Tanking has been a buzzword in the NBA this season, especially with hefty fines hitting the Utah Jazz and Indiana Pacers. But the Golden State Warriors? They're steering clear of that path, with some of their championship core still holding strong.
Warriors owner Joe Lacob made it clear in a recent interview with Tim Kawakami, "It's not in my DNA, nor in this organization’s DNA, to do that. It’s not a good look.
This is sports. We’re supposed to play to win."
Since Lacob took the reins in 2010, the Warriors have only had three losing seasons, and just one since Steve Kerr became head coach in 2014. Even with the setback of losing Jimmy Butler to a torn ACL and Steph Curry missing time, the Warriors never entertained a full rebuild.
Lacob acknowledged some fans might prefer losing for a better draft position, but that’s not the Warriors’ style. "I could never do that.
And I don’t think our coach or team is built that way," he said. "It is happening around the league, but it takes years to build through the draft."
With the recent addition of Kristaps Porzingis and Curry's return on the horizon, the Warriors are gearing up for a playoff push. "I still think we’re formidable if we can just get healthy," Lacob said.
"Obviously, we don’t have Jimmy. We will get Steph back, but we’re not fully healthy.
Losing a top-10 or top-15 player is tough."
Currently sitting at 29-27 with 26 games left, the Warriors have every intention of making the playoffs. With Curry in the mix, they’re not throwing in the towel anytime soon.