Comparing Golden State Warriors’ Roster to Los Angeles Clippers’ Roster
By Mike Dill
Center
Warriors: Andrew Bogut, Jermaine O’Neal, Festus Ezeli
Clippers: DeAndre Jordan, Ryan Hollins
January 2, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) looks on during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Clippers 115-94. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
The center position is pretty evenly matched. Andrew Bogut has had to deal with injuries, but, when healthy, he is one of the best centers in the league. DeAndre Jordan has plenty of upside, but his athleticism still carries him at this point.
If Bogut can play as well as he did before his injuries, he is definitely the better center. He is a phenomenal defender and has a few good post moves to rely on. Other than Curry, Bogut is the main reason the Warriors had success in the playoffs last year. His defense and rebounding were a godsend.
Jordan has an insanely high shooting percentage (64 percent for his career) mainly because he rarely does anything other than dunk. He is a great shot blocker and can play solid defense, but his game isn’t very developed.
Behind Bogut is O’Neal, who was once one of the best centers in the league. O’Neal is 34, so not much is expected from him. Still, if he is able to provide 10-15 minutes each night, the Warriors will be looking great at center.
Ryan Hollins gives the Clippers some much needed depth at the center position. He isn’t going to do much of anything for them, but he is a big body that can clog the paint.
Edge: Warriors