By Jacob Bugarin
Welcome to the new series called Time Travel Matchups, where we go back in time and pick teams that people want to see match up. A request from Joseph Campanile, today’s matchup we will be looking at the 2017 Golden State Warriors versus the 2024 Boston Celtics.
In this matchup, we will be looking at each person in a certain position like point guard and how they match up with each other. We will compare all five positions and bench, and then we will see how they would match in a seven game series.
PG: 2017 Stephen Curry vs 2024 Derrick White
Derrick White who is known for his pesky defense and ability to knock down the three. In his playoff run, he averaged 1.2 blocks as guard, which makes it known that he can also protect the rim. His defensive efforts got him 8th place in the Defensive Player of the Year award. His skill to contribute on the offensive side makes him a tough opponent to play against.
But, his matchup is Stephen Curry.
Stephen Curry was coming off his unanimous MVP from the previous year. The Chef averaged 25.3 points, 6.6 assists and 4.5 rebounds in 79 games in 2016-17. Even though his defensive skills weren’t as strong as they are now, no one could guard this guy on offense.
Derrick’s hustle and heart will give Curry some troubles, but, then again, this is Stephen Curry. The point goes to Steph.
SG: 2017 Klay Thompson vs 2024 Jrue Holiday
A Matchup Between Two Guards Breaking Their 3 and D Roles
At one point these two players were just people who shot the three and played good defense. Jrue Holiday, a 6′ 4” two way guard, is known as one of the greatest defensive guards in our era. A true playmaker on the defensive end, he locks up a team’s best player and gives them an off night. Don’t forget Jrue’s offense; he can hit the three and score consistently on all three levels.
On the other hand, we have a prime Klay Thompson whose shooting ability was so good that he didn’t need to dribble. Though his offensive game speaks for itself, you cannot forget he was such a great defender. He wasn’t the flashiest playmaker on defense, but would be the person to guard your best player and give him trouble.
Jrue would be sticking onto Klay Thompson, but with Klay’s shooting at his prime, give me Klay on this.
SF: 2017 Draymond Green vs 2024 Jaylen Brown
The Defensive Player of the Year in 2017, Draymond Green, coming in at 6′ 6”, can guard all positions and was a force to be reckoned with. His opponent, 28 year old Jaylen Brown, is a good second option scorer who excels on the offensive game. Jaylen did win the MVP in the 2024 Finals; he was the main scorer and option throughout the series. Meanwhile, Draymond Green’s being the enforcer, aggressive defense and insane hustle was a huge reason why the Warriors’ defense was so good.
Jaylen has the offense; he can shoot all three levels and is able to take over a game. However, Draymond could take over a game through his defense and guard all five positions. Give me Draymond for this matchup.
PF: 2017 Kevin Durant vs 2024 Jayson Tatum
The Anomaly Meets the Slim Reaper
Before anything is said about this matchup, let’s at least acknowledge Jayson Tatum: one of the elite scorers and players in the new era. His game is similar to Kevin Durant, dribbling pull up shots, spot up shooting, and being able to play whenever needed. One of the most consistent NBA players in the league right now would make the matchup troubling.
I’m just kidding. Kevin Durant in 2017 was one of the best players in the league and, especially at his prime, not even Lebron James was able to stop him. No one is stopping K.D. Tatum has no chance here.
C: 2017 Zaza Pachuila vs 2024 Kristpas Porzingis
Kristaps Porzingis, coming in at 7′ 2” and averaging 20+ points per game last year, was the main reason why they won the finals. His ability to stretch the floor with his three point shooting, post work, and inside scoring was a problem for other teams. Defensively, having a 7′ 2” wingspan makes Porzingis the top rim protector in the league.
Meanwhile, Zaza was more of a role player who could get you rebounds and did the little things on defense. Though he wasn’t a star on the Warriors, his effort helped the Warriors win the NBA championship. He is more of a guy who can set good screens for Curry, Klay, or Durant to come off and score.
Overall, Kristpas is the better player both on offense and defense. He takes this.
Bench: 2017 Warriors vs 2024 Celtics
The Celtics’ bench had a balance of players who can play offense and defense. Players like Payton Prtichard and Sam Hauser were really good on both ends of the floor. Having Al Horford also come off the bench, bringing a veteran leader, really helped the Celtics bench.
The Warriors’ bench had players like Andre Iguodala, who was a leader of the bench, Shaun Livingston, who was automatic on the mid range, and JaValle Mcgee, providing a rim protecting presence.
Though the Celtics have a more balanced approach, the experience of the Warriors’ bench would overpower the Celtics bench.
Who would win the Finals series?
The Celtics would be putting up a fight in the first half, having players knockdown threes and being able to get some stops on defense. Until the second half, where Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, or Klay Thompson will catch on fire to win every single game. The Celtics may have a talented roster, but this Warriors team is the best team to ever play the game of basketball. The 2017 Warriors would win 4-0 and bring gold back to the Bay.
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