In the 2013-14 NBA season, Jermaine O’Neal played his final year with the Golden State Warriors, a time when the franchise was on the edge of a remarkable transformation. Stephen Curry was emerging as the team‘s foundational player, while Klay Thompson was quickly showcasing his potential. The pair was developing into one of the league’s most formidable backcourts, a fact not lost on then-coach Mark Jackson, who confidently declared them
“the greatest shooting backcourt in NBA history.”
Trade Talks Raised Doubts Despite the Team’s Growing Potential
Even as the Warriors showed promise, the future of their roster was uncertain due to ongoing trade discussions involving Klay Thompson. Thompson’s name was being linked to a possible trade for Kevin Love, a deal that could have dramatically altered the Warriors’ trajectory. It was during this period that O’Neal felt compelled to share a warning with the team’s general manager, Bob Myers.
O’Neal’s Caution to Bob Myers on Keeping the Team Intact
On the “Out The Mud Podcast,” O’Neal recounted a private conversation before his departure. His advice was clear:
Bob, whatever you do…Do not break this team up. You’ve got something with these boys,
he urged Myers. This was more than just veteran advice; O’Neal had firsthand insight into the unique chemistry and commitment among the players.
The Relentless Focus of Curry and Thompson in Practice
O’Neal described watching Curry and Thompson during practice, where their dedication was evident. Positioned at opposite ends of the court, they intensely worked on their shooting, keeping a count of their attempts. However, O’Neal noticed they deliberately skipped some shots in their count. Upon asking why, he learned that only shots that touched nothing but the net counted toward their goal. He observed their uncompromising desire for precision, with O’Neal stating they shot
about 100 threes before and after practice,
all aiming for nothing less than perfection. This relentless practice showed a level of discipline beyond natural ability, bordering on obsession.
The Warriors’ Championship Success Validated O’Neal’s Insight
O’Neal retired after the 2013-14 season, just one year before the Warriors claimed their first NBA championship. The team capitalized on the stability and talent of Curry, Thompson, and Draymond Green, capturing three more titles over the next seven years. O’Neal’s early recognition of the core group’s potential proved prescient as the Warriors dominated the league.
O’Neal’s Admiration for Curry and the Team’s Lasting Legacy
O’Neal has since been outspoken about Stephen Curry’s transformative impact on the game. In a 2016 interview, he remarked that Curry is like their modern-day Jordan. Throughout his career, the former All-Star encountered many great players, but few matched Curry’s influence. Alongside Thompson’s steady but formidable presence, the Warriors developed a unique combination that reshaped the NBA.
Reflecting on a Warning That Shaped a Dynasty
Nearly a decade later, Jermaine O’Neal’s message to Bob Myers resonates as a warning turned prophecy. His intuition to preserve the Warriors’ youthful core amid trade rumors played a part in the rise of one of basketball’s greatest dynasties. The patience and vision shown by the organization underscore the importance of stability in team building and the value of recognizing greatness in its infancy.