3 Reasons Golden State Warriors are severely short-staffed

By Tony Pesta | May 6, 2021

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 01: Stephen Curry #30 checks on James Wiseman #33 of the Golden State Warriors after Wiseman injured himself during the fourth quarter of their game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Chase Center on January 01, 2021 in San Francisco, California. 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 Ezra Shaw/undefined) /

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Golden State Warriors (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images) /

Golden State Warriors NEED Kelly Oubre Jr.

The Golden State Warriors are dealing with more than their fair share of injuries this season, but losing Kelly Oubre Jr. hurts more than anything (other than Klay Thompson, of course).

Oubre has been a hidden driving force behind most of what the Warriors do. His relentless hustle on defense, matched with timely scoring on offense has helped him become a valuable two-way asset.

Since his career-high 40 point night in Dallas, Oubre had been averaging 17.6 points and 6.4 rebounds on nearly 50 percent shooting from the field. He was a necessary contributor that meshed well with Andrew Wiggins on the wing.

With Oubre on the sideline, the Dubs’ scoring problems only increase. As streaky of a shooter as Oubre is, he applied enough pressure on the defense to open the floor up for the rest of the Warriors.

In his absence will be less qualified players who can’t match Oubre’s offensive or defensive production. It goes without saying the Warriors will be left hurting if Oubre doesn’t return this season.

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