Golden State Warriors: Steve Kerr hints at larger role for Jordan Bell

The Golden State Warriors haven’t used Jordan Bell much this season, but that might be quickly changing after another stellar performance.

Deciding to start Damian Jones at center throughout much of the first 20 games, Steve Kerr has recently been impressed by another one of the Golden State Warriors numerous centers.

Jordan Bell, the second-year stud from the University of Oregon, showcased his full arsenal as the Dubs snapped their four-game losing streak last night against the Trail Blazers. Only scoring five points, Bell’s impact, as it normally does, went far beyond the stat sheet.

What we can see in the numbers is that Bell, the second unit’s center, tied for the lead in assists with seven. He matched Durant’s seven in 17 fewer minutes. Five points, seven assists and five rebounds in 21 minutes was Bell’s ending stat line, and that unusual performance impressed head coach Steve Kerr.

Regarding Bell, Kerr said ,”Jordan has earned himself some more minutes for sure.”

Kerr does cite that matchups, tempo and many other factors will contributor to who Kerr decides to give the majority of the center minutes to. He’s opted to start Jones in 18 of the team’s 20 games.

That said, it seems Bell is certainly due for minutes in the near future. His playmaking and vision are two huge reasons why the Dubs would benefit from playing with Bell rather than Jones. As we see with his seven assists, Bell is a catalyst for offensive success.

He doesn’t pose the offensive rebounding skill set that Jones may have or the length that Kevon Looney possess, but with Draymond Green out, Bell’s a great alternative for Green’s glueman role. That’s why, in his absence, Bell will be the go-to center for the time being.

On the season, Bell’s averaging 2.5 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game in just 11.6 minutes per game. Playing in 19 of the team’s 20 games, Bell has yet to really impress this season until now.

Moving forward, Bell should be due for more minutes, but as Kerr stated, it’ll be matchup based. It’ll also be interesting to see if Green’s return eats into the minutes alotted to Bell.