Joe Lacob says ‘the Warriors are back’ in recent interview
Joe Lacob, the Warrior’s owner, stopped by the Morning Roast podcast this morning to talk all things Warriors. The podcast is run by Bonta Hill and Joe Shasky of 95.7 The Game, the radio home for the Dubs. They were ecstatic to have Lacob on and asked him multiple questions, including how he felt about this season. He said, “We’re back! This feels like 2014-15 to me.”
While most fans might strongly disagree or agree with his comments, they can’t deny that the Warriors are off to a great start this season. Sitting at 9-1 and first in the West and NBA, you can see why he said what he said. This year’s start is ten times better than last years and less of a disappointment with a prime Steph Curry still on the roster. He reflected on this saying, “It drove me crazy. We’re not wasting anything. We have the highest payroll in NBA history by a long shot. We are all in!” It certainly feels that way as the Warriors made key moves in the offseason to help improve the roster.
They subtracted Kelly Oubre Jr and a few others but added guys like Otto Porter Jr, Nemanja Bjelica, and the veteran Andre Iguodala. The hosts asked Lacob about the makeup of the roster and he said, “Otto Porter and Nemanja, I mean, talk about perfect fits.” Lacob admitted that he’s very involved in basketball decisions for the Warriors, even the 15th roster spot, including the draft and other things. But he added that he doesn’t overrule people very often and lets the group decide who goes where and who they pick up.
So far, the offseason pickups have been doing well and have flourished in the offense in comparison to the year prior. When asked, the only regret that Joe had from last season was the fit- saying, “We probably should have listened last year, a little bit. With the fit of some of the players we brought in. I don’t think it mattered though, because we weren't going to win the title.” To put it bluntly, he didn’t think that the team last year was capable of making it far, especially with the loss of Klay and Wiseman.
But now, with the expected return of Klay in a few months, Joe said, “That could turn out to be one of the greatest and most emotional moments in Warriors or NBA history.” This could very well be true, as most people miss seeing Klay catch fire on the court. This includes the Warriors owner as he had high praise for Klay, “Everyone knows I have a special thing for Klay, I mean I could never let Klay go anywhere, I love Klay.” They pointed out on the podcast that Curry is the most loyal star in the NBA, having stayed on the team for 12+years. Who is number two though? Klay Thompson. The two have a long history together with the Dubs and Lacob is eager to run it back with them.
He wants to see the team prosper along with Curry’s legacy so that he can be considered one of the all-time greats when it is all said and done. Asking, “How many championships does Lebron have, four? Steph has three? I really want to see Steph get into that pantheon, at least equal to him. Nothing against him.” Nothing against Lebron but he did cost the Warriors a three or four-peat and was the Warriors rival for the past few years.
The fans will just have to wait and see if Lebron and Steph can reclaim their throne as NBA champions using their newly adjusted squads. With some old faces and some new faces, and in the Warriors case, the new face in Wiseman might be able to return to action soon. He plays a position that is a bit thin at the moment with Kevon and Draymond having to fill the role. Lacob was quick to defend the rookie saying, “I’m extremely, extremely high on James Wiseman. I think he is going to be a star in this league.” The Dubs could definitely use his young legs but we will have to wait and see how he and Klay do when they come back. If all goes well than Lacob’s comments might come true as the Warriors look to capture their fourth championship in the past decade.
(Photo credit: Sam Forencich/Getty Images)