Do the Warriors have Enough to Contend?
The Western Conference is good. And when I say “good,” I mean really good. And when I say “really good,” I mean really good and getting better.
Already several Western teams have made big moves to acquire talent that could give them an edge. The Memphis Grizzlies addressed a need on the wing by adding Jeff Green and the Phoenix Suns improved their frontcourt by adding Brandan Wright. The biggest move, however, was the Dallas Mavericks’ acquisition of All-Star point guard Rajon Rondo.
More from Blue Man Hoop
- 3x champion may come to regret forgoing Golden State Warriors reunion
- Golden State Warriors: History shows USA may need Stephen Curry for more than the Olympics
- 7 players Golden State Warriors might replace Klay Thompson with by the trade deadline
- Golden State Warriors villain pours on more pain to end USA’s World Cup
- Golden State Warriors: Stephen Curry continues philanthropic efforts off the court
All of these moves leave us with the question, “what should the Warriors do?”
For much of the season, Steve Kerr has had to experiment at the shooting guard position when Klay Thompson sits down. Inconsistent play from Leandro Barbosa and Brandon Rush left a huge hole at that position. Then, of course, the rumors started swirling; Ray Allen could possibly join the Warriors. At 39 years of age, Allen would just be a spot up shooter (an elite one, might I add). As a two-time champion, he could provide invaluable experience and leadership to a team that has championship aspirations. However, Allen would surely hurt the Warriors defensively especially in the second unit where the Dubs switch on most screens. Secondly, the emergence of Justin Holiday has given Kerr a more reliable internal option at that position. Over the last 9 games, Holiday is averaging nearly 10 points a game while shooting 43% from long range. Holiday’s length and athleticism allow him to fit into the system well. As he continues to get consistent minutes, his play improves thus making a Ray Allen acquisition less necessary.
I think the Warriors really need to address the front court. Last year, the Warriors’ lack of depth at the center position proved to be fatal as Clippers big man DeAndre Jordan proved to be too much in the playoffs. The most obvious and reasonable answer seems to be former Warrior Jermaine O’Neal who, like Allen, has not signed with a team yet in hopes of joining a contender. If O’Neal is looking to win, then it seems like the team with the best record in the NBA is the way to go. With Andrew Bogut and Festus Ezeli constantly missing time, the Warriors could use another rim protector. Foul trouble becomes less of an issue with increased depth thus allowing Bogut and Ezeli to play more physically. O’Neal played well for the Warriors last season and, if used correctly, there’s no reason why he can’t produce again. If O’Neal chooses to sign elsewhere or retire, then Emeka Okafor could be an interesting choice. Though shorter than O’Neal, Okafor could still give the Warriors size and flexibility.
This seems unlikely as reports say that Okafor is in no rush to return to the hardwood and is considering waiting until next season. If the Warriors want to make a deep run, it’s safe to say they’re going to encounter some tough, physical big men and they’ll need all the help they can get.
Chemistry is arguably just as important as talent. Allen, whose old Boston Celtics teammates don’t talk to, would probably not receive as many minutes as he would like. It would be unfair and unreasonable to decrease the minutes of Holiday, Shaun Livingston, or even Andre Iguodala (Holiday would slide to SF in this scenario). In addition to causing some unhappiness, it doesn’t make sense to fix what isn’t broken. Though Okafor is a new face, I don’t imagine he would ruin the chemistry. He’d have a defined role and winning seems to make everything OK. The Warriors already know what they’re getting with O’Neal. He’s hungry for a title and he gets along with everyone on the team. O’Neal, who won over Warriors fans with his tough play, would certainly fit in very well. He was a calming veteran presence last year for the Warriors and he could provide great leadership once again.
As stated earlier, the West is getting tougher with all of these players on the move and more (Deron Williams, Goran Dragic) possibly on the move too. The Warriors should look to improve, of course, but not at the sake of the team they have now. They don’t need to experiment with anyone or trade players away. Everyone on the current roster plays an important role and they’ll need as much help as they can get once the playoffs start. Although a spot up shooter would be welcomed in the second unit, the Warriors’ biggest need is at the center position and Jermaine O’Neal could be that guy.