The Warriors lost JaVale McGee this offseason as he signed with the Lakers in free agency. How will they replace his energetic minutes at center?
JaVale McGee was nearly out of the league when the Warriors picked him up before the 2016-17 season.
McGee revived his career in Golden State as he filled an important role as a rim runner and shot blocker. And he brought an enormous amount of energy to the team every time he stepped on the floor.
JaVale averaged 5.5 points, 0.9 blocks, and 2.9 rebounds in 9.5 minutes per game during his Warriors career.
Golden State will need to replace McGee’s production after losing him to the Lakers.
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The Warriors’ newest center will be DeMarcus Cousins, but he might not be ready to return from an Achilles injury until after the All-Star break.
Fortunately, Golden State was able to re-sign Kevon Looney on a one-year deal, and they’re hoping to get an improved contribution from Jordan Bell in his second NBA season.
New free agent acquisition Jonas Jerebko could also play some center in smaller lineups, which would give the Warriors shooting at all five positions when he is on the floor.
And last but not least, Steve Kerr could always break out his Super Death Lineup with Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Andre Iguodala, Kevin Durant, and Draymond Green on the floor.
Damian Jones is probably the closest facsimile to JaVale McGee on Golden State’s current roster. While he’s showed a few flashes, Jones has been pretty disappointing over his first two seasons in the league.
The Warriors have a decent amount of options in replacing McGee, which made him an expendable piece this offseason.
Check out our grades of the Warriors’ other offseason moves: