I was listening to the local radio earlier this week and they talked about the difference between the We Believe run the Warriors had in 2007 compared to the Warriors playoff team this year. There were numerous differences between the two teams, such as the offensive playbook, the personalities of the players and other variables.

But one topic stood out to me more than any other: this year’s Warriors team had staying power.

Looking back at this Warriors team after their second round exit, I don’t feel the same way as I did back in 2007 when that team was eliminated. That team, despite being fun to watch, were filled with a bunch of players that were good but obviously were never going to be part of a long-term solution. This year’s team is the exact opposite. This year’s team is just the foundation of something special.

For years as a Warriors fan, I have seen a team that has had promise on so many levels but have fallen short on them. Whether it was bad contract, bad draft picks or just band coaching, the Warriors had been a laughing stock for nearly two decades. But finally, the team now has a foundation set for something special for future seasons.

It all starts with the front office and how they were willing to spend and push forward in putting a great product on the court. It was a risk hiring Mark Jackson as coach. Last season’s tank job was hard to take. But it was part of a plan. It wasn’t a pretty plan to begin with, but now I can honestly say that this playoff exit doesn’t hurt as much. The team is in good hands. In their first full season under this new direction, they did very well.

You can take a look at the superstar emergence of Stephen Curry. What he did this playoffs gave the world a glimpse of what we’ve seen for several seasons. When healthy, he’s a Top 10 player. If he can remain healthy next season, the Warriors no doubt can return to the playoffs.

The coming out party for Klay Thompson and Harrison Barnes signified that the young core of this team is in good hands. Thompson, once he fine tunes his game, will be a perfect complement to Curry. Barnes appears to be a young stud in the making as well. His performance this postseason has been nothing short of fantastic.

If both David Lee and Andrew Bogut return next season in full health, this team’s starting five could be one of the best in the league. Imagine the down low presence the Warriors lacked in the postseason being in full force. Amazing.

I don’t know if Jarrett Jack comes back, but I can assure what he did for this team gave the Warriors a belief that they are worthy of a true title run. He’s taught the core a lot. I would like for him to stay and maybe he will.

Carl Landry, Draymond Green and Festus Ezeli also contributed big time this season. Especially the two rookies, they came of age this season. Landry filled in tremendously for the injured Lee. And who knows what’s in store for Brandon Rush if he returns?

It’s a shame the Warriors are out of the playoffs. I really think that they had a chance to beat Memphis and who knows how they’ll do against Miami in the Finals? But I can assure you that this team is one to be proud of for sure.

All those years of losing will come to an end. The Warriors have now established themselves as a team that is built to last. Playoff appearances are now expected. The core of this team has shown that they are too talented to not make it back. In fact, they should get a higher seed next year. They’re that good.

Little by little, this team will become stronger and maybe within a year or two, could be a serious contender for the title. That’s what I look forward to seeing. But until then, I look back at this year and see that the foundation has been set. There’s too much potential here that I see in front of me.

Last time it was “We Believe” for an unbelievable run. This time now, it’s “We Belong” because the Warriors are not going anywhere. They’re here to stay.