Comparing Golden State Warriors Players to Star Wars Characters
Nov 27, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Warriors defeated the Suns 135-116. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Golden State Warriors are the hottest show in whatever town they happen to find themselves in.
Stephen Curry is the brightest superstar on the planet. Long before the game starts, all eyes and cameras are on him, capturing every step and dribble. Growing more popular with every three and every victory, the only thing that can draw the world’s attention away, realistically speaking, is Star Wars.
So why not combine the two?
A while ago, I wrote a comparison of Warriors players to hip-hop artists. I originally wrote this piece in anticipation of the release of the next installment in the iconic franchise, Star Wars: The Force Awakens coming up on December 18th. Now, Star Wars: Rogue One is hitting theaters and it’s time to update this post for the 2016-17 Warriors.
Note: I’m only taking into account characters, events, and personalities from the first six films. Anything that happens in the newest movie (and there are some huge rumors that could derail these comparisons) is not factored in here.
Click on the next slides, you must.
September 26, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors center Anderson Varejao (18) poses with an emoji cutout of himself during media day at the Warriors Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Anderson Varejao – Jar Jar Binks
This one was pretty obvious, right? When you create a universe as expansive as Star Wars, it’s hard to come close to a consensus on nearly anything. Luckily, there’s Jar Jar Binks.
Banks is a Gungan and an absolute fool. He’s almost universally accepted as the worst thing about Star Wars. The guy is a complete mess that just sorta flops around. Sound familiar?
Anderson Varejao is DubNation’s favorite player to hate on. His horrid performance in Game 7 of the NBA Finals will forever leave a bitter taste in Warriors’ fans’ mouths. There’s a collective sigh whenever Steve Kerr turns to the Brazilian big man.
Both Binks and Varejao just throw themselves around everywhere, walking around somewhat aimlessly. They seem to have little control over their bodies and yet they keep finding themselves in favorable situations. Binks became a general and Varejao was waived by LeBron James’ East-leading Cavaliers to join the eventual-73 win Warriors team.
This comparison makes even more sense if you believe the “Darth Jar Jar” theory. In essence, the nonsensical character was secretly an evil genius that hid his deviant plans with his tomfoolery. He orchestrated everything. For many Warriors fans, there’s a sense that Varejao was a Trojan Horse of sorts. He left James and the only team he ever knew, infiltrated their biggest opponent, and destroyed them from within.
At minimum, the flopping and the bouncy hair and ears still make this comparison valid. And, of course, the overwhelmingly negative fan reception is there too.
Nov 27, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala celebrates a three point shot against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Warriors defeated the Suns 135-116. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Andre Iguodala – Obi-Wan Kenobi
Obi-Wan Kenobi was the wise-veteran presence, sacrificing himself for the greater-good–and if he played basketball, he would be Andre Iguodala.
One of the most respected Jedi, Obi-Wan grew from a skilled apprentice to a trusted Master. In his later years, when he understood how high the stakes were, he calculated every move. When confronted with the opportunity to develop the chance to lead his side to victory, Obi-Wan sacrificed himself in order to guide Luke Skywalker and the Light Side to greatness.
Similarly, Iguodala was once an All-Star in his younger days. As a top option, Iguodala was able to lead his team to the playoffs, including an appearance as a no. 3 seed in the 2013 Playoffs with the Denver Nuggets. He decided that winning was more important than personal glory and joined the Warriors. After starting his whole career, Iguodala made a necessary sacrifice to come off the bench, placing the team’s needs over his own.
Both men understand how important the bigger picture is and, eventually, their sacrifices are rewarded. Both of Obi-Wan’s apprentices came together to defeat the evil Emperor and Iguodala was pivotal in overthrowing the King in last year’s NBA Finals.
Iguodala may or may not have told Steve Kerr “if you bench me now, I will become more powerful than you could have ever imagined.”
Nov 19, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) reacts from the court in the second half against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center. The Warriors won 124-117. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Draymond Green – R2-D2
Draymond Green, everyone’s favorite Swiss-army knife, is R2-D2, everyone’s favorite multi-faceted droid.
R2-D2 is vital to the Star Wars story. Without him, the series is over before it even starts. Chronologically speaking, he saved Padme Amidala’s life which allowed her to later give birth Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa. He later carried Princess Leia’s message to Tattooine, thus kicking off the events of the original trilogy. Without his efforts, the Empire would have surely won.
Just as R2-D2 was at the center of all the events, Draymond Green is the engine that keeps the Warriors going. He establishes the defensive toughness, anchoring a revolutionary small-ball lineup’s defense. On the other end, it’s Green’s playmaking and ability to space the floor that opens up the Dub’s potent offense. Without Green’s growth, the Warriors would not play the elite championship basketball we’ve become accustomed to.
Both “Artoo” and Green are underestimated by what’s on the surface. Undersized, the two have Death Star-sized attitudes. It’s their versatility that really allows them to shine. The droid can hack into anything, navigate around the galaxy, fight back, and, even, fly. Green’s can do anything on the basketball court–dribble, shoot, defend, pass, etc. Their intelligence sets them apart from the rest and their ability to stay cool under pressure and improvise makes them extremely valuable assets.
Technically speaking, both are second round choices. Green is obvious as the Warriors took him with the 35th overall pick. In A New Hope, Luke opts to take “the red one” from the Jawas. When R5-54 breaks down, they “settle” for R2-D2. It’s safe to say neither Luke nor the Warriors regret their decision.
If something’s happening, R2-D2 and Draymond Green are going to be in the middle of all of it–and they’re going to find a way to best you. And then they might say something snarky.
Nov 27, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompsonn against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Warriors defeated the Suns 135-116. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Klay Thompson – Han Solo
Klay Thompson has emerged as a well-rounded, legitimate star in the NBA just like how Han Solo developed from a smuggler to a true hero.
Han Solo, simply put, is the coolest dude in the galaxy. Admittedly, he isn’t the most honorable character when we first meet him, but he develops into a balanced character. In addition to being a fantastic pilot, he becomes a selfless general. He’s talented and he knows it. Never tell him the odds.
Klay Thompson has expanded his game beyond just being an elite marksman–he’s one of the best two-way players in the NBA. Just like Solo’s flights, Thompson is exciting especially when he gets into a rhythm. The guard’s record-setting 37 point quarter on 100% shooting is incredible and probably a performance we won’t see again, like Solo’s flight through the asteroid field.
Beyond the battlefield, Solo was able to earn Leia’s love and affection. And recent history shows us that Klay Thompson isn’t too shabby with the ladies either.
Han Solo is the perfect companion to Luke Skywalker. Similarly, Klay Thompson is half of one of the most exciting and dynamic backcourts in NBA history. Not necessarily known for their teamwork early on, both matured into selfless individuals that know when to lead and when to follow.
Regardless of what we’re lead to believe, these two always shoot first. Always.
November 24, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) after making a three-point basket during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Lakers 111-77. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Stephen Curry – Luke Skywalker
The hero. The new hope. Stephen Curry is Luke Skywalker.
Stuck on native planet Tattooine, Luke Skywalker showed extraordinary abilities. He could execute difficult maneuvers and hit long-distance targets easily. Master Yoda was wary of training Luke and he struggled early on. But eventually, he learned the ways of being a Jedi Master and embraced his new responsibility. With only several years of training, Luke was able to become one of the most powerful Jedi, overthrowing the Empire and redeeming and jumpstarting the fallen Order.
Curry showed signs of being a star–he showcased his unlimited range from a young age, but obstacles and setbacks during his early years as a professional slowed down his progress. It remained to be seen if Curry could stay healthy long enough to build a team around him. Once faith was put in him, as the franchise’s new hope for greatness, he embraced it and took off. In a short period of time, he grew from an All-Star snub to the world’s greatest player. Now he’s accepted his superstardom and revitalized a weakened franchise.
It seems both did things a little differently as well. In his final battle with Darth Vader, Luke shows an aggression that would normally be frowned upon by the Jedi Code. Regardless of what it said, Luke did it his way. Curry is revolutionizing the game (much to the chagrin of old-fashioned basketball minds), inspiring and changing everything everyone thought about basketball one three-pointer at a time.
I won’t say Dell Curry is Darth Vader, but both heroes had to overcome their father’s shadows in order to truly flourish. The fall of Anakin Skywalker concerned Yoda when it came to Luke. On the other hand, the elder Curry’s accomplishments would be daunting act to follow.
Skywalker and Curry became great leaders. They were able to overcome almost insurmountable obstacles and persevere. They grew far more powerful than anyone had ever expected. They combined power with fantastic instinct and they did it their own way. Curry can dish out jaw-dropping no-look passes as easily as Luke can block blaster shots blindfolded.
Curry is the greatest shooter of all-time. And if you doubt this, search your feelings. You know this to be true.
Dec 13, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Warriors defeated the Pelicans 113-109. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Kevin Durant – Darth Vader/Anakin Skywalker
If you lived under a rock and didn’t know that Darth Vader was Anakin Skywalker and I spoiled this for you, then well…surprise! But this matchup just makes the most sense. Kevin Durant is Anakin Skywalker, on both sides of the Force.
Vader was the most feared figure in the entire galaxy. He had unprecedented offensive gifts. He terrorized anyone that opposed him. This is Durant. KD might be the best scorer we’ve ever seen and teams just can’t prepare for it.
Luke Skywalker fought the Sith Lord and, instead of putting his lightsaber through him, he offered him a chance at redemption. If Curry is Luke and Durant is Vader then their battle on Bespin was the Western Conference Finals. Both MVPs went head-to-head in an incredible and, mostly, even fight.
Afterwards, Curry extended his hand to a defeated Durant and offered redemption. Steph saved him and pulled him away from the clutches of the dark side of the Force. No longer would Durant have to deal with an oppressive shot caller.
KD can now return to doing what he loves: playing basketball. He is maximizing his abilities in the purest form. From the Golden State perspective, Darth Vader is defeated and Durant is now a rejuvenated Anakin.
This comparison works in two ways though because, to many, Durant is now more evil than ever. He is everything that Darth Vader represents. As Obi-Wan screamed, “you were supposed to destroy the Sith, not join them” KD, who built a 3-1 lead in the WCF, was the last hope. He had to take down the evil Warriors and, instead, he signed with them in the summer.
It doesn’t matter what Durant does, what happened happened and the damage is done. He is redeemed to those that matter. He can’t change everyone’s mind. All he can do now is use his special abilities and rule the NBA galaxy with Steph Skywalker, Klay Solo, and R2-Dray2.
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