Danny Avdia's landing in Israel after a record season with the Washington Wizards/photo: Niv Aharonson. Video editing: Shiran Golan
It may be the final chord of one of the greatest teams in NBA history. The elimination of Golden State tonight (between Tuesday and Wednesday) from the playoffs after a 118:94 defeat against Sacramento, sends the great Golden State to a long summer of thoughts, from which it may return in a completely different version, without at least one of the three stars around which the dynasty was built.
The immediate suspect is of course Klay Thompson. The 34-year-old sniper, once a rock of stability in Money Time, ended the season in a sad and frustrating way, with 0 points and 0 of 10 from the field (including 0 of 6 from three), precisely in a relegation game where he was expected to excel. Thompson is out of contract now, and will become a free agent after one of the weakest seasons of his career. He averaged 17.9 points per game, the fewest since his second season in the NBA, and is in sharp decline. Thompson inspiredly embraced a new role as the Warriors' sixth man this season, and in a good portion of the games looked good in his new niche off the bench, but it is highly doubtful that the Warriors will decide to extend his contract given the obvious decline in his ability.
Thompson looked thoughtful and collected himself at the end, slowly walking down toward the locker room as he looked to the sides, creating the moment - perhaps his last in a Golden State uniform. One way or another, his teammates sent a clear message to management at the end of the game. "I have no reason to think that our management will not take care of us on this issue," Draymond Green said regarding Thompson's future, and his own future as well - following the rumors that he might be traded. "There are many organizations in the NBA that operate solely with the good and benefit of the organization in mind, we are not one of them."
Steph Curry, who was the bright spot for the Warriors with 22 points, clarified at the end: "I can't imagine myself without Klay and Draymond. I understand that the league is changing, that there is a lot to think about and a lot of room for discussions, but I also know that Klay, Draymond and I want and are committed Forever is all I care about."
Steve Kerr spoke in a similar vein. "We need Clay. He still has good years left, I'm convinced of that. I know I'm saying this on behalf of everyone in our organization: We want Clay back, we want him desperately."
Kerr continued: "I love Clay so much. I have seen up close how in recent years he has struggled with the frustrating feelings created by the injuries he suffered. I have seen him make a change in attitude this season, and take on a new role. It was hard to see him struggling like this tonight."
On the other hand, even Kerr understands that for the good of the team, there will have to be changes. "It's the wheel of life. You can't be at the top forever, and there's no doubt that we're facing a long summer of thoughts."