As NBA free agency begins, it’s time to rediscover value of Warriors culture
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Time to rediscover value of Warriors culture in free agency originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
When the Warriors came calling last summer, free agent forward Nicolas Batum politely declined and re-signed with the Clippers.
Free agent guard Patty Mills appreciated Golden State’s interest but signed with the Nets, then considered a championship favorite.
Free agent wing Kent Bazemore could’ve returned to but decided to go elsewhere. He signed with the Lakers.
All three players picked teams coming off playoff appearances, perhaps thinking they’d provide a better chance of winning a championship.
Eleven months later, with their chosen teams either missing the playoffs or making a quick exit, they could only watch as the Warriors rolled through the postseason, pulling off an NBA Finals triumph and celebrating with their fourth parade in eight seasons.
Is that enough to restore the cachet missing the past three summers and once again make the Warriors the prettiest team in the league?
Golden State’s culture goes on trial Thursday afternoon at 3 p.m., when the doors to the free-agent market swing open and negotiations commence. Examinations and cross-examinations going through July 6 and likely beyond. There are plenty of witnesses willing to testify on the team’s behalf.
Andrew Wiggins, who has one season remaining on his contract, didn’t bother waiting to make a statement.
“I would love to stay here,” he said after The Finals. “Being here, this is top notch. The way they treat the players, the way they treat your family, we’re all one big family. I know a lot of places might say that, but here, their actions show it. So, I would love to stay here.”
As recruiting pitches go, this ranks at least an 8 on a 1-to-10 scale. And there was no mention of having what most players want, a chance to win. Nor did Wiggs feel the need to mention by name the other magic word: Culture.
Culture and winning are why the Warriors have a reasonably good chance…
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Source : yahoo
