Sports on Draft

The Golden State Warriors finally found themselves to be vulnerable in the postseason without arguably the best player the NBA, Kevin Durant. James Harden and his Houston Rockets, however, failed to seize the opportunity against a team that rarely has any weaknesses.

The defending champs again will themselves to another western conference final, after taking down the Rockets in Game 6. It was a jubilation for the Warriors, for the first time, they were doubted in moving on to the next series.

What will happen to James Harden, Chris Paul, and the Rockets is another story.

The Portland Trailblazers are finding themselves in a similar position as the Rockets, for they had an opportunity to win Game 2 on Thursday night at Oracle Arena, with an 8-point lead late in the second half. The Warriors of course, willed their way to another comeback, going on a 14-2 run to the end game.

I thought for a second, that the Warriors could actually fall to the Trailblazers, if they split the series before going back to Portland. Man, what a joke that was.

Just as I told myself before, and that this has been a theme in the NBA: there is no more parody.

NBA fans are excited for next season for a few reasons, one mainly is the impact of free agency, for there are many big free agents in the market this offseason. Another reason to get excited is the debut of Zion Williamson.

These are fun things to think about, but the lack of parody and desire to be a competitive league, is more interesting to me. After this season, I see the Warriors’ dominance take to another level.

Kevin Durant has not said anything at all about his future, who many reportedly think he will in a New York Knick or New Jersey Nets uniform next year. If this is true, will this make an impact in the NBA next year?

Durant will get another ring with the Warriors, and then adhere to his personal motives with a max contract elsewhere. I think other big free agents like Durant, are looking to make a big splash in free agency, rather than focus on going somewhere that could actually be a championship contender.

Possible free agent/destinations for 2019

1.    Kevin Durant – New York Knicks/New Jersey Nets

2.    Kyrie Irving – Los Angeles Lakers/New York Knicks or New Jersey Nets

3.    Anthony Davis – Boston Celtics

4.    Kawhi Leonard – Toronto Raptors

5.    De Marcus Cousins – not Golden State Warriors

Besides Leonard possibly resigning with Toronto, and Davis shipping to Boston, most of the big free agents in 2019 are looking to get paid. This means they will seek elsewhere in order to receive a max contract.

It will be interesting to see where Klay Thompson goes next season, but he could easily resign with the Warriors to add to their dynasty run. I also believe Draymond Green finds a way to stay in the Bay Area, which he seems to be in happy place stepping in for Durant.

So now we know, the Golden State Warriors will be officially unstoppable, and might not be beaten for another 5-6 years.

Photo by Noah Salzman [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons