"They are not dead yet" - NBA insider suggests Warriors replicate Spurs' approach to protect Steph Curry's legacy
Following the departure of Klay Thompson, basketball analysts and fans are wondering how Steph Curry's Warriors will look in the coming years.
They have added quality pieces: Kyle Anderson, Buddy Hield and De'Anthony Melton, to improve the team's depth. However, ESPN's Zach Lowe believes that it's going to take a replication of what the Spurs did to protect the legacy of Stephen Curry.
When Spurs legend Tim Duncan was playing in the twilight years of his career, the organization's front office was able to strike gold by drafting Kawhi Leonard in 2011. Coupled with his speedy development and adding complementary pieces around the team's big three unit, they were able to secure the 2013 championship.
However, it is a path that is easier said than done as not every player ends up developing with the same caliber as the two-time finals MVP. Lowe shared his comments in an appearance on NBA on ESPN.
"It's going to take a home run," Lowe said, "... something like the Spurs got with drafting Kawhi Leonard toward the end of Tim Duncan's prime. This is what happens to great legends who stay with one team. ... They've got picks to trade. They are not dead yet but it's going to take one home run, lightning strike, to get back toward the top."
While the roster is much improved from last year's version, they are still missing another all-star piece that could elevate their championship chances. With how stacked the Western Conference is, it's going to take more than quality depth and the brilliant tandem of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green to secure another title.
Warriors GM previously talked about plans regarding Steph Curry's future with the team
Before the four-time NBA Champion signed to a one-year, $62.6 million extension, Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy reported where the front office stands on building a proper team around Curry. As per The Ringer's Michael Pina, he said:
"We have to figure out how we build around [Curry]," Dunleavy said, "because he's going to be here — he's going to be here forever. We have to take that all into account. But there's a lot worse guys you could see the tail end of their career with."
There are not many players who could replicate the kind of production Stephen Curry is capable of. With the 10-time All-Star remaining in excellent condition to compete for another championship, it has become evident that he needs the proper supporting cast around him.
The old core trio of him alongside Draymond Green and Klay Thompson wasn't enough to get past the Play-In Tournament last season. Given that the NBA landscape is an ever-changing environment, Dunleavy believes that they are more than capable of constructing a competitive roster behind their franchise star.
With the Warriors' offseason acquisitions on point, they have made the necessary steps toward their goal.