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Golden State Warriors: The Warriors should add a defensive player at deadline

By Tony Pesta

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 05: Kevin Durant #5 of the Golden State Warrriors dribbles the ball against the Indiana Pacers during the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 5, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 05: Kevin Durant #5 of the Golden State Warrriors dribbles the ball against the Indiana Pacers during the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 5, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors likely won’t make any moves at the trade deadline. If they do, the team should look to add a defensive-minded bench player.

The NBA trade deadline will be here very soon. The Golden State Warriors don’t need to make any drastic moves, but they could make a few subtle adjustments before it’s too late. The Dubs best course of action would be to look for a solid defender to come off of their bench.

Defense is something that the Warriors have always prided themselves on. While their offense has always been elite, many would argue that defense has been the key to their success. Led by the likes of former Defensive Player of the Year, Draymond Green, Golden State has consistently been a top tier defensive team.

However, the team has seen a recent dip in their defensive capabilities. Despite Klay Thompson being a great perimeter defender as well as Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry emerging as above averaged defenders, the team has declined in defensive rating.

In the 2015-16 season, the Warriors posted a very strong defensive rating of102.8. The following year they remained roughly the same at 103.4. Meanwhile, this season the Warriors are currently posting a rating of 108.4, which is their worst mark since the 2010-11 season.

Clearly, the team has taken a hit defensively. Some of this can be attributed to the increase of pace in the NBA. Teams are playing faster than ever and as a result, the defensive ratings for most teams have worsened.

One area that the Warriors could improve their defense immensely is the bench. The second unit does not have any player outside of Andre Iguodala that is capable of playing at a high level on that end of the floor.

Players such as Jonas Jerebko, Quinn Cook and Alfonzo McKinnie simply won’t get it done for the Warriors. Because of this, I think the Dubs should look to trade for a role player who is known for his defense.

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