On the occasion of the NBA finals which will begin on Thursday, Tim Kawakami had the chance to speak with the current majority owner of the Warriors, Joe Lacob. And the least we can say is that this opposition is close to his heart since the business man grew up supporting the green and white franchise. Indeed, growing up in New Bedford, Massachusetts, he had no choice but to support the local basketball team, which was Boston. In 2006, Joe Lacob even became a minority shareholder in the Celtics, which allowed him to take his first steps in the league and discover the profession. He will finally be forced to sell his shares in 2010 when he decides, with his group of investors, to buy the San Francisco franchise for $450 million. His franchise will subsequently win the title of NBA champion 3 times. We can therefore imagine that this final against Boston represents something special for the businessman, it will surely have a different taste from the others. This is what he explained to The Athletic.
“It’s hard for me, because I have my roots there. I was a real Celtics fan, that’s how I grew up being a basketball fan in the 60s. […] When we bought the franchise (the Warriors), our goal was to be in the same stratosphere as these two franchises (Lakers and Celtics), even to surpass them. So I think it’s a full cycle, 12 years after buying the franchise, to be able to play the Celtics in the Finals. It’s not emotional ’cause I’m all for the Warriors, […], but there is still a part of my soul that knows this time and that will never leave. »
“I’ve already told several guys, and I’m going to repeat it this week, at Klay [Thompson] et Draymond [Green]. I’m going to tell them ‘You want to give me a present? Make sure we’re ready for that final. I really, really, really, really want to win this one.’ They’re self-motivated, believe me, but maybe there’s extra motivation on my side. »
There is clearly no animosity between the two franchises. On the contrary, he even wanted to recall how much he learned the business in the Boston franchise. He respects this organization, he who was present at the last title of 2008.
“It was very important, because following the suggestion of David Stern, I had bought a small part (in January 2006). And that was great, because I got to know people in the league, I got to watch an NBA franchise […] It was a real learning experience for me to see inside an NBA franchise. To see what you like, what you don’t like and therefore understand what you would like to do if it was your team. »
He also spoke of the special relationship he had at that time with former Boston general manager Danny Ainge. Explaining that it was thanks to him if Bob Myers was today the general manager of the Warriors.
“Danny Ainge is responsible for it. It was he who suggested to me Bob Myers. And that’s good, that’s very very good, considering he’s the best GM in the world. »
Obviously, being so close to the Celtics, he grew up with the epic battles between the Lakers and the Celtics. That’s what excites him about this year’s opposition. He dreams of being able to recreate such an iconic duel, because even if they met 4 times in the finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers, it was above all the fight of LeBron James. While with Jayson Tatum and Boston, we’re talking about an entire city that lives, eats and sleeps for the sport, which is one of the two most successful franchises, with a new generation on the rise. The Warriors are also one of the most followed teams by NBA fans right now. It is therefore not impossible to imagine a historical opposition between these two franchises.
“I think I want it even more today [le titre], because this opposition is considered a huge ‘matchup’ for NBA fans. It will be an interesting opposition, I think it will be very difficult and we will win, I think we are better. I believe in our coach, I believe in our roster but I don’t think it will be easy at all. It’s going to be a real battle. declared Joe Lacob during his biggest press conference since his inauguration in 2010
Joe Lacob is a dreamer, and his ultimate goal would be to bring the Warriors franchise to the level of the Lakers and Celtics. And if we are to believe his words, he seems to be on the right track.
“It will take many years at the helm of the franchise to come close to what the Celtics have done. How many titles do they have? Seventeen. It is substantial. How many do we have? [6 pour la franchise des Wariors] We still have a long way to go, and I think that’s the goal. We have had great success over these first 12 years. Jerry Buss was at the head of the Lakers for 33 years, does anyone know how many finals he participated in? 16 out of 33 years old. It’s amazing. And I don’t want to take credit away from the Celtics, but we’ve done 6 in 12 years, I love that 50%. I don’t know if we can go on like this, but we’ll try. »