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D’Angelo Russell can be that guy for the Golden State Warriors

By Nathan Beighle

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - OCTOBER 27: D'Angelo Russell #0 of the Golden State Warriors looks on against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 27, 2019 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - OCTOBER 27: D'Angelo Russell #0 of the Golden State Warriors looks on against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 27, 2019 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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With his 52-point effort against the Timberwolves, D’Angelo Russell proved that, at least for now, he’s that guy for the Golden State Warriors.

The Golden State Warriors aren’t quite the team many have pegged them to be. While everyone loves to see them fail, many are disappointed with the way this team has gone from Finals’ contender to potentially selecting first overall in the 2020 NBA Draft.

There have been two silver linings to the season thus far.

The first has been Eric Paschall.

Paschall scored in double figures in seven of the team’s first nine outings. Paschall also set his career-high at a remarkable 34 points against the Trail Blazers in one of the team’s few victories this season.

The second has been the leadership of D’Angelo Russell.

Russell’s played six of the team’s nine games. Through those six, he’s averaging a career-high 24.5 points per game. He’s been able to take over as this team’s leader, and he’s doing a terrific job leading a helpless roster into battle on a nightly basis.

He’s been the go-to scorer down the stretch in the Curry-less games Russell has played in. But, if we’re being honest, how many of these games are going to come down to the last few possessions?

Russell won’t necessarily get garbage time minutes, but he’s going to struggle to compete with some of the other superstars in the West. When the Rockets come to town, Russell won’t be able to hang with Harden and Westbrook’s combined force.

However, especially against Minnesota, a team that wanted to sign Russell this offseason, his improved play will increase his value. The Warriors have made no comment aside from the ones early this offseason that they won’t be trading Russell.

Russell, late in the game, has been averaging 44.4% shooting, higher than his 42.5% average. While he’s not incredibly clutch down the stretch, he has been successful as the team’s go-to option.

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If Russell continues to be the guy that the Dubs go-to down the stretch, he’ll continue to gain value and could eventually be dealt for a package the Warriors would accept.

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