The 2014-2015 Golden State Warriors could be an All-Time Great

After stringing together an impressive season by winning 67 games while being the best defensive team and second best offensive team (in terms of efficiency), one has to wonder how great this Golden State Warriors team really is. In terms of NBA history, I firmly believe that they rank amongst the top of the list. This would only be possible if the management makes top of the line hires and transactions, the coaching staff constantly puts the players in a position to succeed, and the roster is comprised of talent. 

What makes this Golden State Warriors team so special is that they excel in a style of play that is revolutionizing the game. Their team relies heavily on ball and player movement, and the increased value of the "three ball". Additionally, their defense sets them apart from any other run-and-gun team we have seen in the past. Their ability to play shutdown defense, coupled with their propensity to scoring outbursts via shooting three-pointers and converting fast breaks, makes the Warriors capable of completely controlling the pace and feel of the game. 

The first thing to look at when evaluating a team is dissecting how great the roster is. Well if you look at the starting lineup it consists of: Stephen Curry (All-Star, this year's regular season MVP, and All-NBA 1st team), Klay Thompson (All-Star, All-NBA 3rd team), Draymond Green (2nd in DPOY, NBA All-Defensive 1st team), Andrew Bogut (NBA All-Defensive 2nd team), and Harrison Barnes (a promising and athletic youngster who was touted to be the next Kobe Bryant in his high school and brief college career). All these accolades prove how potent the starting lineup is, but their depth is also noteworthy as well. They have three players
in Shaun Livingston, Andre Iguodala, and David Lee who started for playoff teams last year. Lee and Iguodala have made multiple All-Star appearances as well. The lineup has depth and length that gives them versatility very few teams have the luxury of possessing. Every player on the roster has a role that they excel in and that's largely in part to how they are utilized by the coaches. 

The coaches have done a marvelous job at putting the players in positions in which they can succeed. Their illustrious resumes are also indicators for why they are doing so well. Steve Kerr was 2nd in Coach of the Year (although I believe he should've won the award) and accomplished many milestones in his lone season at this position. His background as a 5 time champion as a player, disciple of both Phil Jackson and Greg Poppovich, experience as a general manager of the Phoenix Suns, and broadcast analyst really set him apart from other coaches and put him in a rare breed of talent. Additonally, the Warriors have hired five of the best assistant coaches. Their years of experience total to an enormous amount and each coach has had their own history of success. But getting a roster and coaching staff that is this great is only made possible by a front office that is dedicated and willing to spend money. 

The Warriors have some of the game's brightest minds working in conjecture. 

Before Joe Lacob became the owner of the Warriors in 2010, the Bay Area team had a long history of having owners that seemed disinterested and unwilling to spend money. Prime examples of this are when the team senselessly traded away Jason Richardson and refused to give Baron Davis a contract extension right after the guard tandem rid Golden State of their playoff drought. Lacob came in and attempted to change the identity of the team by hiring the best people available. This led to Jerry West and Bob Myers joining him in the front office. Conversely to the other front offices the Warriors had in recent memory, this one has been more willing to retain their stars as shown by the extensions offered to both of the Splash Brothers. This also shows the savvy of them to trust their homegrown system and reward players that they have drafted themselves. Joe Lacob's pursuit of trying to attract the biggest names available, being heavily involved in the team, and willingness to write big checks to those who deserve it have all been the focal point of this turnaround. 

While Curry gets most of the attention, Joe Lacob should also be recognized as a cornerstone to creating such an incredible team. 

All these factors have led to breathtaking basketball play that is likely to revolutionize how the game is played around the league. Even now we can see other teams buying into the thought of valuing three pointers so much. Bay Area fans are blessed to witness such a beautiful product work so harmoniously on and off the court everyday. With so much potential at hand, this may become a historic team that future generations will look up to and appreciate. 

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