2. Alec Burks
A legit and proven bench scoring piece, Bob Myers paid for one year and got something certifiable for the roster. Alec Burks showed during his time in Cleveland he could score in bunches, and his highest average ppg comes in at 14.0 with the Utah Jazz in a year he started 12 games.
A 6foot3 guard, he averaged 8.8 (ppg) on the Cavaliers last season and will look to replicate his production this time out.
According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, he is projected to get about 20 minutes per game, 3rd most behind the #1 bench impact player.
1. Kevon Looney
With a starting cast of Stephen Curry, D’Angelo Russell, Alfonzo McKinnie, Draymond Green and Willie Cauley-Stein, it’s shaping up to look like a solid 7-8 man rotation, with pieces for Steve Kerr to experiment with.
While there are certainly chances Looney could start over Willie Cauley-Stein, Kevon must be the guy that brings the most heat off the bench.
He’s increased his minutes and totals every year, and last season he finally broke out in the playoffs and was a machine, averaging a clutch 7.1 (ppg) and 4.5 rebounds per game.
With offensive rebounds, defensive rebounds, putbacks, dunks and the occasional 12 footer, Looney will look to rival Montrezl Harrell off the bench as a legit low post threat, who also has shot-blocking ability. There’s even a chance he starts shooting three pointers on a regular basis.
Being in the running for sixth man of the year is something that he could be enveloped in early in the season. Overall, look for him to continue to improve, and be the most key Warrior player to come off the bench.