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How D’Angelo Russell actually fits with the Golden State Warriors

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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Despite not looking like a great fit, D’Angelo Russell might be a great addition for the Golden State Warriors.

The Golden State Warriors didn’t spend too much time sulking about the loss of Kevin Durant. Instead, they orchestrated a wonderful deal that landed them the 21-year-old All-Star, D’Angelo Russell. At first, many analysts questioned how Russell would fit with this team. Today, we break down how he actually might be a great acquisition for the Dubs.

Russell is a young, 6’5″ point guard entering his fifth NBA season. He has played for both the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets, having his most successful seasons with the Nets. Last year, Russell put up a career-high 21.1 points and 7.0 assists per game en route to his first All-Star selection.

The criticism’s of Russell are simple. He is a very streaky player and is horrible at getting himself to the free throw line. As a result, if his shot isn’t falling, Russell’s production drops off significantly. Playing on a Warriors team that thrives off of consistency, it’s hard to imagine where Russel belongs with this squad.

However, taking a deeper look at Russell’s game shows us how he might be the perfect player for the Dubs to have traded for. Last season, Russell averaged 1.6 field goals from the mid-range per game. This placed him in the top 20 for mid range scoring, behind names such as Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. As for the Warriors, they ranked first in the league for points in the mid range.

Another reason this was a solid pick up for the Dubs is the fact that Klay Thompson will miss a chunk of the season with his ACL injury. We saw how opposing teams could blitz Stephen Curry when there wasn’t another offensive weapon on the floor for Golden State. Having Russell removes this potential issue.

Last, but not least, Russell gives the Warriors some extra play making and most of all, youth. Russell is one of the youngest stars in the league, opening up the path for him to blossom into a superstar with the Dubs in the future.

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Overall, this might have been a questionable move for the Warriors, but it was one they had to do. There are reasons that this trade could work out for the Dubs, let’s just hope for the best.

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