When the 1996-97 Chicago Bulls had their chance to complete their second three-peat, NBA legend Michael Jordan was in an infamous squabble with the front office management. 

Then-Chicago Bulls General Manager Jerry Krause was adamant of making this season the last in what was a legendary run for Jordan and the Bulls. Krause’s feud with then-Head Coach Phil Jackson had players frustrated as the team chemistry was affected. Additionally, Bulls forward Scottie Pippen missed the first 35 games of the season, which resulted in the Bulls scrambling for answers en-route to what was deemed “The Last Dance.” 

This narrative sounds familiar as the Golden State Warriors seek their repeat and a potential fifth championship in nine years. 

Championship fatigue, front-office mismanagement and roster decline were all contributors to both the Bulls 1998 season and the current Warriors season. 
“We’re entitled to defend what we have until we lose it,” Jordan said in his 1997 post-championship press conference. “If we lose it, then you look at it and you say, “okay, let’s change, let’s go through a [rebuilding]. No one’s guaranteeing that rebuilding’s going to be two, three, four or five years.” 

Championship Fatigue
There’s no doubt that the Warriors are experiencing championship fatigue. Even with the two-year hiatus, the 2021-22 Finals run had the Warriors playing until June and the current team is now feeling its effects. Warriors superstar Stephen Curry is now 34 years old, while his fellow splash brother Klay Thompson was coming back from two of the most gruesome injuries a basketball player could suffer. Warriors forward Draymond Green has also seen some decline on the defensive end, and his offensive woes are starting to become a problem. 

The Warriors were able to benefit from young talent as Warriors guard Jordan Poole and forward Andrew Wiggins were rising at the right time. But, the writing on the wall was there — the stars are aging, and the championship window is closing. 

How the Warriors managed to beat the odds was through the unlikeliest of players. Fans saw the potential of Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga and had reliable bench veterans like forward Otto Porter Jr. and guard Gary Payton II providing the extra boost. 

Now, heading into this season, the roster looks different.

The Warriors’ front office was resolute in trying the “win-now and develop now strategy,” but so far, it hasn’t been working. The Warriors are sitting at No. 7 in the Western Conference at .500, but have lost very winnable games — especially on the road. One has to wonder if the constant championship runs and playing until June year after year eventually gets to a team both mentally and physically. 

It happens to the best of the NBA — as Jordan and his Bulls experienced the same back in the 1996-97 season. The Bulls started the season 9-7 but eventually flipped the switch. 

“In ‘91-’92, I was young, full of energy and hungry,” Jordan said. “In ‘98, when, winning six out of eight, and yet being just as dominant as you were in ‘91, that’s where the craftsmanship came in, and I think ‘98 was much better than any of the other years because of how I was able to use my mind as well as my body.”

Time will tell if the Warriors can do the same. The All-Star Break is a month away, and the Warriors have time to flip the switch in a close West. But, as of now, they seem like they’re running on fumes. 

Front Office Management 
While Jordan and Bulls had to deal with Krause, who many have accused Krause of having the “Little Man Syndrome,” the Warriors had to deal with Draymond Green and his ego. Green has been the Warriors most polarizing player by far, both on and off the court. He’s the player that you hate to play against, but would love as a teammate. 

Though, Jordan Poole might have something to say about that. 

Poole proved himself in the 2021-22 championship run that he could be someone who the Warriors could invest in long-term once the legends ride off into the sunset. The former No. 28 has turned his career around and become the Warriors’ not-so-secret weapon and even dubbed “Baby Steph” based on his familiar playmaking ability and gravitational spacing.

Because of the contract situations and due to the fact that the Warriors are historically over the cap, the Warriors were forced to choose between Poole and Green. Green made it easier on the front office. 

The infamous punch that shook the team’s supporters was delivered in an Oct. 5 practice and Green was suspended from the team the following days later. From that point on, the excitement and team chemistry was off. Fans knew something didn’t feel right with this team. They didn’t play with the same contagious joy that was infamous with the other Steve Kerr teams. 

Additionally, Poole’s production has dropped off. Although Poole is averaging 20.7 points a game, his shooting and scoring have been inconsistent, and it’s been hurting the team overall as he was expected to lead the bench unit. 

Other teams around the league do have more film to study on Poole, but something’s definitely off. He hasn’t been playing with the same swagger and confidence he used to, and one could wonder how big “the punch” actually affected him and the team. 

Contract negotiations are always a tough situation. Jordan was able to keep Jackson around for “The Last Dance,” and it resulted in a championship. As for the Warriors, fans will have to wait to see if this situation will cost them a championship. 

“It’s maddening because I felt like we could have won seven,” Jordan said. “I really believe that. We may not have, but man, just to not be able to try, that’s something that I just can’t accept.” 

Roster Decline
The Warriors roster has taken a hit in terms of depth, production and reliability in comparison to previous years. 

Six roster spots are dedicated to the future — Poole, Kuminga, guard Moses Moody, center James Wiseman, forward Patrick Baldwin Jr. and guard Ryan Rollins. 

With the legends, Wiggins and Looney solidifying their roster spots, guard Donte DiVincenzo and forward JaMychal Green were brought in over the offseason to provide depth. So far, DiVincenzo has thrived in his role as the backup guard, but Green has been inconsistent at best and the Warriors have found more success with the two-way players of Ty Jerome and Anthony Lamb. 

The Warriors are scrambling for answers, as the bench unit hasn’t been able to stabilize with rotations due to multiple players going in and out of the lineup due to injury. Jordan and the Bulls faced similar roster problems — as Pippen missed 35 games due to injury and disagreements with management. Jordan also had to deal with the ever unpredictable Dennis Rodman, who would often go on midseason vacations. 

The Warriors weren’t as dominant as the ‘98 Bulls were, but still have plenty of all star talent. You can never count out a team that includes Curry, Green and Thompson. 

But, it really seems like at times the Warriors are looking like a shell of themselves. One could wonder if the situation of investing into the future too early could cost them a potential championship run, but fans will have to wait and see.

(Photo credit: Jeff Chiu / Associated Press)