Warriors News: Jerry West knew the Splash Brothers backcourt would be great for a ‘long time’

In today’s Dub Hub:

In a huge blow to the basketball world, NBA legend Jerry West passed away on Wednesday at the age of 86 years old. While he was a Hall-of-Fame player and a champion, he will best be known for his achievements off the court as one of the best talent evaluators in NBA history. During his time as an advisor for the Golden State Warriors, he did an interview with NBC Sports Bay Area in 2014 where he predicted the greatness of the Warriors’ legendary Splash Brothers backcourt duo.

For more on this and other news around the NBA, here is our latest news round-up for Thursday, June 13th:

Warriors News:

West foresaw Splash Bros’ greatness with Warriors in 2014 interview | NBC Sports Bay Area

West knew the Baby-Faced Assassin would go on to do great things, and he told Kozimor the same of Thompson. In fact, he correctly predicted Curry and Thompson would be a prolific backcourt for years to come.

“We’ve got one of the best backcourts in the league,” West told Kozimor. “[Thompson’s] got size. His defensive play is really underrated, and that’s where he’s come along. And because of his ability to play people at three positions, it tells you how valuable is. He can guard small forwards, and a lot of times if they have a great point guard, you see him [guarding] a great point guard, and obviously he can play two guard.

“I think he would be so much better if he could just cover two guards all the time defensively. But he’s come a long way, and he’s fun to watch. Another fantastic kid, and he and Curry fit great together.

“Should be a backcourt for a long time.”

Five years ago today, the Warriors tumbled back down to earth | NBC Sports Bay Area

The crowd at Oracle Arena, loud enough to rattle the building’s exterior glass, went silent with anxiety. Stephen Curry grabbed the ball with two hands, slammed it off the court, trudged to opposite basket court and sat alone on the floor. Thompson, after being helped to his feet, limped toward the locker room with team medical personnel and general manager Bob Myers.

Then, suddenly, Thompson turned and limped back toward the court, his reemergence met with a thunderous ovation rooted in relief. He shot and made two free throws, pushing the lead to five, after which DeMarcus Cousins committed a foul so Klay could be subbed out and examined in the locker room.

Thompson had scored 30 points, in 32 minutes, 8-of-12 shots from the field, 10-of-10 from the line. On a night when Curry’s shot was missing (6-of-17, 21 points), Thompson’s offensive rating was an absurd 161. He was replaced by Quinn Cook.

Former Warriors’ GM Bob Myers reflects on the time Jerry West threatened to leave if Klay Thompson was traded

Is Bronny James an option for the Warriors? Exploring Golden State’s targets at No. 52 | The Athletic

Vecenie: I think it would be good for Bronny to be in a developmental ecosystem such as the Warriors’, as his game works reasonably well within the scheme. He’s not a point guard because he can’t break defenders down off the bounce at that level, but he’s a good ball-mover across the perimeter and an excellent perimeter defender. Having him learn behind Payton (assuming he’s back) is an ideal situation. Another son of an elite player that had to earn his place in the NBA the hard way, Payton could probably impart some knowledge to James about how make it in the league. On top of that, LeBron’s relationship with Draymond Green would probably make life easier for Bronny.

Having said that, I would be pretty stunned by this. I don’t have a draftable grade on Bronny at this point of the process and have him outside of my top-70.

Steph Curry and his father Dell Curry announce their new podcast, Heat Check

NBA News:

Mavs’ Luka Doncic gripes about refs after fouling out in Game 3 | ESPN

Doncic, who fouled out for the first time in 48 career playoff games, was called for four fouls in the fourth quarter.

“We couldn’t play physical,” Doncic said when asked about the officiating. “I don’t know. I don’t want to say nothing.

“You know, six fouls in the NBA Finals, basically I’m like this,” Doncic added, motioning with his palms up. “Come on, man. Be better than that.”

JJ Redick to officially interview for the Lakers head coaching position

Celtics’ big man Kristaps Porzingis has a ‘chance’ to play in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, per Shams Charania

In case you missed it at Golden State of Mind:

DarioWatch: Oh yeah!!!! 8 minute highlight reel!!!!!

This unexpected post left fans confused as to why the Warriors would post a player no longer on their roster, however, the NBA season is actually still under way, with the third game of the Finals on tonight. Šarić is under contract with the Warriors until July 1st, when free agency begins. He is expected to seek the veteran minimum contract again, but knowing the Homie (and being his unofficial PR agent), I personally have a feeling he’s going to go out seeking more than that. Last season, he held out on signing with the Warriors on the off chance that the Miami Heat would land Damian Lillard and seek to create a superteam with himself, Dame Time, and Jimmy Butler.

Follow @unstoppablebaby on Twitter for all the latest news on the Golden State Warriors.