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The Golden State Warriors’ bench sets them apart

By Connor Green

Feb 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (9) pats guard Shaun Livingston (34) on the head after a three point basket in the second half of the game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center. The Warriors won 115-112. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (9) pats guard Shaun Livingston (34) on the head after a three point basket in the second half of the game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center. The Warriors won 115-112. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Although the Golden State Warriors have an incredible starting five, it is their bench that sets them apart from other alleged “super teams”.

The Golden State Warriors have seen some significant changes this off season highlighted by the acquisition of Kevin Durant, but despite the change the team has been able to maintain a good core of bench players.

Some of these players will be familiar faces for Warriors fans like Shaun Livingston and Andre Iguodala, however the Warriors were also able to pick up veteran forward David West to help boost their bench.

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During the Warriors record-breaking season last year, one of their greatest strengths was their depth and DubNation should expect more of the same in this upcoming season as well. Although the Warriors offseason will be remembered for the pick up of NBA star Kevin Duran (and rightly so) the Warriors ability to maintain a healthy set of backups should be considered equally impressive.

One of the most underrated acquisitions of the Warriors this off season was the pickup of David West.

The Warriors signed West to a one year deal for the veterans minimum salary ($980,431), this pickup was not only cost efficient, but it allows the Warriors to have a good veteran backup on the bench. West is 35 years old and averaged 7.1 points per game and 4 rebounds per game last season for the San Antonio Spurs. West also has a lot of valuable experience in both the regular and post season that could help the Warriors reclaim the NBA Championship.

The Warriors were also able to resign both Anderson Varejao and James Michael McAdoo, who were good bench players for them last season.

Most importantly, they also maintained arguably their two best bench players in Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston. The Warriors accepted Livingston’s team option for a little over $5.5 million next season. Livingston is a veteran guard who averaged 6.3 points per game and shot an incredible .536 from the field last year. He was also a big factor in the playoffs that was highlighted in Game 1 in the NBA Finals where he scored a team leading 20 points in the Warriors victory over the Cavs.

Andre Iguodala will be making over eleven million dollars next season, but proved his worth last year with his impressive play. Iguodala averaged 7 points per game, 3.4 assists per game, and 4 rebounds per game, this, added to his good defensive play showed his tremendous worth to the Warriors last year.

Next: 5 threats to Dubs in West

Many of the Warriors other bench players are both very young and very inexpensive like first round pick Damian Jones and last year’s first round pick Kevon Looney. The Warriors also have Patrick McCaw, rookie out of UNLV, who played well in the Summer League and might have earned some playing time for Golden State next year. Ian Clark is also a young guard on the bench and these players may see increased roles next year for the Warriors.

Although the Warriors lost some key bench players like Festus Ezeli and Leandro Barbosa, the bench still looks promising and productive. That, along with a great cast of starters, is what sets the Warriors apart from other alleged “super teams” like the New York Knicks.

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