Not quite sure how it happened but we're some how further along in the rebuilding process than the Mavs, Suns, and all the other "good" franchises that were getting praised in the offseason.
It's that elusive, unquantifiable secret ingredient -- team chemistry. Sticking with a coach for more than two years, bringing in high-character guys who like each other, re-building the offense from the ground up around our two best players -- all of these things contribute but you still don't know how it's going to work out until the season gets underway. That highlight reel someone put together last season of all the clutch shots from our young guys was pretty telling though. There were legitimate reasons for optimism despite our record last year and so far handing the keys to De'Aaron and Willie to carry this team has been working like gangbusters.
I'm pleased as punch at the progress De'Aaron is showing. My crazy dream of an
all De' Lineup (I think it was DeAaron Fox, DeAnthony Melton, DeMar DeRozan, DeMarcus Cousins, and DeAndre Ayton) is never going to happen but nonetheless I'm happy with the guy we got. Huge character guy and a leader on both ends of the court. Willie still frustrates the hell out of me every time he opens his mouth and I don't believe for one minute that he'll keep up this level of play once he gets paid (sorry everyone, just how I feel)
but I do think sticking with him for 4 years has paid dividends as he perfectly compliments Fox and maybe if he can at least give us 80% of this effort every night the balance will be made up by veteran savvy and improved familiarity in Coach Joerger's system.