Steph Curry and Warriors owner Joe Lacob agree that Golden State's success this season depends upon the development of two players.
Kelly Oubre Jr. and Andrew Wiggins.
Lacob recalled to Warriors television broadcasters Bob Fitzgerald and Kelenna Azubuike that he spoke with the star point guard about Golden State's prospects in the 2020-21 regular season, and the two saw eye to eye about Oubre and Wiggins' importance.
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"So goes them, kind of so goes the team," Lacob said. "We know what Steph's gonna be ... and Draymond [Green] of course. We need those guys to really [step up]. This is it. They're 25 years old, both of 'em. This is the time for them to really make the case for their careers. If they can be as good as we think they could be, then I think we could be a pretty good team."
Oubre and Wiggins haven't been Warriors for long, but Golden State is counting on them to help fill a big pair of shoes with Klay Thompson (torn right Achilles) out for the season yet again.
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The Warriors acquired Wiggins just ahead of the February trade deadline, sending D'Angelo Russell to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the trade. Wiggins, as a small forward, was thought to be a better fit alongside Golden State's core than Russell, a ball-dominant guard. The No. 1 pick in the 2014 drafts believes the Bay Area is a better spot for him than Minnesota, and he flashed plenty of potential during 12 games with the Warriors before last season was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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Wiggins will be relied upon to help the Warriors mitigate Thompson's absence, whereas Oubre explicitly was acquired to fill the five-time All-Star's role. Oubre's athleticism on defense in transition will be an asset, and he's a credible 3-point shooter from the left-hand corner. He's excited to play with Wiggins, too, thinking the pair can boost Golden State at their respective positions.
Lacob does, too.
"I think the key to the team, for me, is the wings," Lacob said. "And [for] Wiggins and Oubre, this is their time, and they need to deliver and be central components."