In their minds, I guess the Warriors could never have enough. Recent reports tell that Golden State forward Draymond Green is actively recruiting other players to join his team. As he represents team USA in their efforts to succeed in the Summer Olympics, it appears that Draymond Green remains focused on his NBA team’s success as well.
The Warriors have missed the NBA playoffs in each of the last two seasons. With the loss of Kevin Durant in 2019 free agency and Klay Thompson out with injuries, they’ve dropped their superteam status. However, with their original three stars set to return healthy next season, they should have enough to reach the postseason again. A large part of their efforts will depend on who surrounds their stars in the 2021-22 campaign.
Accustomed to success as they’ve become in past seasons, a trip back to the playoffs might not suffice. These reports suggest that Golden State, or at least Draymond Green, prefers another trip to the Finals as soon as possible.
Tampering inside Team USA?
This news of Draymond Green recruiting other players should hardly come as much of a surprise. National team gatherings have a history of setting the groundwork for impending team-ups. Before becoming Miami Heat teammates in 2010, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh developed the idea of playing together while suited up for team USA. The same goes for DeAndre Jordan, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Durant, who all now play for the Brooklyn Nets.
Other players are aware of the tampering at hand during international play. Before unfortunately bowing out, Bradley Beal suggested that players would likely discuss teaming up in the league.
Zach LaVine also chimed in on the process, discussing the possibility of players agreeing to team up while on the national team.
“Players gonna be players, man. You gonna mingle and talk. But we’re here for one goal, we’re trying to win the gold medal. I think whatever comes from that — friendships, teammates — I think that’s an afterthought… But you know how the NBA is. Everybody talks, and it’s a player’s league, so we understand what goes on. Something happens, it happens.”
Zach LaVine
Whether another superteam takes form coming out of the Olympics, we’ll have to wait and see. In the meantime, the Americans are focused on retaining their spot as the top basketball team in the world.
