Open Thread: The struggle to root for either the Golden State Warriors or the Houston Rockets
As a Spurs fan one should represent the lesser of two evils
From a Spurs perspective, the Houston Rockets are the I-10 rivals. Some of the most heated battles have taken place between the two South Texas teams. But some things have changed.
For one, the Rockets head coach is Ime Udoka, who played two stints with the Spurs and won an NBA title as an assistant coach in San Antonio. Udoka got his first head coaching position in Boston as the Celtics were rising toward their 2024 championship. Unfortunately, personal problems sent him packing. What he’s accomplished in Houston cannot be denied.
Their opponents, the Golden State Warriors, also hold some ire for Spurs fans going back to the 2017 Western Conference Finals. The Zaza Pachulia incident took Kawhi Leonard out of the competition and essential changed the trajectory of the Spurs path.
Despite being in 7th place, the Warriors have elevated their game since the acquisition of Jimmy Butler. Stephen Curry is still the greatest shooter the game has even known. Draymond Green remains a force on the court. The Warriors find the pieces to surround them. And Steve Kerr is just a phenomenal coach.
But from my perspective, Butler’s public refusal to play and method of demanding a trade was reminiscent of Kawhi Leonard’s tactless exit. It makes it nearly impossible to root for them.
So much so that I find myself cheering for their rival.
And why not?
In addition to Udoka, the Rockets boast Fred VanVlleet, one of the most successful undrafted players in the modern NBA. They have also built their team with great draft picks — Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith, Jalen Green, Cam Whitmore, and Tori Eason have all been drafted by Houston over the last three years, and they all contribute.
Prediction: Warriors in five if Jimmy Butler returns, Rockets in six if he is out.
Who am I rooting for: Rockets, but only for this round.
Reason: Can’t support Butler’s methods and never been a fan of the Warriors showboating.
How about you? Who you rooting for?
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