Golden State Warriors need a defensive-oriented center

Finding a defensive-minded big man to hold down the paint will be a key for the Golden State Warriors heading into next season.

If there’s one thing we have learned from the NBA bubble, it’s that the big man isn’t extinct after all. The Golden State Warriors popularized a trend of small ball that has run rampant across the league but the need for a center is still at the top of every team’s priority list.

The Los Angeles Lakers have dominated the playoffs, storming to the NBA Finals with only three losses on their record. As Anthony Davis awes opponents and Dwight Howard shocks everyone – we can see how vital it is to have a towering center that can rebound and defend at a high level.

Small ball lineups have been crushed all postseason long. The Houston Rockets flamed out in five games versus the Lakers while Nikola Jokic’s skillset brought the LA Clippers to a grinding halt. The NBA has changed, but the need for a big remains the same.

The Warriors have never had an elite center but they have always had a reliable rim protector in their championship runs. Andrew Bogut and JaVale McGee being their most memorable defenders at the center position in recent years.

However, the Dubs’ frontcourt is smaller than usual heading into next season. Kevon Looney is the tallest player on the roster and the only one who plays with real size – but health concerns could make him an inconsistent contributor on the floor.

In order to address this gap in the rotation, the Warriors will have to use some of their tools in the offseason. The No. 2 overall pick in the NBA Draft is helpful. In addition to this, the Dubs have a $17 million dollar trade exception and a $6 million dollar mid-level exception to add extra talent.

It’s unclear who would be available to the franchise but veteran names like Serge Ibaka, Aron Baynes and Marc Gasol should be on their radar. Acquiring one of these players could be the final piece to the puzzle.