Golden State Warriors: Brad Wanamaker can be key backup

The Golden State Warriors won their last preseason game against the Sacramento Kings 113-105. As they finished 2-1 in preseason play, Golden State will now prepare for their season opener against Brooklyn.

The Golden State Warriors have dealt with their fair share of difficulties this off-season, but not many feel bad for them. Especially when you consider where they were at just two years ago, dominating the league for a solid five years. It’s safe to say that the Warriors were a dynasty that unfortunately had to end due to injuries.

While one of those players is injured again in Klay Thompson, a two time MVP in Stephen Curry is back and looking in full form.

Because the Warriors were so bad last year, with the worst record in the NBA. They were able to get the second pick in the draft, where they picked Memphis big man James Wiseman.

Even though Wiseman has yet to play in the preseason due to COVID-19 reasons, the team is confident that he will be ready come Tuesday along with Draymond Green.

Klay Thompson is one of the best shooters this league has ever seen and can defend anyone on the wing. With him gone, Golden State needed to find a substitute as soon as possible. So, they went out and got Kelly Oubre from Oklahoma City.

The Warriors have played all three preseason games so far, with one against the Nuggets and two against the Kings. In those three games, Warriors fans have seen enough to believe that there is a hopeful playoff run in the 2021 season.

Against the Denver Nuggets, head coach Steve Kerr played his starters for no more than 20 minutes it felt like. With that, he allowed the bench players to lead the team to a two-point win.

In their first matchup against Sacramento, Kerr gave the starters a little more leeway with their playing time. However, Kyle Guy did not care about that and hit a buzzer-beater three for the win.

In the last game of the Warriors preseason, the starters came out and played. While Steph Curry did not start hot, he came out of the half on fire. Curry, Wiggins, and Oubre all finished with at least 20 points and helped Golden State beat Sacramento 113-105.

Now, the Warriors are looking forward to their season opener with the Brooklyn Nets. Before that game, coach Kerr has some serious decisions to make. One of those being, who will be the backup to Stephen Curry.

Brad Wanamaker’s preseason

Brad Wanamaker may be the new backup point guard with Ky Bowman now gone. Wanamaker signed a deal with the Warriors this off-season after the Boston Celtics elected not to bring him back.

The 30-year-old third-year player has played well this preseason in all three games. In those games, Wanamaker showed his ability to rebound and played scrappily. He pulled down a total of 14 rebounds in three games and averaged a block and steal as well. That type of play is something that will be valuable off of the bench.

Due to the current roster, Brad Wanamaker has the backup point guard spot on lock. The only other point guard would be second-round rookie Nico Mannion.

Wanamaker showed he could be a key player off of the bench during his time with Boston. He can operate an offense and bring an energy that every team loves to have in their second unit.

It is safe to say that Wanamaker can be a good backup point guard, but can he be great? I think the answer is no, and not in the wrong way. He has never been a fantastic player, hinting that he has been overseas nearly his whole career. However, he can be a good backup who can play with a young bench unit as the Warriors have. He adds some interest to the team and should be plenty of fun to watch this season.