As the offseason continues, it’ll soon be time to look at who the Golden State Warriors should bring back for next year, and two players that have earned their spot on the roster are Mychal Mulder and Damion Lee.
The difficult part to understand is that the two are relatively similar players. They’re undersized guards that are primarily shooters, although Lee proved to be much more than just a sniper this past season.
The Golden State Warriors need to start looking at who they want back, and Damion Lee and Mychal Mulder should both be on that list.
Due to health and safety protocols, Lee missed the last several games of the season, and with an offense that may have never been for centered around Stephen Curry, not having his playmaking hurt. However, with a partially guaranteed deal still active, he should be back next season.
Lee didn’t average the most points per game of his career, but he did shoot over 45 percent for the first time which, serving as a playmaker on the second unit, is notable. He also neared 40 percent from deep.
The combination of the two make Lee one of the players that Bob Myers needs to find a way to retain. He’s not paramount to the team’s success, but as we saw this season, they are more lethal with him available.
Any player that can shoot almost 40 percent from deep will find a way on a roster, and although he can be a liability at times defensively, Lee is certainly a player they’ll want back for next season. The Dubs were better than their opponent with Lee on the court.
Along those lines, Mychal Mulder, who just completed his second season in the NBA, is also a player the team should look to retain. Mulder was an older rookie last season, playing his collegiate ball at Kentucky.
Mulder was able to shine late in the season as Kelly Oubre Jr. missed time with a fracture in his palm and a torn ligament in his wrist. Bazemore stepped up as the starter and Mulder replaced Lee who was out for several weeks.
Mulder’s scoring was almost cut in his half this season, averaging just 5.6 points per game. However, down the stretch when the Warriors really needed to win games, he stepped up in a big way.
Over the team’s last 13 games, Mulder averaged 12.9 points per game, shooting over 43 percent from deep.
It was an impressive stretch, one that likely earned him a roster spot for next season. He may not have a place in the rotation immediately, but having a threat like that coming off the bench in case any injuries happen, especially with Klay Thompson as the project starter, would be ideal.
Both Lee and Mulder did enough to continue with the Warriors as they look to run it back as true title contenders.