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Golden State Warriors: 3 Most impressive preseason players

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 15: Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after scoring and getting fouled on the play against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half of their game at Chase Center on October 15, 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 15: Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after scoring and getting fouled on the play against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half of their game at Chase Center on October 15, 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Golden State Warriors Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Golden State Warriors Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Nemanja Bjelica

There were genuine question marks around what kind of impact the Serbian would have when signed by the Warriors back in free agency. He struggled for opportunities once traded to the Miami Heat last season, averaging just 6.5 points across the entire season and a lowly 31.8% from three-point range.

The early signs at the Warriors, for what they’re worth, are very good. As a stretch big in the second unit, and even in the first unit at times next to Draymond Green, Bjelica seems to be thriving in the Warriors system. He’s made full use of the extra spacing, averaging 9.6 points on 44.4% from downtown.

But perhaps even more impressively, the 33-year-old has shown a surprising ability to be a playmaker and find passes from different areas of the floor. He certainly showed he’s not just a three-point shooter, often putting the ball on the floor on a closeout, before going himself to the rim or finding the open shooter.

A signature of the Warriors system, often displayed by Draymond Green and the likes of Andrew Bogut in the past, Bjelica showed an innate ability to identify and execute passes to cutters and open shooters from the mid-post area.

The entire display saw him average three assists and just 0.4 turnovers per game which, combined with the shooting, gives the Warriors a new dimension they’ve never really had in previous seasons.

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