JaVale McGee leading Golden State Warriors in net rating
JaVale McGee has been one of the most productive two-way players for the Golden State Warriors this postseason.
From Shaqtin’ A Fool to reigning NBA champion, Golden State Warriors center JaVale McGee‘s career has been one for the ages.
Previously considered to be a goof on the hardwood, McGee fell onto Golden State’s lap as a training camp invite in 2016. In desperate need of frontcourt depth, the Warriors quickly scooped him up, signing him to a one-year deal.
While it took a while for him to prove his worth, McGee eventually earned a recurring role in the rotation, giving the Warriors a vertical threat inside. He gave the Dubs a different look in the paint, something they didn’t have with Zaza Pachulia, David West, or Draymond Green.
He appeared in 77 regular season games, averaging 6.1 points, 3.2 rebounds and 0.9 blocks on 65.2 percent shooting. His presence proved even more pivotal in the postseason, where he played 16 games on averages of 5.9 points, 3.0 rebounds and 0.9 blocks on 73.2 percent shooting.
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Coming back for another season, McGee continued in his recurring role, only playing when the matchups deemed it necessary. He played 65 games, averaging 4.8 points, 2.6 rebounds and 0.9 blocks on 62.1 percent shooting.
Two games into the postseason, he’s proven even more central to Golden State’s continued success, giving the Warriors a lob threat on the roll and a defensive stopper capable of limiting San Antonio Spurs big man, LaMarcus Aldridge.
Over the course of those two games, McGee has averaged 12.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks in 17.5 minutes. He’s also shooting 71.4 percent from the field and 83.3 percent from the free throw line.
In addition, his +9.5 is Golden State’s best among their centers, and his 36.2 net rating (composed of his 127.8 offensive rating and team-best 91.6 defensive rating) is the second-best mark in the NBA this postseason.
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The coaching staff made a brilliant decision to start McGee in their first round matchup against the San Antonio Spurs. Considering how well he’s done thus far, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him continue on as the team’s starter for the remainder of the playoffs.