Draymond Green knows the Warriors hope to accomplish conflicting missions in the 2021-22 NBA season, and he also knows organizations rarely are able to both win now and emphasize the development of younger players.
"I mean I think that's the plan, so regardless of what I may think about it or what anyone may think about it, that's kind of the route we're taking and in the position I'm in, you just have to do all you can to make it a success," Green told reporters Thursday.
"Historically we have not seen that work where you've kind of got a mix of old, I wouldn't say any of us are old, but older, Andre's old as s--t actually. But a mixture of experience and hardly any experience, historically I think in just being a fan of the NBA, I can't recall the last time you've seen someone have success with that, but in saying that that is our situation. So, you do what you got to do to make that situation work."
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The Warriors saw the return of prime Steph Curry during the 2020-21 season, in which the guard finished third in NBA MVP voting and won the scoring title, and a fresh Draymond who posted a career-high in assists and was an All-Defensive First-Team selection. Klay Thompson is expected to return at some point this season -- likely in January -- and all indications are that he is hoped to be close to his pre-injury form after two years away from the league.
Two lottery draft picks could have fetched the Warriors a decent haul this summer on the trade market, but the team ultimately elected to select Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody with the Nos. 7 and 14 overall picks in June.
James Wiseman's torn meniscus will delay the start of his second NBA season, and the former No. 2 overall pick still is playing catch up after his rookie year was stunted by the pandemic.
Players like Ben Simmons, Bradley Beal and Damian Lillard were floated as trade candidates this offseason, and the Warriors were linked to interest in all three at various points, Given their star power, a massive haul would have been necessary to secure one of their services.
Golden State Warriors
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Instead of selling off the draft picks, Wiseman and Andrew Wiggins for one of the aforementioned players, the Warriors hope the group they've brought into camp is enough to compete for a championship after two years without a playoff appearance.
Wiggins' controversial vaccine stance only adds to that uncertainty, as the wing was expected to take the next step after a solid first full season with the Warriors that saw him earn a vote for one of the All-Defensive teams.
Curry sent a clear message to the Warriors' front office at Media Day about the need to be aggressive with the roster, and general manager Bob Myers seemed to indicate that he and his staff will be exactly that once the season gets underway.
For now, the Warriors indeed will be hoping to accomplish goals that conflict with each other. It might not have been Draymond's choice as he will turn 32 years old before season's end, but he is preparing to do what he can.
In '20-21, the Warriors' attempt to accomplish these dual goals ended in an elimination from the new play-in tournament after consecutive losses.
Their quest to once again compete for a title and develop the organization's young talent begins Oct. 19 with the season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers.