Originally posted by Wubbie:
I'm pretty new to basketball and the way rosters are constructed. Feels like a very different dynamic to the NFL, where there's more players and the NBA is more star-driven.
But yes, I'm fairly certain when Klay comes back next year and Wiseman is in Year 2, we'll be back in contention. But I was just curious about "Life After Steph and Klay." --- I'm pretty sure Steph Curry signs an extension, and we've got Klay locked up for the long-term. But it seems both are very happy to be playing with the Warriors. I think Steph has said he wants to retire with the Warriors... of course, it's a business though.
But realistically speaking... what can we expect? Can both players actually retire with the Warriors?
And what would it look like to move on from them? As I understand the NBA, it's unlikely to find a star player outside of the Top 10 overall picks in the draft? Everyone after that are just role and bench players... and it takes a few years to develop a player?
But if we have Steph and Klay for the next five years, I assume we won't have a Lottery pick for the next few years? So does that mean, that in order to move on from them, we need to lure a star in Free Agency once the cap clears up? Or... we need to tank after they retire? Or... we make the prudent, but tough decision, to trade them while they still have value and go through a transitionary rebuild?
I think 22-23 season will be the key. And no more major injuries. If the Warriors are not a championship contending team and they're just a middling 8th seed/one and done playoff team, then Lacob and Bob Myers will start seriously thinking about moving the core.
Curry - 34 years old
Klay and Draymond - 32 years old
Wiggins (assuming he is still here) 27 years old
Wiseman - a good two years of seasoning
Paschall - solid 4 year veteran
players drafted high next year will have a years experience