The Golden State Warriors have plenty still left to do following their latest championship. Many of these things include replacing lost pieces from free agency like Gary Payton II, Otto Porter, and Nemanja Bjelinca.
Following a post season where the Warriors only showed one major flaw throughout all four of their series wins and never faced elimination, you’d think the Warriors would be set to try for a second back-to-back stint without making too much effort.
This is unfortunately incorrect as many teams in the western conference have seen huge leaps in roster construction or development. Even the Boston Celtics have made improvements to their roster.
The Warriors seem fairly confident that the loss of Gary Payton II and Otto Porter can be covered up by second-year player Moses Moody, a budding three and d player with plenty of room to grow, and rookie Patrick Baldwin Jr, an all-around threat on both ends only overshadowed by the all-around mystery surrounding his game.
Jonathan Kuminga could also cover up much of that loss on the defensive end as he gains muscle and learns more from players like Draymond Green and Andre Iguodala.
The biggest thing the Golden State Warriors can do to help themselves win another championship is to cover up their glaring weaknesses on the roster.
The biggest point of improvement is the center position. Many fans were upset when the Warriors passed on an opportunity to add a center to the roster at the February trade deadline, although this is due to the fact that former number two overall pick James Wiseman was set to make his return around that time.
Due to the loss of Bjelinca, a major role player in this championship run, the Warriors should look to add more depth at that position. Preferably somebody who can add experience to their younger roster and guide Wiseman.
Dwight Howard is the perfect fit for both of those requisites. As a seven-footer, Howard adds a presence at the rim on defense while also being a lob threat for Stephen Curry or Draymond Green on offense.
He can cover up the issues the Warriors had with rim protection and rebounding as those are his two biggest strengths, even at this stage of his career.
Howard is also a player that many compared James Wiseman to before the 2020 NBA Draft due to his size, athleticism, and potential for defensive prowess. Adding the player he resembles most can only be good for his development.
Howard would also bring championship experience as he led the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals in 2009 being the best player on his team by a wide margin and later winning a championship with the Los Angeles Lakers after a decade full of turmoil.
While he may not be the Dwight Howard that was a constant MVP candidate that he was 15 years ago but he still has plenty to offer this Golden State Warriors roster.
Another idea to consider if they decide to follow this path would be to sign undrafted free agent Kai Sotto to a two-way contract as another prospect to learn from Dwight Howard.
Signing the seasoned big man would be a move that could help the Golden State Warriors win now while also molding James Wiseman into a player that can help them win later on down the road.
This is the perfect movie for the Warriors to make to continue their dynasty.