NBA analyst and former champion Paul Pierce thinks the Golden State Warriors should trade for Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic.
The Golden State Warriors had 15 wins last season.
It was a brutal showing for a franchise that is could be among the NBA’s best this season. If I had told you at the beginning of the season that Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry would combine for just five games and the season would be cut by 17, you’d understand.
Following that situation, the Warriors have to do what they can to prepare for their next chapter after their down season. With a high-value 2021 first-round pick and the second-overall pick in the coming NBA Draft, the Warriors have the assets it’ll take to bring in a star.
Many insiders believe the Warriors will trade their No. 2 overall pick. But, many differ on who they think would be the best fit. Players like Victor Oladipo, Myles Turner, and many others pop up among hopeful targets.
On ESPN’s “The Jump,” Paul Pierce, a former champion with the Boston Celtics, suggested the Warriors take their No. 2 overall pick and find a package deal that would bring in the Orlando Magic’s All-Star center.
“And a name that comes to mind — (Nikola) Vucevic. I think he could go in there and fit right in among their guards. He gives them a down-low presence (and) can knock down shots,” Pierce said.
Vucevic would make sense given the Warriors inadequacies at center.
Right now, the team has one true center on their roster. Marquese Chriss, who is the projected starter next season and was also on a two-way contract at a point last season, is the lone center with Kevin Looney backing him up.
Currently, with the Magic, Orlando could rebuild their roster around Jonathan Isaac.
The tough part that comes with bringing in Vucevic is, given his contract, they’d have to part ways with Andrew Wiggins. Wiggins and the No. 2 for Vucevic is a bit harder to justify, but it would also make sense for both sides.
Vucevic averaged 19.6 points per game, down from 20.8 the season before. The 6-foot-11 30-year-old center has also brought in double-digit rebounds in six of his nine seasons in the league. It should be noted he’s not an overly dominant defensive center.
He’s a solid option for Golden State. and would make a terrific fit in the Bay Area.