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D’Angelo Russell is a star, but not one the Golden State Warriors need

By Tony Pesta

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 20: D'Angelo Russell #1 of the Brooklyn Nets celebrates during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Game Four of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center on April 20, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Matteo Marchi/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 20: D'Angelo Russell #1 of the Brooklyn Nets celebrates during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Game Four of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center on April 20, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Matteo Marchi/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors have managed to snag an All-Star in D’Angelo Russell, but was this move worth it?

In the aftermath of losing their two-time Finals MVP, Kevin Durant, the Golden State Warriors orchestrated a deal with the Brooklyn Nets. While KD heads to Brooklyn, D’Angelo Russell will be on his way to the Warriors.

Taking this trade for its face value, it seems like a win for the Dubs. Rather than losing KD for nothing, they manage to snatch an All-Star player in return. However, with a deeper look into this move, many questions arrive.

For starters, just how good is Russell? Before last season he was on his way towards becoming a bust with the Los Angeles Lakers outright giving up on him. Of course, this might not mean much coming from a franchise that has shown to be incompetent throughout recent years.

Since going to the Nets, Russell has transformed his reputation. Averaging 21.1 points and 7.0 assists per game, Russell earned his first All-Star selection. Still, many hardcore analysts question his productiveness and everyone can see how streaky he is.

But, at 22 years of age, this should be expected from DLo. It takes time to become a true star and Russell is certainly on a good path. Sadly, this doesn’t mean the Warriors are a good fit for him.

Russell needs the ball in his hands to impact the game. He is a solid shot creator and playmaker but has no other skill to influence the outcome of a game. This means if he isn’t running the show, his talent is being wasted.

With Klay Thompson set to miss a majority of next season, Russell would be useful. However, once Klay returns, Russell becomes the odd man out. There is no way to share the ball between Stephen Curry, Thompson and Russell. Sure, the Dubs managed to do it with Durant, but KD is a far more talented player than Russell in nearly every aspect.

Next. 3 Ways Durant leaving impacts the Dubs. dark

Consequently, it should come as no surprise that rumors are already suggesting the Dubs plan to trade Russell at some point. Regardless of how long Russell remains on the team, this move still should go down as a win for the Warriors. They were faced with losing KD for nothing and at least gave themselves a star, even if he isn’t the star they need.

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