest asset, offensively for Golden State is his ability to get Steph open, Klay open and then play in the pocket,” LeBron said. “Where his asset is four-on-three and now his IQ kicks in. That’s the threat.”

Green is one of the most cerebral players in the NBA. His ability to read his opponents’ movements and make decisions at speed is what makes him such a vital part of the Warriors offensive and defensive rotation.

Green signed a four-year $100 million contract extension last summer. He has three years remaining on that deal and undoubtedly hopes to help Golden State contend for more championships in the coming years.

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Brandin Podziemski tipped to make All-Rookie first team

The Golden State Warriors rookie is being tipped to make the 2024 All-Rookie first team.

Brandin Podziemski was a bright spot in the Golden State Warriors‘ season. The rookie has impressed with his veteran-like approach, scoring and rebounding ability. He quickly became a core part of Steve Kerr’s roster and played some stretches with the starting unit.

After such an impressive debut season, Podziemski is being tipped to earn a spot in the 2024 All-Rookie first team. Speaking to “Give Me Sport,” Mark Medina shared his reasoning why Podziemski could make the prestigious first team and how he would slot right into that All-Rookie lineup.

“I don’t think there’s really any debate,” Medina said. “Victor Wembanyama’s a big, same with Chet Holmgren. Brandon Miller’s a forward. So, he’s slotted in to get that All-Rookie first team, and he has backed it up with his play. … He was second among his rookie class in plus-minus just behind Chet Holmgren, and when you’re looking at what he did with the Warriors, 61 steals, second behind Chris Paul. He led the team in charges as well, and that shows his defensive acumen.”

Podziemski has a bright future with the Warriors. He’s going to continue improving. His dedication and veteran mindset should allow him to navigate the inevitable slumps he will experience. He is also expected to work hard during the summer to improve his all-around game.

In 74 regular-season games, Podziemski averaged 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists on 45.4% shooting from the field and 38.5% from 3-point range.  His sophomore season will certainly come with challenges, but after such a strong debut year, there will be hope he can prove himself as a building block for the future.

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Would Klay Thompson be a good fit on the Orlando Magic?

Klay Thompson could struggle to be an impact addition for the Orlando Magic, if he chooses to leave the Golden State Warriors.

Klay Thomspon is entering unrestricted free agency. The Golden State Warriors are expected to extend a contract offer during the summer. However, Thompson may leave the Bay Area in search of another big payday and a bigger role on a team that needs a veteran presence.

The Orlando Magic are widely viewed as potential suitors for Thompson. Adding a sharpshooting veteran would plug a major hole in their roster construction. However, former Dallas Mavericks forward Chandler Parsons doesn’t believe Thompson and Orlando would be the right fit.

“I don’t love it,” Parsons said. “I think they have the opportunity to force Golden State’s hand and force them to pay him more than they want to do. … I’d rather see them go get a Brandon Ingram. I’d rather see them go get a Paul George. A go-to guy on most nights. I don’t know if Klay Thompson can be a No. 1 guy on a lot of nights anymore.”

Thompson isn’t the All-Star talent he once was. Instead, he’s a reliable high-end role player who can be trusted to hit his shots, defend at a high level and make smart decisions under pressure.

The Magic don’t need a go-to scorer. They have Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero for that. Thompson would be tasked with being a floor spacer and tertiary threat. Nevertheless, if the Magic cool their interest in Thompson, it should allow Golden State to keep one member of their veteran core for the foreseeable future.

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Watch: Former Warrior Donte DiVincenzo knocks down clutch triple in Knicks’ Game 1 win vs. Pacers

Donte DiVincenzo knocked down another clutch 3-pointers for the Knicks in Game 1 of their second round matchup against the Pacers.

After knocking down a flurry of big shots in the New York Knicks’ series win over the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the playoffs, former Golden State Warriors guard Donte DiVincenzo is back on the court in round two for the Knicks against the Indiana Pacers.

It didn’t take long for DiVincenzo to make an impact in round two of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

DiVincenzo tallied 25 points on 10-of-17 shooting from the field to go along with three rebounded and an assist in 44 minutes against the Pacers in Game 1. The one-time Warrior guard’s biggest shot came in the final seconds of the contest.

With under a minute left on the clock, DiVincenzo stepped up and buried a go-ahead 3-pointer with 40.1 seconds remaining to give the Knicks a 118-115 lead. The Pacers were never able to answer DiVincenzo’s triple as the Knicks stole Game 1, 121-117.

Via @nyknicks on Twitter:

Game 2 between the Knicks and Pacers is set for Wednesday at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter! 

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Warriors could cut Klay Thompson’s salary in half for next contract

The Golden State Warriors may need to make some big changes to Klay Thompson’s next contract if they want to avoid the tax.

The Golden State Warriors head into the free agency period with questions surrounding Klay Thompson’s future with the franchise. The veteran sharpshooter will be an unrestricted free agent. He will undoubtedly have interest from other teams around the NBA. Golden State’s desire to cut its tax bill may impact how much they will pay Thompson to keep him around.

According to Spotrac’s NBA cap expert, Keith Smith, the Warriors could look to slice Thompson’s salary in half. This season, he earned $43.2 million. He will be entering his age-34 season later this year and is no longer the All-Star he once was, although he is still a high-level role player.

“Golden State needs to be firm here,” Smith wrote. “Thompson made $43.2 million last year. Ideally, the Warriors would cut that figure in half. Something in the range of $20-$22 million feels fair. You’re acknowledging and paying for everything Thompson has meant to the franchise, while also acknowledging he’s a lessened, but still valuable player … at the right price. … The far more important matter is the number of years that Golden State locks into for Thompson. This needs to be year-to-year territory now, and if it’s a two-year deal, the second season has to be something the team has control over.”

Thompson may have bigger deals from other teams around the NBA. He may also have opportunities for a bigger role within a team’s rotation. However, if he wishes to remain in the Bay Area and fight for titles alongside Steph Curry and Draymond Green, he may need to make some sacrifices.

Having previously stated his desire to retire with the franchise, Thompson could have some tough decisions to make in the coming months, which could alter how the Warriors roster looks heading into next season.

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