Owners have egos. They like drafting the franchise player themselves and looking like a genius. Joe Lacob is one of these owners. Lacob likes Kuminga. He likes him so much that he is willing to sacrifice Steph’s final years just to make Kuminga work long term. (To be more specific, it’s really because Lacob wants to hold onto all of his young guys in general.)
Remember, Joe Lacob didn’t draft Curry. In fact, he considered trading him.
Kuminga is a player that Lacob reportedly pushed for and wants to be his guy. He doesn’t want to let him go, in case he becomes a star somewhere else.
So now, he is going to keep him. Even though he doesn’t fit the Warriors offense. Even though he is being paid $20 million to sit on the bench. Even though that $20 million plus another role player and 1st round pick could be packaged for a different player that can help the Warriors right now.
He is willing to jeopardize the Warriors current window with Steph.
All because of the possibility that Kuminga will be good in the future.
It’s the classic “win now, build for the future” strategy. AKA Two timelines.
Here is why this is dumb.
Young guys like Kuminga will need time to develop.
Kuminga will probably need time to develop.
Look at the early Tatum/Brown Celtics (2018-2021). They were probably the best “two timelines” team ever. But guess what? They still had to drop that strategy and focus on Brown and Tatum. Why?
- Hayward was getting in the way of Brown’s development
- And Kyrie/Kemba was taking away touches from Tatum being the primary ballhandler.
- Tensions arose between Brown and Kyrie as well. And Smart.
The hierarchy was damaged. (And we know how important hierarchy is.)
The young guys have to actually be really good and show superstar potential.
But The young guys they have aren’t superstars, which defeats the whole purpose of doing two timelines. And is what makes this whole circus baffling.
What’s the point of hoarding players and picks for the future when they aren’t that good? When they have been in the league for 3-4 years and arent showing signs? Superstars usually show the potential and improvement within the first 3 years.
If those young players aren’t good enough, then guess what?
You’ll still be bad after Curry anyways!
The Kuminga Question
Kuminga is the player that Lacob wants. He thinks Kumings is that potential superstar.
The question is:
Is Kuminga’s potential worth sacrificing the end of Curry’s prime?
