5 Reasons Why the Golden State Warriors Could Struggle in 2013-14
By Ben Pickman
3. Lack of Depth
May 16, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors point guard Jarrett Jack (2) hugs San Antonio Spurs power forward Tim Duncan (21, right) after game six of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Spurs defeated the Warriors 94-82. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Jarrett Jack is a free agent. Carl Landry has a player option. One or both of them will likely be gone. If both leave, then the Warriors should have cap space to try to find some comparable replacements. However, if Landry opts out and signs with another team, then the Warriors would only have enough money to bring back Jack. That would leave them with a hole up front.
Landry said of his love for Golden State (via Contra Costa Times):
"The Warriors are home whether I opt in or out. Hopefully, I can spend the rest of my career here because this is a very special place. Everything here is what you want: the city, the fans, the front office, the coach, the teammates. You can’t ask for anything more.” the teammates. You can’t ask for anything more."
Landry is currently making only $4 million this season, which is far below his possible market value.
If both leave, then the Warriors would be forced to find quality backups or else the lack of depth would come back to bite them in the postseason. Just ask Indiana how important bench production is. D.J. Augustin, Sam Young and Tyler Hansbrough were their main bench contributors and gave them absolutely nothing against the Miami Heat when they needed some production.