New year, new chips.
No, not the kind that you dip into guacamole during game-day barbecues, the kind that motivated the Warriors into winning another championship three months ago.
And with the 2022-23 NBA season right around the corner, there’s a different type of preseason feeling around the Warriors. Understandably so. Just one year ago, the defending champions were overlooked and the NBA world had moved on from their Big Three-led dynasty.
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But all those who doubted, criticized and slept on Golden State woke all the way up when the Warriors won their fourth title in eight seasons and, in return, proved that their dynasty was not only alive, but also not going anywhere anytime soon.
Draymond Green talked about the different types of chips on their shoulder as they chase their fifth ring.
"I don't think it's the same chip. I'd be lying to you if I told you it was," Green said at Warriors Media Day on Sunday. "But there are chips. There are chips. There's no shortage of chips, I can tell you that. So, you know, it may not be quite, 'Oh, man, people don't think we can do it again,' as that opinion is, like, as far from relevant as it can possibly be."
Over the last decade, Golden State has become one of the most decorated franchises in the NBA and with its core of Green, reigning NBA Finals MVP Steph Curry and Klay Thompson still intact and hungry as ever, it doesn't make sense to continue counting out the Warriors.
But as Green said, the chips are still there.
And last year's chips made this most recent victory taste even better.
Curry’s raw emotions after that final buzzer in the Warriors’ Game 6 win over the Boston Celtics perfectly displayed what the win meant to the vets on the team and why the fourth championship was described as the “most special” win so far.
Golden State Warriors
It's the result of hard work, championship DNA and of course, doubt.
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So if you’re still snoozing on the defending champs, Green has a message for you.
"Whoever has that opinion should probably just shut up because it's just not a bright one," Green said.
And anyone who heard should probably listen, we've already seen what a ticked-off Warriors squad is capable of.