The Bulls did it twice, with Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen leading the way. The Lakers accomplished it once, behind Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. In the 42 seasons since the NBA-ABA merger, those are the only franchises to win three consecutive NBA Finals.
When the Warriors come together for training camp on Sept. 25, their goal is to become the third.
Here is a look at those players with guaranteed roster spots.
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SIXTH IN A SERIES
Player: Draymond Green
Position: Power Forward
Height/weight: 6-7, 230
College: Michigan State
Age: 28
Salary: $17.47M (Year 4 of a five-year contract worth $82M per Spotrac).
NBA 2K Player Rating: 87
2017-18 in review: Though Green’s defense generally was stellar, it didn’t meet the standard set the previous season, when he was rightfully voted Defensive Player of the Year. He also struggled with his 3-point shot. No question he felt the affects of several injuries, most notably nagging shoulder soreness. Yet he still led the team in rebounds, assists, blocks and steals. Green was, despite the numbers, still an overall force worthy of his third consecutive trip to the All-Star Game.
Key stats: 70 games (70 starts), averaging 11.0 points (45.4 percent FG, 30.1 percent 3p), 7.6 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.3 blocks per game.
Golden State Warriors
Season highs: Points (25), rebounds (16), assists (16), blocks (six), steals (four, three times), minutes (40).
2018-19 outlook: Insofar as Green does not take well to failure, expect him to raise his overall defense to a level that would put him back in the DPOY conversation. Assuming a summer of physical healing, his shot should improve enough to once again force teams to guard him up top. Green’s fiery ways will continue -- they’re a crucial element of the team’s chemistry -- but don’t be surprised if there is a reduction in technical fouls related to jawing with officials.