Golden State Warriors: 5 Centers They Could Pursue With MLE

3. Zaza Pachulia

Feb 8, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Zaza Pachulia (27) scores against the New Orleans Hornets during the second quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports

Pachulia’s not gonna be a shockingly good player.  That much is for sure.  However, could he be a competent backup on a budget? The Warriors might think so.

Last season, he averaged 6.5 rebounds per game, 5.9 points per game while playing 21.8 minutes a game. His stats are similar to both players already mentioned, except he has way more experience than Stiemsma, as well as only having playing one season less than Dalembert.

Last year, Pachulia made slightly more than $5.2 million, which is a target salary that the Warriors could shoot for with their MLE.  Since his numbers aren’t nearly as much higher as one would expect them to be playing five more minutes a game than Steimsma (who would be cheaper), and since they are a bit lower than Dalembert (who plays a bit better, and might come at a discount).  Depending on how the market pans out, he might just land in the blue and gold this year.