With superstar sharpshooter Steph Curry sidelined with a hamstring injury, the Golden State Warriors saw their season end on Wednesday.
The Warriors were unable to withstand the strong surge from Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves, who ultimately pulled off the gentleman's 4-1 sweep, winning Game 5 by a score of 121-110.
With the Warriors seemingly running on fumes just to keep it close, many fans felt that the team didn't have a roster built to contend around Curry. Although they made a move for six-time NBA All-Star Jimmy Butler at the trade deadline, the team relied heavily on its aging veterans, while its group of young players seemed to lack the necessary trust from head coach Steve Kerr.
A prime example being fourth-year forward Jonathan Kuminga, who was the team's leading scorer but played the fifth-most minutes. Despite frustration from fans regarding the roster not having the right pieces, owner Joe Lacob insisted he was proud of the development of the young players.
While support from the owner is always beneficial, most fans online found his comments insincere, given how little the team relied on them.
"The fans are telling the owner what they see. He isn't happy. Typical rich guy who never heard no," wrote one user.
"His ego is speaking. It won't allow him to face reality," added a second.
"Delusional," commented another.
"delulu," added another.
"They are delusional," said another.
Golden State Warriors CEO Joe Lacob.
Golden State Warriors CEO Joe Lacob.
John Hefti-Imagn Images
With Curry heading into what will be his 17th NBA season next year, if the Warriors do plan to make one final title push, they may have to part with a handful of these developmental projects. While not everyone believes in players coinciding with a particular timeline, the Warriors may have to go all in on the next year or so and worry about the team's future when they get there.
Regardless of what they decide, this looming offseaosn will be a big one.