Golden State Warriors need to turn to centers now
The Golden State Warriors are putting together a strong team, but they need to turn their attention to signing centers now.
The Golden State Warriors have two spots left on a roster that has filled up quickly since free agency opened up. They’ve locked up five players from last year’s championship squad: Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Andre Iguodala, Shaun Livingston, and David West. They’ve also made some solid additions, acquiring forward Omri Casspi and guard Nick Young.
They now need to turn their attention to centers (which means that Ian Clark will be suiting up for a different team next season). They are now deep at the guard position. Bob Myers has made sure his team has plenty of wings that can play multiple positions.
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The Warriors have a few guys who can slide to the center spot on the roster currently. When the Warriors go small, Draymond Green slides to that position and, in extreme cases, Kevin Durant can do it as well. David West can too. They also have rookie Jordan Bell who might see time at that spot and second year player Damian Jones who is a legitimate center.
Still, they need veteran centers that can do all of the little things and, more importantly, eat up minutes. Once the games start to really matter, Steve Kerr turns to his small ball lineup more. Green needs to be preserved for those moments.
There’s no doubt that Bob Myers wants to have his roster ready as soon as possible. It’s likely that he’s been in contact with both of his centers from last year, Zaza Pachulia and JaVale McGee. And, while they’re nowhere near the best centers in the game, they helped a championship team.
It’s possible both players return to the Dubs. Golden State currently can’t pay them much and they could probably get money somewhere else. But no other team can put them in the position to win a trophy like they can.
They are, reportedly, interested in Miami Heat free agent Willie Reed. Dewayne Dedmon, the San Antonio Spurs’ free agent reserve center, could also be an option, but his price tag might be too steep for Golden State. It’s likely that their first options are to bring back last year’s big men.
Pachulia is a solid fit in Golden State. While he can be frustrating–especially when he’s blowing layups–he’s effective. He can set screens, rebound, and add toughness.
McGee could get more money from another team because he had a strong season. However, no other team has the personnel to utilize him the way Golden State did. So perhaps teams might stay away.
The Warriors shouldn’t sign any other wings or guards. They need big men right now.