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Golden State Warriors need to add defense, not offense

By Tony Pesta

BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 30: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the game against the Boston Celtics on January 30, 2020 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 2020 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 30: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the game against the Boston Celtics on January 30, 2020 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 2020 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors need to be looking to add more defensive talent.

It takes elite play on both ends of the floor to be NBA champions. The Golden State Warriors will need to focus on buffing their defense before returning to title contention.

The Warriors will have no trouble scoring the ball once fully healthy. Stephen Curry is a transcendent scorer and one of the most efficient offensive players in league history. Across the last five seasons, Curry has averaged 26.5 points on 64.8 percent true shooting.

Alongside Curry will be his Splash Brother, Klay Thompson. There may not be a better 3-point shooting duo and there is no doubt these two will continue to terrorize opponents when they return from injury.

Then, the Dubs have a 23-year old star in D’Angelo Russell. He is averaging career-high numbers in back-to-back seasons and will become an interesting wrinkle in the Warriors offense.

However, issues arise when determining how this trio will be able to play together at the same time. These three guards are prolific offensively but would struggle on defense. Both Curry and Russell are below average defensively and Thompson is too short to defend the league’s best forwards.

This doesn’t mean that the Warriors need to trade one of their three guards. Rather, they need to find a way to load up on defense. Finding an elite rim protector could help balance things out defensively for this squad.

More importantly, the Warriors should look to acquire as many versatile forwards as possible. Interchangeable defenders that can be slotted into lineups with Curry, Russell and Thompson will make this dynamic work.

Golden State should look to move players such as Alec Burks and Glenn Robinson III. Both are solid scorers and can produce with the second unit. However, the Warriors are strong enough offensively already. Trading Burks and Robinson could help the Warriors land the defender they are looking for.

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Then, there is always the home run option of trading Russell or the Warriors upcoming 2020 NBA Draft pick to bring a sizeable haul back to the franchise. Sacrificing a bit of star talent for a more well-rounded lineup could do the Warriors justice moving forward.

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