Golden State Warriors: 3 undervalued MLE targets

By Tony Pesta | Oct 7, 2020

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 14: T.J. McConnell #9 of Indiana Pacers battles with Meyers Leonard #6 of Miami Heat during the second half of a NBA basketball game at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 14, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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. (Photo by Ashley Landis - Pool/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Ashley Landis – Pool/Getty Images) /

1. Meyers Leonard

Although the Golden State Warriors have no problem playing small lineups, it is important they add some height to their rotation in case a situation calls for it. Kevon Looney is their tallest true center at 6’9″ and injury concerns could hold him out of games next year.

This is why Meyers Leonard would be the perfect player to target with the MLE. He is a 7’1″ big man who can spread the floor with his 3-point shooting. Leonard made 53 total 3-pointers last season – more than anyone in the Warriors’ frontcourt.

Leonard isn’t an effective shot-blocker but his size can help him deter opponents in the paint. Where he will really make an impact is rebounding, where he snatched 5.1 boards a game in just over 20 minutes of playing time.

Leonard might not receive an overload of minutes with the Warriors but he could be crucial if the Warriors find themselves needing to defend bigger teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets.

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