Golden State Warriors: Omari Spellman could be the key to a solid second unit
The Golden State Warriors added many players this offseason but none more important to the team’s second unit than Omari Spellman.
There’s no denying that the Golden State Warriors second unit will again be one of the league’s worst. They don’t many notable players outside of center Kevon Looney and the incoming rookie class.
With a few others veterans like Alec Burks and Glenn Robinson III, it’ll be Omari Spellman that has the power to take this unit to at least a capable level. Assuming he can keep his weight at a level the trainers are pleased with, Spellman should be the power forward behind Draymond Green.
However, with Eric Paschall showing promise while in college, Spellman may be on a short leash, so he’ll have to produce at the season’s commencement. That said, the former first-round pick can provide scoring and spacing to the second unit.
Not quite getting a fair shot at success while in Atlanta, Spellman was quickly dealt to Golden State for Damian Jones, a deal which seemed successful for both parties. With Willie Cauley-Stein and Kevon Looney at center, Golden State craved a competent stretch four.
Yes, Green can play that role, but Green’s abysmal three-point shooting may’ve been the reason for Spellman’s addition. Shooting 34.4% from three and making 2.0 per 36 minutes, one key trait Spellman brings is his shooting.
At 6-foot-9, 245 pounds, Spellman could likely end up being the bench’s main scoring option. He averaged just 5.9 per game last season yet that more than doubled to 12.2 per 36 minutes. If given 20 minutes per night, Spellman’s 8-10 points could be pivotal during many outings.
Overall, Spellman must be effective this upcoming season. He shot just 40.2% his rookie season. As a big man that shoots over 56% of his shots within three feet of the rim, he must be better before he becomes a major factor for Golden State.
The opportunity is there.
With Robinson III, Looney, Poole/Burks and a few others options for Kerr, the leader of this second unit is up for grabs, and as Spellman enters his second year, creating a name on that unit should be his ultimate goal for the season.