The Warriors dynasty took off in 2015 and continued for nearly a decade, but one year prior, the entire operation could’ve been flipped on its back.Former center Jermaine O’Neal joined Golden State for one year during the 2013-14 season. After the series against the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of the playoffs, he gave general manager Bob Myers some meaningful advice.
“It’s very hard to find leadership at any level,” Myers admitted. “Jermaine is a very good leader. He came to the team, and we lost to the Clippers in seven games. Jermaine called me three days after we lost. He goes, ‘Hey man, listen to me. Do not break this team up.’ “
O’Neal could see the passion for the game in the franchise’s youth. Steph Curry was only 25 years old, showing flashes of greatness and taking on a larger role as the team’s first option. The Stephen Curry game that impressed Kobe. (2014) pic.twitter.com/3RlKrHst2I
— ThrowbackHoops (@ThrowbackHoops) July 23, 2020 Klay Thompson was 23 years old, proving he belonged with stellar defense and his...