The Warriors have been unable to hold their players to their usual high standard.
Through the first handful of games this season, the Warriors have failed to hold their young players accountable in a way that they did last season.
Last year if any player made mental, low IQ mistakes on either end of the ball, they’d struggle to see the floor again in that game, and even the following game as well.They’ve only held Kuminga to that standard this season.
Wiseman continues to place lazy screens and gets visibly frustrated when he doesn’t get the ball, also sitting too low in drop coverage or over helping on defense. Yet, he’s been able to play through this in most instances.
These were an automatic trip to the bench last season, even for some of the Warriors more experienced players. It’s really down to the lack of a third string center who could significantly challenge Wiseman for rotation minutes.
Last season, these blunders came mostly from Kuminga, a player who had three or four other teammates who could also play his position. That’s not something Wiseman can relate to as he joins Kevon Looney as the only two true centers on the roster.
It makes the idea of signing a center an attractive one, particularly given the Warriors have a vacant roster spot. The remaining free agency pool isn’t ideal, but there are some intriguing options.
A couple of former Warriors have given quality minutes to playoff teams as recently as last season, and also know and understand Steve Kerr’s system. Those guys are former All-Star DeMarcus Cousins, along with Marquese Chriss, both of which can space the floor, play in the paint, and can provide a big body defensively in a limited bench role.
There’s also other options like Dwight Howard or Hassan Whiteside still available – neither provide a floor spacing threat, but they could provide defensive stability off the bench. All of these players could be great for the Warriors in 10-15 minutes off the bench, or could simply be used as leverage to keep Wiseman focused and playing hard.