Golden State Warriors: Paul Millsap could be the new-gen David West

There aren’t many options left on the free agency market that would truly move the needle for a team on the fringe of title contention. The Golden State Warriors are one of the few teams that could be one or two pieces away from truly contending.

With the mid-level exception still an option for the franchise, the Warriors should look to 36-year-old Paul Millsap as the player that could come in and give them that much-needed scoring option on the second unit.

The Golden State Warriors have a couple more roster spots they need to fill with one ideal addition being Denver Nuggets forward Paul Millsap.

It’s likely that Millsap would sign for the veteran’s minimum as the market has seemingly disappointed the experienced veteran that’s coming off a massive contract with Denver. The four-time All-Star has career earnings that nears $200 million.

Millsap still has a few seasons left in the tank, and the Warriors should be a team that looks to sign him. The most meaningful reason to consider Millsap is that he could help bridge the gap while two-time MVP Stephen Curry takes a breather.

Millsap averaged over ten points per game for more than a decade and only lost his streak due to declining minutes. His three-point shooting during the 2019-2020 season was also over 40 percent, so he can stretch the floor as well.

ESPN’s Kevin Pelton likened a potential Millsap addition to that of David West, who played a key role for the Warriors’ title runs.

"“Millsap. I’m surprised there apparently wasn’t a market for Millsap at more than the veterans minimum this summer. While his minutes and 3-point percentage fell last season, Millsap remained an above-average contributor at age 36. I’d compare him to David West at the same age, when West signed with the Golden State Warriors and helped them to back-to-back championships,” Pelton wrote."

As many may have forgotten, West was a pivotal role player for the Warriors. A two-time All-Star, he averaged over 20 points per game twice in his career.

Joining the Warriors at 36, West wasn’t the same caliber player, but he did average over five points and three rebounds per game through his two seasons, both of which Golden State won the NBA Championship.

West wasn’t an All-Star during his time with Golden State, but he was good enough to help elevate their second unit.

That’s exactly what they need from Millsap. It might not be the difference in a championship run, but adding the veteran would certainly make life easier for the team’s stars.