Draymond Green created headlines Thursday, after the Warriors' loss to the Miami Heat, when he said fighting for a play-in tournament spot does not motivate him.
So, Steve Kerr was asked before Friday's matchup with the Toronto Raptors about Draymond's comments and for his perspective on the play-in games.
"Well, it motivates me," the Warriors coach told the media. "We want to do as well as we can, and we want to have a shot. I still maintain that we have a chance to get a lot better and to make a run.
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"I realize that as we are currently constituted, we're not a championship contender. I think that's obvious. So, I understand what Draymond is saying. After so many years of being a championship contender, it is tough to look at the standings and say, 'Wow, we're just trying to make it into the play-in stuff.'
"Yeah, that's a totally different deal than what we're used to. But these are our circumstances. This is our reality. But everything matters organizationally going forward. I think getting into the playoffs would be a big accomplishment and a stepping stone toward next year.
"So, I think this is something that should drive us, just with more of a big picture thought in mind."
Yours truly agrees with all of this.
Golden State Warriors
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If the Warriors advance through the play-in, win a couple games in a competitive first-round playoff series and end up keeping their 2021 first-round draft pick (it is top-20 protected) ...
... that would be a very acceptable end result.
Then let's see what happens with the Minnesota Timberwolves' pick in the draft lottery, who the Warriors sign in free agency, and how Klay Thompson looks early next season before making any declarations about their championship aspirations for next season.