>Now, that said, on the fundamental premises here that 1) the
>Warriors will not win any more titles and 2) the draft will
>not help them win more titles, we agree, it's just two
>different rationales.
>
>Mine is a lot more straightforward. All three of their big
>stars will be 30 or older by season's end if I am not
>mistaken. Klay is coming off a major injury that will surely
>impact him next season if not for the rest of his career (all
>that is also true and then some of KD had he stayed BTW).

True - but I don't think 30 is exactly old. It's usually when players are right at their peak height powers (some may have already started their physical decline, but compensate for that in terms of wisdom/experience and understanding the game at a higher level).

That said, it does go to show you just how anomalous Lebron James has been. 8 straight Finals and he's right now playing at a ridiculously high level in his 17th year about to be 35. The Warriors went to 5 straight finals - and all of the core stars have had injuries and seemingly need serious rest (while still being in their late 20's!).

>Getting a player in the draft means getting a 19-year-old kid
>with practically no seasoning in an average draft. I think
>Maledon is the only guy who could *potentially* step onto a
>contender and make an impact, and even that is far from a sure
>thing. So yeah maybe they luck out and get Wiseman, for
>example, but by the time he's coming into his own their stars
>are going to on the brink of being washed.

Right - which furthers the argument that it's not a viable plan to just tank and hope for assets in the draft. I think the Warriors should have the mentality that their star core will all be healthy *this* year - and if they get into playoffs, anything can happen. That's what their championship DNA should confer to their psyche - but it doesn't seem to be happening post-KD.

>Now the only caveat here is if they pull a rabbit out of a hat
>trading Russell. He doesn't really fit there, they just got
>him for the sake of asset management to mitigate KD's
>departure. He won't be long for the Dubs, and if they can get
>a steal in return for him, they might be back in business.

Excellent point and I think one of the reasons why they acquired him. D-Russ is a legitimate asset - and when Klay comes back there's not such a pressing need for him - but another team competing for a title may very well be willing to deal for him - but it will be interesting to see what trade value he commands in the market.


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