Warriors may look to add center following recent James Wiseman setback

The Golden State Warriors did not add another center prior to the trade deadline, and the buyout market isn’t quite an ideal place to pick up talent this season either. Their options are certainly limited moving forward.

However, the need may force their hands as second-year center James Wiseman, in leading up to his imminent return, had swelling in his knee. Wiseman had a season-ending meniscus tear last year which has extended his absence for the entire season thus far.

Golden State Warriors center James Wiseman will face another setback, and the Dubs may have no answer in the frontcourt aside from Kevon Looney.

How long Wiseman will be out with the swelling doesn’t seem to be known. It could be days, weeks or seemingly even months. What we do know is the Warriors are going to struggle without more size in their frontcourt when the playoffs commence.

Even with starting center Kevon Looney active, the Warriors are going to be facing a team like Utah which has several 7-foot centers. The Lakers and Nuggets may even give the Warriors some issues in the paint.

Forward Draymond Green plays far larger than his 6-foot-6 frame indicates, but when it comes to rebounds on the defensive glass, it’ll be difficult for Golden State’s undersized frontcourt to keep pace.

Even its bench with Otto Porter Jr. and Nemanja Bjelica doesn’t provide much additional size. That’s why, per Kerith Burke, the management staff could be looking into bringing a player to aid the team’s lacking size.

The Warriors haven’t necessarily had it impact their style of play yet, still sitting 8th in the league in defensive rebounding rate. It’s certainly a concern every team is aware of, and it could make the Dubs vulnerable when taking on Deandre Ayton or Rudy Gobert in the playoffs.

As mentioned, there aren’t many options, and the Dubs aren’t bringing back Andrew Bogut for yet another return. They missed out on DeAndre Jordan as well.

It’s not a must-solve problem, but the depth would give Golden State some breathing room, especially if Wiseman can’t return at all this season. Even if he can make a comeback, he would need a few weeks to get back into shape and into the flow of the league.

There may not be any imminent change, but with the postseason starting next month, Kerr and Myers will need to do decide sooner rather than later if it’s a problem worth fixing.