Golden State Warriors: 5 Teams That Would Pursue David Lee

Phoenix Suns

Apr 13, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Phoenix Suns point guard Goran Dragic (1) shoots as Minnesota Timberwolves center Greg Stiemsma (34) defends during the second quarter at the Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Greg Smith-USA TODAY Sports

The Suns have a surplus of guards and forward/guards, but suffer in the power forward department, but they also have something the Warriors would want, a pass-first backup point guard in Goran Dragic. Dragic averaged 14.7 points and 7.4 assists during the 2012-13 season. Compare this to Jarrett Jack, who averaged 12.9 points and 5.6 assists.

Dragic is also a better defensive guard as well, averaging 1.6 steals per game compared to Jack’s 0.8 steals. Dragic also gets to the line more, attempting 4.2 free-throws per game compared to Jack’s 2.5 attempts per game. Dragic could even start at the point guard position and shift Curry to the shooting guard position and use the small-ball lineup described above.

Dragic is also two years younger than Jack, which has its inherent advantages and disadvantages, but it would probably be better for the Warriors because he mesh more with the younger Warriors and develop more over time.

Jared Dudley, another piece the Warriors would receive in exchange for Lee, would also serve as a guard that could slash to the basket, as 21.8 percent of his shots this season were at the rim where he shot 66.4 percent. Compare this to Klay Thompson, who had 14.5 percent of his shots come at the rim, where he shot 61.7 percent.

Clearly. Dudley and Thompson are different players, but having two diverse guards would greatly benefit the Warriors ability to score. Dudley would also keep in pace with the athletic shooting guard that could open up the floor for other shooters by driving to the rim and spacing the floor.

Now, why would the Suns go for David Lee? Simply because he is a massive upgrade to Luis Scola. Lee averaged 18.5 points and 11.2 rebounds and led the league in double-doubles. No one doubts his ability to finish in the post and grab boards. In Scola’s first season after being amnestied, he averaged 12.8 points and 6.6 rebounds. Lee is also three years younger than Scola, which means he still has at least one or two years left of great rebounding and scoring if he stays healthy. This trade would greatly benefit both teams.