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Golden State Warriors: Addressing lack of center depth

By Tony Pesta

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - OCTOBER 10: Marquese Chriss #32 of the Golden State Warriors smiles before a pre-season game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 10, 2019 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - OCTOBER 10: Marquese Chriss #32 of the Golden State Warriors smiles before a pre-season game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 10, 2019 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors are lacking depth at the center position.

As the years have gone by, the Golden State Warriors roster has been thinning. An all-around team effort was slowly replaced with massive star talent. This led to a dominant starting lineup but a declining second unit.

When Kevin Durant‘s Achilles blew out, the Warriors experiment of stacking talent came to an explosive end. Soon, Durant, DeMarcus Cousins, Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston would all make their departures.

This added on to the list of valuable players the Warriors have lost over the years. Whether it be through old age or free agency, the Dubs have lost a number of bench guys. Names such as Leandro Barbosa, JaVale McGee, David Lee and Andrew Bogut all left the Dubs within the last five seasons.

As a result, the Warriors are lacking depth more than ever. The center position has always been their weak link, but, it may finally cause their downfall this season. Currently, the Warriors have three players truly capable of playing the center position.

Kevon Looney, Willie Cauley-Stein and Marquese Chriss will be in charge of holding down the five this year. Of course, we will likely see Draymond Green receive a fair share of minutes in small-ball lineups.

The Warriors will be relying heavily on these three players to do their job. One of these guys will need to step up as a shot-blocker and rim runner for the Dubs. This will be pivotal in determining if the Dubs can compete at the highest level or not.

Looney is the most experienced player of the bunch. Entering his fifth season, Looney has already played in some big moments for the Dubs in their most recent playoff runs.

Next, Cauley-Stein has the most potential. An athletic big with a giant wingspan, WCS can have a major impact on both ends of the floor. Though he hasn’t averaged more than 1 block per game since his rookie season, he has the physical tools needed to be a great shot blocker.

Both of these guys have shown raw ability to defend the paint and finish around the rim. With proper development, they can be successful.

Meanwhile, Chriss is playing for his NBA career. The young prospect has bounced around from team to team as he fails to make a lasting impact on any roster. It’s possible that his playing days will come to an end if he can’t succeed with the Dubs.

Next. Warriors need to acclimate D-Lo. dark

Overall, the Warrior’s big men have potential. However, a major lack of experience plagues the rotation. It’s going to be a wild card season for the center position in Golden State.

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