3 Warriors that could surprisingly be in the playoff rotation

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 04: Gary Payton II #0 of the Golden State Warriors looks on in the first quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at Chase Center on December 04, 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 Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

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Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

Golden State Warriors player in playoff rotation: Nemanja Bjelica

Nemanja Bjelicia played well in Saturday’s win over the Bucks, and while he’s been in and out of the rotation, he brings what neither other big man does — shooting.

While Otto Porter Jr. provides some presence from three-point land, he doesn’t have nearly the size that Bjelicia has. Bjelica is also a better playmaker on the offensive end and can defend guards defensively, a combination ideal for Steve Kerr’s system.

He slows the pace and isn’t the best rebounder for his size, so the weaknesses are there. But, he’s really the only sharp-shooting big man the Warriors have, nailing 33% of his three-point attempts and 45% of his field-goal attempts.

Bjelica’s also versatile, ending with 6 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists against the Bucks. He’s averaging 5.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game this season in just 15.4 minutes of action.

His minutes are low, and he’s not quite as good from deep as Porter Jr. The size he brings matters, and what he can do differently from Kevon Looney and James Wiseman could be important against teams like Phoenix and Utah where floor spacing could be at a premium.

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