Golden State Warriors: Pass or pursue 7 offseason targets
By Tony Pesta
Golden State Warriors should consider Nicolas Batum
The LA Clippers have enjoyed the steady presence of Nicolas Batum this season. Could he be joining the Golden State Warriors next?
Reasons to pursue
Batum averaged under 10 points per game this season but he shot a hyper-efficient 46 percent from the floor and 40 percent from the 3-point line. He can space the floor at a high rate and put the ball on the deck to create his own shot. There aren’t many vets in the league who offer a more consistent catch-and-shoot production.
He’s also a quality playmaker. Batum averages close to 4 assists for his career and had a great understanding of how to play in a motion offense. This makes him an ideal fit for the Warriors. In many ways, Batum can be a glue guy on the bench and possibly a closer in death lineups.
Reasons to pass
Once again, defense could be an issue. Batum never had much lateral quickness, to begin with, but that has only decreased as he’s grown older. Though he’s a high-IQ player, his lack of athleticism puts a restriction on how effective he can be on this end of the floor.
Regardless, Batum signed with LA for under $3 million last year and shouldn’t be expecting to earn much more this summer, either. If the Warriors can add Batum they should absolutely do it.