The dominant storyline of the NBA playoffs, and the entire season for that matter, is the seeming inevitability of a third straight NBA Finals meeting between the Warriors and Cavaliers. Both teams have been criticized for disrupting the competitive balance of the league with superstar-laden lineups.
The Warriors added the biggest free agent prize in recent years this past offseason by signing Kevin Durant, but the other three members of the Dubs’ big four came to Golden State by way of the draft. Steph Curry and Klay Thompson were snagged in the with the 7th and 11th picks, respectively, while Draymond Green was the second round steal of the 2012 draft.
Michael Lee of The Vertical joined Ted Ramey on KNBR on Wednesday afternoon and pointed out the Warriors’ natural growth to this point.
“The Warriors, they did it organically,” Lee said. “And then they were able to lure the biggest free agent fish possible in Kevin Durant. The way they built this team should be admired, if anything.”
Lee went on to say that despite the way the Cavs and Warriors have steamrolled through the first two rounds, there are still compelling storylines to be found in the playoffs. Lee said the NBA shouldn’t be worried about losing fans to boredom.
“As long as there’s a fascination with the teams involved and the personalities continue to be magnets to the audience, I don’t think they care, because the ratings are off the charts,” Lee said. “There’s always going to be a period where there’s dominant teams.”
Lee also shared his thoughts on the Rockets-Spurs series and who he thinks may present a tougher challenge to the Warriors in the conference finals.
The full interview is available below. To hear Lee’s comments on the Warriors and Cavaliers paths to dominance, jump to the 4:05 mark. At the 5:15 mark, Lee and Ramey begin their discussion of Houston and San Antonio.
