4. Signed Dario Saric
Signed Dario Saric to 1-year minimum contract
The Warriors were at their best two seasons ago with Otto Porter Jr. in the lineup, a solid defender at the four who could space the floor. Last season, JaMychal Green was not able to replicate Porter’s impact (neither was Porter, who spent most of the season injured in Toronto) but the Warriors hope Dario Saric can.
Saric is a solid switch defender and a good shooter, and he also has established chemistry with Chris Paul from their time together on the Phoenix Suns, going to the NBA Finals together. Saric can be the backup five and play on bench units with Jonathan Kuminga and Paul. He isn’t going to start any Death Lineups, but he’s an excellent value on the minimum.
Grade: B+
5. Signed Cory Joseph
Signed Cory Joseph to 1-year minimum contract
Losing Jordan Poole, Ryan Rollins, Ty Jerome and Donte DiVincenzo this offseason left a ball-handling need that was only partially filled by Chris Paul. While first-round pick Brandin Podziemski develops, Golden State identified a need for a third point-guard to fill in when Paul and Stephen Curry are out or injured.
Enter Cory Joseph, a 12-year NBA veteran who went to the NBA Finals (and won a title) with the San Antonio Spurs before traveling around the league as the quintessential backup point-guard. He always has an excellent assist-to-turnover ratio, shot 39.7 percent from 3-point range in three seasons with the Detroit Pistons, and can hold down the fort for the Warriors when called upon. He’s not flashy, but that’s not what they were looking for.
Grade: B