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NBA Franchise Notes: Warriors Not In Need Of Drastic Change After Finals Loss

In S.F., Bruce Jenkins wrote even the most loyal Warriors fans after losing Game 7 of the NBA Finals "see the need for some transition, but the trappings of the postseason can’t be glossed over as some sort of irrevocable disaster." The "maddening part is that things don’t feel the same around the organization, because blew a 3-1 lead in the Finals speaks louder than any complaint." Warriors fans "have a monumental ally in" co-Owner Joe Lacob, who "wants nothing short of another title." His words "never seem to come out right, but focus on his desire, and even more importantly, his willingness to craft a democratic decision-making process." The Warriors "need change, perhaps three or four new faces, but they would be advised not to go crazy" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 6/26). 

DEEP POCKETS: In N.Y., Benjamin Hoffman noted in the middle of "a long rebuilding process," the Nets are now expected to enter the free-agency period with about $50M to spend. Beyond player and team options, the Nets now have "no financial commitments" beyond the '17-18 season, which is a "stark contrast to the way things were run" under former GM Billy King. However, they "may not be a marquee destination considering the state of the roster and the team’s poor record last season" (N.Y. TIMES, 6/25). 

HIGH-STAKES SUMMER: In DC, Jerry Brewer wrote this is the "most important offseason" of Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld's tenure. He "should be down to one final, dramatic chance to do right," as he "never has had a better hand" with an estimated $31M in cap space when free agency begins Friday. If Grunfeld "can’t produce a true contender with these resources, he shouldn’t be protected by Owner Ted Leonsis’s patience any longer." Grunfeld "has a chance to do more than survive this summer," but he "has to nail the most lucrative and competitive free agency period in NBA history" (WASHINGTON POST, 6/26). 

COURT OF PUBLIC OPINION: In Chicago, David Haugh wondered if Bulls fans will "trust a rebuilding plan designed and executed by a man [GM Gar Forman] so many find hard to believe?" With G Derrick Rose now a Knick, Forman "instantly becomes the most polarizing member of the organization." He "comes across to those of us who know him as likable and funny, but you never will hear the words candid or transparent used to describe the Bulls GM." No metric "accurately measures civic confidence, but experience tells me the Bulls rank lower in that category than any other professional sports team in town, at least rivaling the lack of faith in the White Sox" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 6/26).

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