Jun 3, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; A view of the NBA Finals logo on the scoreboard during practice prior to the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Today is the day.
How long have you been waiting for this day, dedicated Warriors fan?
Today marks Game 1 of the NBA Finals, a feat that even before new ownership, the hiring of a new coaching staff and addition of several new players, wasn’t conceivable. Not because the aforementioned coaches and talent acquired were incapable, but because it’s the Golden State Warriors.
-== 5 Reasons Why the Warriors Will Beat the Cavaliers ==-
The Warriors, a franchise synonymous with losing, turmoil and embarrassment for decades suddenly the model organization in the league? Unfathomable. Only in dreams and the most optimist’s minds was this possible even before this season, and now that it’s finally here, it still doesn’t seem quite real.
It won’t seem real until tip-off, where Monty McCutchen will toss the ball in the air with Andrew Bogut and Timofey Mozgov looking to be the first to touch it. The NBA Finals logos will be everywhere: the jerseys, the basket stanchions, the floor, the court-side seats, the broadcast booth, the balls themselves. It still won’t seem quite real.
February 4, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Joe Lacob unexpectedly won the bidding over Oracle CEO Larry Ellison in 2010. Fans wanted Ellison, who was seen as a business mogul along the lines of Mark Cuban who had accomplished nothing but winning. After the infamous night of raining boos, Lacob has recovered to make impressive hires in the front office, creating a healthy working environment for all voices and most importantly, a winner. A world championship would cement the latter, which still doesn’t seem quite real.
Steve Kerr was replacing a popular name, but a dissolving coach. Mark Jackson had indeed succeeded at changing the culture of the Warriors, but this team needed an elite basketball mind to reach their potential. Adding veteran coaches to his side, Kerr transformed this team from playoff hopeful to championship favorite. It still doesn’t seem quite real.
Stephen Curry has one of the best singular seasons – both on and off the court — in recent memory: securing a gold medal over the summer for Team USA, debuting his signature shoe, the announcement of his second child, leading his team to 67-wins, being named the league’s Most Valuable Player and now, an NBA Finals berth. The Finals seemed almost predictable as the season progressed, but it still won’t seem quite real.
Klay Thompson, once seen as a shooter and nothing more has developed into much more than a sidekick. Thompson is his own star, a talent that earned himself a max contract last offseason and perfect yang to Curry’s yin. Involved in numerous discussions over the offseason for Kevin Love, the voices of the organization decided to keep Thompson and are now reaping the benefits of the best backcourt in basketball. It still doesn’t seem quite real.
May 21, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
The 2012 draft class was highlighted by Harrison Barnes and rounded out with the position-less Draymond Green and unknown Festus Ezeli. Barnes was touted as the savior of the small forward position while Green and Ezeli filled needs. After constant criticism, questions about position, size and health, all three are key contributors to a potential championship team. It still doesn’t seem quite real.
David Lee and Andre Iguodala were brought on to solidify the starting lineup and provide the veteran leadership needed to become contenders. Now, both are coming off the bench, sacrificing playing time for the betterment of the team. Lee lost his spot not only to injury, but the emergence of Green. Iguodala is now the spearhead of the second-unit, forfeiting his starting spot to the younger Barnes. They’ve accepted their roles, the team has flourished because of them and they’ll now be representing their team in the NBA Finals. It still doesn’t seem quite real.
Andrew Bogut was traded for one of the all-time favorite Warriors. Fans booed the owner in disgust shortly after his addition. Seen as oft-injured and not dependable for much of his tenure with the team, a healthy Bogut now anchors the best defense in the league. His presence in the paint, once seen as a hopeful fantasy is now reality, and the center is now healthy and ready to maul anyone who dares attempts to run through his screens or drive in the lane. It still doesn’t seem quite real.
Fans who sat through the days (in no particular order) of Tim Young, Todd Fuller, Vonteego Cummings, Erick Dampier, Adonal Foyle, Tim Legler, Billy Owens, Mark Jackson, Paul McPherson, Vinny Del Negro, Felton Spencer, Dean Garrett, Troy Murphy, Derek Fisher, Ike Diogu, Patrick O’Bryant, Acie Law and Mikki Moore are finally being rewarded. It still doesn’t seem quite real.
Thursday marks the official beginning of a new era of Warriors basketball. The days of supporting a downtrodden franchise with little hope is now over. The Golden State Warriors have become the standard. They face a worthy adversary, but they’re the best team in the series. The Bay Area is on the cusp of a world championship, and the Warriors are bound to hoist it.
It’ll feel real soon enough.