What began as a few chuckles on NBA Twitter has exploded into full-blown mockery, as Golden State Warriors fans have spent the past 48 hours relentlessly roasting the New Orleans Pelicans for what many are calling “the worst possible knockoff version of the Warriors dynasty ever attempted.”
Despite a promising core of young talent and future draft assets, the Pelicans’ recent offseason moves have baffled fans and analysts alike—culminating in a roster that suspiciously resembles the 2015-2019 Warriors… if you squinted really hard… while blindfolded.
The Alleged “Bootleg Warriors” Lineup
The Pelicans, in a series of moves that are now being openly clowned across social media, have assembled a team featuring:
- Jordan Poole (acquired via trade) as the “new Steph Curry”
- Kelly Oubre Jr. (signed in free agency) reprising his old role as the Warriors’ stylish but erratic wing
- James Wiseman (yet another trade) as the big man they believe could “finally be their Draymond Green… but taller and way less impactful”
- Steve Kerr’s former assistant hired as head coach to “bring in the championship culture”
- And Klay Thompson’s distant cousin, recently signed to a two-way contract, sparking a wave of memes comparing him to “Kopy Klay.”
Golden State fans were quick to react.
“It’s like they opened NBA 2K, turned the sliders down, and hit ‘Generate Similar Team,’” tweeted @DubNationForever.
“They’ve got everything except talent, chemistry, and rings. Other than that, totally the same,” joked another fan during a Warriors fan-space livestream.
Pelicans Front Office Responds
Pelicans GM Trajan Langdon pushed back on the criticism at a press conference this morning, saying, “We’re not trying to be the Warriors. We just respect their legacy and want to learn from winning organizations.”
When asked if he thought Wiseman could fill the Draymond role, Langdon said, “We believe in James’ potential. Sure, he doesn’t talk much, doesn’t defend like Draymond, and has yet to find his footing in the league… but he’s tall.”
NBA World Weighs In
Even Warriors legends are getting in on the roast. Draymond Green, never one to hold back, said on his podcast:
“You can’t just copy the formula without the ingredients. You think you’re making gumbo, but you bought canned soup.”
Steph Curry, asked about the comparison, simply laughed and said, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery… but also, good luck with that.”
What’s Next for New Orleans?
Despite the online ridicule, the Pelicans are reportedly still eyeing other former Warriors cast-offs to round out the roster, including Damion Lee and Ian Clark, in what some believe is an attempt to fully recreate the 2018 bench unit—minus, well, the success.
In the meantime, Golden State fans remain gleefully entertained, dubbing the Pelicans “The Who-Riors” and circulating memes comparing the teams like name-brand cereal to the store brand version found on the bottom shelf.
Final Word
While the Pelicans continue to insist they’re charting their own course, NBA fans can’t help but notice the uncanny (and poorly executed) resemblance. For now, the Warriors faithful are content to laugh—and maybe feel a little flattered—knowing that no matter how hard teams try to replicate the dynasty…
There’s only one Golden State.
