Warriors will have a crowded backcourt with little room for mistake next season
The Golden State Warriors backcourt, especially their two-guard spot, will have crowded next season. There will be little margin for error.
Although the Golden State Warriors have said snagging a backup point guard will be a priority this offseason, the team, even without any additions, will have a deep backcourt led by the best two shooters in the league.
The Warriors will have five players that are capable of performing at a high level all in their backcourt, two of which were rookies a season ago and may get continue to get opportunities to prove themselves.
The problem now is going to be the battle for backup shooting guard minutes. That’s where there will really be no room for error. It will be Damion Lee vs. Jordan Poole, two players the Warriors both believe in and will want to get on the court.
Lee is a bit older and struggles defensively, but he’s much more consistent offensively than Poole. Poole was terrific to end his rookie season, but he may struggle to consistently keep that going into his sophomore season.
Poole averaged 8.8 points per game yet scored in double figures in 12 of his last 13 games. As for Lee, he notched 12.7 points per game and shot 36% from downtown. They are both good options with Poole having a higher ceiling but Lee likely the better player.
The other unforeseeable battle will be between Ky Bowman and whoever else the Warriors bring in. They allowed Bowman to start a few games last season after D’Angelo Russell was traded or when the former All-Star was just out with an injury.
They believe in Bowman, who they initially scooped up on a two-way contract. Both Bowman and Lee thrived with the depleted Warriors, earning themselves a full-time roster spot. After getting all the minutes they could handle, the duo will have to work for their minutes in 2021.
Both guard positions will be loaded, especially if the Warriors add a veteran point guard to the mix.