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Filling the Warriors’ biggest void rests on the giant shoulders of James Wiseman

By Keith Watkins

Mar 25, 2021; Sacramento, California, USA; Golden State Warriors center James Wiseman (33) stands on the court before the start of the game against the Sacramento Kings at the Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2021; Sacramento, California, USA; Golden State Warriors center James Wiseman (33) stands on the court before the start of the game against the Sacramento Kings at the Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports /

Warriors’ Buyout Candidates

So, the trade deadline has now passed us by without the Warriors making any further additions to the roster, a decision that can be justified considering the Warriors have the NBA’s second-best record at 41-14.

Yet, after seeing fellow contenders around the league spend the day loading up for a run at the title – most notably in Brooklyn and Philadelphia – Warriors’ fans have every right to feel a little uneasy.

The Bucks snatching up Serge Ibaka, and the Raptors trading for Thaddeus Young takes two buy-out market options off the table for the Warriors. Though Tristan Thompson, who was traded to Indiana this week has also been floated out as a potential buyout candidate for the Dubs.

At 6-foot-9 Thompson possesses the type of size and interior presence the Warriors desperately lack. He’s averaged nine rebounds a game across his career, along with almost a block a game – and further holds a ton of playoff experience that could come in handy in May.

And ultimately Thompson doesn’t necessarily have to be at all prolific. His most important attribute is his size and experience. His value lies in alleviating pressure off Wiseman to impact immediately after such a lengthy lay-off.

If he can stay on the floor to help preserve the bodies of Green and Looney for the playoffs – that’s a win for the Dubs.

For better or worse, as it stands – James Wiseman will be thrown into the fire this season. If he can return and showcase the ability to consistently stay on the court – then it is crisis adverted. Yet, it would still be smart to add a veteran big in the buyout market.

Just to lower the stakes a bit.

The Warriors can’t afford to fall prey to thinking that they’re ‘light-years’ ahead of the competition, as owner Joe Lacob once claimed. By trying to be too clever they will only end up outsmarting themselves.

dark. Next. Top 30 Golden State Warriors players in franchise history

The aim of the game is to win. And with a golden opportunity to do so this season – the aim should be doing everything they can to win now.

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