Warriors owner Joe Lacob talks Curry, Rockets and Quinn Cook in radio interview

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Warriors majority owner Joe Lacob is never at a loss for words and on Monday afternoon, he provided ample commentary on the state of the franchise in his annual radio appearance on San Francisco’s 95.7 The Game.

Over the 52-minute segment, the Warriors owner touched on a number of topics, including Stephen Curry’s MCL sprain, guard Quinn Cook’s potential playoff roster spot and the chances the Warriors will face the Houston Rockets in the Western Conference Finals.

On Sunday evening, Warriors guard Stephen Curry stated that he hoped to be back sooner than expected from a Grade 2 MCL sprain prior to the team’s 110-90 loss to the Utah Jazz.

“Hopefully I prove what Coach said wrong and put myself in a position to get back as soon as possible,” Curry said. “Right now, who knows? I’ll just try to do my job in the rehab process, get back as soon as I can and control my presence with the team and help any way I can when I’m out on the floor.”

However, coach Steve Kerr stated that Curry would not be available in the first round of the NBA playoffs. On Monday, Lacob seemed to share Kerr’s sentiments.

“The doctors make the call for the most part,” Lacob told the station. “We’re going to be conservative because he’s far too important to the franchise.”

“I think [Kerr] was trying to be protective,” Lacob said. “We certainly have that bias, I have that bias. If I were to answer that question right now, I’d say I wouldn’t expect him in the first round of the playoffs.” Related Articles Here’s the Warriors’ minicamp roster and where each player stands

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Curry’s recent injury – including the 21 games combined he’s missed with a sprained ankle this season – has opened the door for two-way guard Quinn Cook. Cook has flourished in Curry’s absence, averaging 20.6 points over his last five games. With the Warriors’ need for another healthy guard, Cook’s potential addition to the playoff roster would require the team to cut a player to make room for him. Lacob wouldn’t reveal the team’s plans just yet.

“He’s played great,” Lacob said of Cook. “Now with Steph’s injury, it certainly would seem like we would need some additional assurance at that position. We’re top heavy, we don’t have as many guards to play and I think everyone can see that. But we’re going to make that decision right at the end. Because a lot of things can happen between now and then. I don’t know.”

Assuming the Warriors are healthy enough to make a deep run into the playoffs, a formidable opponent could be the Houston Rockets. In addition to boasting the league’s best record, Rockets guard James Harden is on track to win his first league MVP trophy. With the Rockets and Warriors occupying first and second place in the Western Conference standings, respectively, the two teams would clash in the Western Conference Finals.

Lacob pleaded for a wait-and-see approach.

“We don’t know what’s going to happen. Houston could get upset if you’re so worried about Houston. They are the best right now, there’s no doubt. They are the best team and we’re looking up to them but that doesn’t mean they’ll be there. We may be there and they might not be there. You have to prove it on the court.”

With the Chase Center opening up expected to open in the fall of 2019, Lacob said the hope is that Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Stephen Curry will all be in a Warriors uniform by opening night. However, with Thompson and Durant expected to be free agents in the summer of 2019, Lacob acknowledged how tough the goal can be.

“Well, I hope so,” Lacob said. “But you don’t know. These guys have earned the right to be free agents at some point in their careers and it’s really up to them where they decide to sign.”

“We can make offers,” Lacob continued. “We can be as aggressive as we want to be and you know we’re aggressive. And we certainly want them to be here. We love all of them. We love our team. It’s fantastic. I just can’t speak for them. They have to make that choice themselves.”

“Klay (Thompson) has, in a year, has his choice, his chance. We’ll try to sign him, maybe even before then to an extension. We’ll certainly talk with Draymond (Green).” Like our Warriors Facebook page for more Warriors news, commentary and conversation.

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