The narrative around the Golden State Warriors seems to be that this is their last year with Kevin Durant. The two-time NBA Finals MVP is entering his third year in the Bay Area and many are already speculating about where Durant will sign next summer.
But the Warriors are still trying to figure out how this narrative started. They don't feel like this year is any different than the previous two seasons with Durant.
Article Continues Below“For some reason, everyone thinks this year is different than last,” Warriors majority owner Joe Lacob told Mark Medina of Bay Area News Group. “I don’t see that.”
The Warriors are the heavy favorite to win their third straight championship. This would be Durant's third, and he could potentially win another Finals MVP. So Joe Lacob isn't wrong when he says that this year doesn't feel different than last year.
Next summer could feel different, but this season shouldn't feel much different. If anything it will feel different because they are even better this season. Without adding a significant piece in the offseason, Golden State would still be the favorite to win the championship. But after adding DeMarcus Cousins, they look to be unbeatable.
This version of the Warriors has never had a player like Cousins. Draymond Green is an excellent big man, but he's not the type of player who can dominate the post and play with his back to the basket. Cousins brings a new element to the dynamic Warriors offense.
So if there's any reason for this season to feel different, it's Cousins.