The first set of NBA Play-In Tournament games in the Western Conference could have been a memorable one. The Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans played a very competitive game, but the second one between the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings was pivotal.
The game wasn’t close as the Warriors lost by 24 points. But it could be a turning point in the landscape of the NBA as we likely witnessed the end of an era. Golden State, who has been the gold standard in the league for so long saw their dynasty end on Tuesday.
At least, in the opinion of radio host and analyst Colin Cowherd, that is what occurred. The Warriors got off to a slow start and were able to climb back into the game, trailing by only four points at halftime.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Klay Thompson, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors Updates
But Sacramento came out in the second half looking like they had something to prove and brought it to the Warriors. It culminated in a 64-44 thrashing in the second half as Sacramento ran away with the game.
While speaking on The Volume sports, Cowherd gave his opinion on the Warriors’ dynasty seemingly coming to a close. Some roster upheaval could be on the horizon, as the current version of the team isn’t a contender.
“This is the way dynasties need to end. I mean, it’s over,” Cowherd said. “I think you keep Steph Curry, you keep Draymond Green, you keep Podz (Brandin Podziemski), and if you have to move a lot of your length, I don’t care if it’s Kuminga, Looney, Davis, etc.” (H/T The Spun)
The biggest thing people will be keeping an eye on in the 2024 NBA offseason is the status of Klay Thompson. He is set to hit free agency, and it is anyone’s guess right now whether he will be back with the Warriors.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Klay Thompson, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors Updates
After the loss to the Kings, head coach Steve Kerr gave Thompson a vote of confidence and expressed a desire to have him back. It will be interesting to see if Golden State will pay Thompson what he is seeking or if another franchise meets his asking price and can persuade him to leave.
Alas, one thing is clear for Golden State this offseason. They need to pick a path with their roster. Are they reloading around Stephen Curry and Draymond Green to make a run at the NBA title? Or do they commit to a soft rebuild with some new faces around a young core of Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski and Trayce Jackson-Davis?
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